How to Use a Points Transfer Bonus
The short answer: Banks periodically offer 20 to 40 percent extra when you transfer points to a specific partner. They can boost value, but only transfer when you have an award in mind, since the points become locked to that program.
What a transfer bonus is
A transfer bonus is a limited-time promotion where a bank gives bonus points for moving them to a partner; a 30 percent bonus turns 10,000 points into 13,000 partner miles. Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One all run them at different times.
When it is worth it
A bonus is only valuable if you will use the resulting miles. The trap is transferring speculatively to grab the bonus, then finding no award space and being stuck with miles in a program you do not use. Transfer when you have a specific redemption in mind, or when you reliably use that program.
How to catch them
Bonuses come and go, so check your bank transfer page before any planned transfer and follow points news. If a bonus lines up with an award you were going to book anyway, it is free extra value. Otherwise, wait.
Frequently asked questions
What is a credit card transfer bonus?
A limited-time promotion where your bank adds extra points, often 20 to 40 percent, when you transfer to a specific airline or hotel partner. It boosts the value of points you were going to use.
Should I transfer points just to get the bonus?
No. Only transfer when you have an award in mind or use that program regularly. Points moved to a partner are locked there and cannot come back.
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