The Amex Membership Rewards program is highly valued for its extensive network of redemption partners, offering travelers far more flexibility than just Qantas or Virgin. Given the high volume of Qantas and Virgin Frequent Flyer points held by many Australians, finding available seats on these carriers can be challenging. Amex allows you to transfer points directly to a wide array of international airlines, significantly increasing your chances of finding and redeeming seats.

This recent change from Amex is certainly frustrating for many loyal cardholders. You have until December 15th to transfer your points at the current redemption rates. We strongly suggest transferring your points to frequent flyer accounts where they will not expire. Some airlines, such as Qatar Airways (Avios) and Asia Miles, offer points that do not expire as long as your account remains active every 36 months. For airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, which we particularly favour for their excellent product, miles typically expire after three years.

Please see below a breakdown of each redemption partners and our advice or additional information for each of them:

 – Air New Zealand Airpoints: 200:1 ratio, ie 1,000,000 points = $5,000 (cash base ratio). We recommend to only use if Air NZ offers a sale fare.

 – British Airways Club: You need to keep your account active once every 36 months, i.e. by redeeming, spending or sharing points.

 – Cathay Pacific: As Asia miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, you need to redeem or earn at least once every 18 months. You can also shop online on the Asia Miles portal.

 – Emirates Skywards: Although a 33% increase in points, they do remain in your account for 3 years and miles can be extended for another 12 months for fee. Still a great product but the new transfer rate of 4-1 and the taxes make it less valuable going forward.

 – Etihad Guest: Miles are valid for 18 months from the last month you made a transaction. However it is super hard to find reward seats and the transfer process from Amex takes up to 7 days so by that time the reward seats are already gone.

 – Hilton Honors: No change to points transfer

 – Malaysia Airlines Enrich: It is very hard to find points with the program, so not regularly used by our customers.

 – Marriott Bonvoy: Good program and often have bonus transfers which means additional points – can also move these to American Airlines and United and book internal USA flights.

 – Qantas Frequent Flyer (with Amex Platinum): You need to keep your account active once every 36 months –  i.e. by redeeming, spending or sharing points. By far the best program in the market at the moment for AUS travellers.

 – Qatar Airways Privilege Club: You need to keep your account active once every 36 months –  i.e. by redeeming, spending or sharing points. By far the best program in the market at the moment for AUS travellers.

 – Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: No change, points are valid for 3 years in the Krisflyer account. Remains a reasonable option.

 – Thai Royal Orchid Plus: No longer available

 – Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Not often used as difficult to find points.  

 – Velocity Frequent Flyer: No change to points transfer. Remains a reasonable option for reward seat availability.