Are transfer bonuses worth it?

Transfer bonuses can provide excellent value, especially for larger transfers. A 25% bonus means you need 20% fewer points to reach your goal. However, only transfer when you have a specific redemption planned, as points transfers are irreversible and transferred points may have expiration dates.

How often do transfer bonuses happen?

Major programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards typically offer 2-4 transfer bonuses per quarter to different partners. These usually last 1-3 months and range from 15% to 50% bonus. American Express tends to offer the most frequent bonuses.

Can I combine multiple bonuses?

Sometimes yes. For example, Chase cardholders might get a base 20% transfer bonus, while Aeroplan credit card holders get an additional 10% bonus, effectively stacking to 30%. However, most bonuses cannot be combined — check the specific terms of each promotion.

What's the difference between transfer ratios and bonuses?

Transfer ratios are the permanent exchange rates between programs (like 1:1 for Chase to United, or 1:2 for Amex to Hilton). Transfer bonuses are temporary promotional rates that give you extra points on top of the normal ratio, like 25% more points for a limited time.

Do I need to transfer immediately during a bonus period?

Yes, you must complete the transfer during the promotional period to receive the bonus points. Bonuses typically apply instantly when you transfer, and there's usually no way to retroactively apply a bonus to transfers made before or after the promotional window.

Points Transfer Calculator

Calculate exactly how many points you need to transfer before bonuses kick in.

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How Points Transfer Calculator Works

Points transfer calculators help you work backwards from your target to determine how many points you need to transfer from your credit card to a loyalty program. When credit card companies like Chase, Amex, or Citi offer transfer bonuses — say 25% extra points — you can transfer fewer points to reach your goal.

The calculator factors in transfer ratios (usually 1:1 but sometimes different like 1:1.25) and any bonus percentage being offered. For example, if you want 10,000 airline miles and there's a 10% transfer bonus with a 1:2 ratio, you'd only need to transfer about 4,545 credit card points instead of the usual 5,000.

This is especially valuable during limited-time transfer promotions, which can offer 10% to 50% bonus points. These bonuses are common with programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles, and they typically last for 1-3 months before expiring.

Points Transfer Calculator Formula Breakdown

Formula

Points to Transfer = Desired Points ÷ ((Transfer Ratio × (1 + Transfer Bonus ÷ 100))

Variables Explained

Desired Points in Target ProgramThe exact number of points or miles you need in the destination loyalty program (like United MileagePlus or Hilton Honors). This is typically what you need for a specific award booking or to reach a redemption threshold.
Transfer Ratio (From)The first number in the transfer ratio, representing how many credit card points you're transferring. Most transfers are 1:1, but some programs like Amex to JetBlue transfer at different ratios like 5:4.
Transfer Ratio (To)The second number in the transfer ratio, showing how many loyalty program points you receive. For a 1:2 ratio, you'd get 2 hotel points for every 1 credit card point transferred.
Transfer BonusThe percentage bonus offered during promotional periods. Common bonuses range from 15% to 50%, though some limited-time offers can be higher. This is typically displayed as a slider or percentage field in transfer calculators.

Example Calculation

Given:

Desired Points in Target Program: 10,000 points
Transfer Ratio (From): 1
Transfer Ratio (To): 2
Transfer Bonus: 10%

Calculation:

Step 1: Calculate base transfer ratio = 2 ÷ 1 = 2.0
Step 2: Apply transfer bonus = 1 + (10% ÷ 100) = 1.10
Step 3: Calculate effective ratio = 2.0 × 1.10 = 2.2
Step 4: Points needed = 10,000 ÷ 2.2 = 4,545 points

Result:

4,545 points to transfer

Explanation

In this scenario, you want 10,000 points in a hotel program that normally transfers at 1:2 (meaning 1 credit card point gets you 2 hotel points). With a 10% transfer bonus, you only need to transfer 4,545 credit card points instead of the usual 5,000, saving you 455 points.

Tips for Using Points Transfer Calculator

💡Only transfer points when you have confirmed award availability, as transfers are irreversible and some loyalty programs have expiration policies.
💡Monitor transfer bonus announcements from major programs — sign up for newsletters from Chase, Amex, and other issuers to catch limited-time offers.
💡Use award search tools to find availability before transferring, and consider setting up award alerts if you're flexible on dates.

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