The Offer
Direct link to offer (doesn’t seem to be currently showing, I imagine it will show up soon)
- You can currently receive a 40% transfer bonus when you transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Avios. Normally you can transfer 250 MR points and receive 250 Avios, during this promotion you’ll receive 350 Avios instead (1:1.4)
The Fine Print
- Transfer bonus valid until September 17th, 2017
- Allow up to 48 hours for the transfer to be made (although these are usually done immediately)
Our Verdict
American Express just restored the regular transfer rate to 1:1 (from 1:0.8) and now a 40% transfer bonus, nice. Although a bit annoying as some people would have transferred when they originally restored the transfer rate. They have offered these previous bonuses before:
- August 10th – October 10th, 2016: 50%
- December 15th, 2014 – January 31st, 2015: 40%
- October 1st, 2015: Transfer rate decreased from 1:1 to 250:200
- October 15th – December 31st, 2013: 20%
- April 22nd, 2013 – June 7th, 2013: 35%
- December 3, 2012 – January 14, 2013: 30%
- August 28th, 2012 – September 27th, 2012: 40%
- March 15, 2012 – May 31, 2012: 50%
- March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012: 50%
- November 28, 2011 – January 31, 2012: 30%
- June 1, 2011 – July 31, 2011: 50%
- February 2, 2011 – March 31, 2011: 40%
- November 2, 2010 – December 31, 2010: 30%
- April 1 – June 30, 2010: 20% (only for Platinum & Centurion cardholders)
Seems like we get these about once a year so if you’re interested now is the time to transfer even though it’s not as high as the 50% they have previously offered. You can view a full list of all the transfer bonuses they have offered by clicking here.
For some reason I’m seeing HI-SFO at 20k avios. I thought it’s supposed to be 12.5k avios. I’ve never used avios before
Is it a direct flight? If you’re having to position from somewhere else on the west coast then 20,000 would make sense (minimum 7,500 to position + 12,500 to Hawaii). For example. IF I live in Sonoma I’ll need to book 7,500 to fly STS – LAX, and then 12,500 LAX-HNL, KOA, etc.
Ah. it has to be direct flight. Well, no direct flight from KOA-SFO that can be booked with avios.
Try KOA-OAK
Also try KOA to SJC. That’s what we did in Feb with Avios. If you can’t find anything, try ITO, the airport on the other side of the island.
The problem with using BA miles on AA flights is finding AA saver awards. They’re nearly non-existent.
You just have to be flexible and keep looking. It is a pain, but I just booked 13 seats to Maui in November for my family, all with Avios flying on AA. I had been searching for awhile, and those seats were not available the previous week. Seats pop up and disappear quickly.
I just made the transfer and then came across this post. Are they making avios worth next to nothing with these upcoming changes. Please warn readers to carefully decide if they really need to transfer. All these Amex transfer ratio changes and bonuses point me to something ominous.
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2016/11/04/british-airways-avios-changes-coming-2017-cuts-coming-ba-product-become-like-norwegian/
I have miles that would expire in April if there is no activity in my Avios account. Would an MR transfer extemd the life of those miles?
Yes Justin. And it was instantaneous. Just did so over the weekend for both me & my wife. Missed out on this 40% bonus however, and my wife’s transfer required a minimum of 1,000 MR pts for some reason (mine was 250).
Yes it will.
As does making a small purchase from Walmart.com for in-store pickup from BA shopping portal (I got some coffee K-cups). Takes about 2 months to post miles, so plan ahead.
Yes, it is instantaneous… and BA expiration rules are quite generous – any activity (collect/spend/use) and you are good for another 36 months!
Here is the link:
https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/executive-club/collecting-avios/avios-expiry-rules
although August 10th – October 10th, 2016: 50%
but really 100:120 or 20% so now 100:140 40% is pretty good relatively.
these were true 50% prior to transfer rate decrease in 2015
March 15, 2012 – May 31, 2012: 50%
March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012: 50%
November 28, 2011 – January 31, 2012: 30%
June 1, 2011 – July 31, 2011: 50%
this is actually very important. BA is very useful for those who need it. its as simple as that. and 40% is the best it has been for over half a decade. thats a huge plus.
Short and mid range distances are palatable with 40% xfer bonus. West coast to Hawaii and easr coast to Carribean are good value, and also are handy in places like Australia/Africa.
West coast to Hawaii at 12k plus 20k from Hawaii to Japan is very good for some people who want to go Hawaii then Asia, just good luck finding availability in the next five months.