Transferring American Express Points to United Airlines: A Complete Guide

Are you an American Express cardholder with a stash of Membership Rewards points? If so, you may be wondering if you can transfer them to United Airlines MileagePlus program to book award flights. The answer is yes, but there are some important things to know about the process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transferring American Express points to United Airlines, including:

• The transfer ratio
• How to transfer points
• The benefits of transferring points
• The drawbacks of transferring points
• Alternative ways to use your points
• Tips for maximizing your points

Transfer Ratio

American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to United Airlines MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio. This means that for every 1,000 American Express points you transfer, you will receive 1,000 United Airlines miles.

How to Transfer Points

Transferring American Express points to United Airlines is a straightforward process that can be completed online:

1. Log in to your American Express account.
2. Click on the “Membership Rewards” tab.
3. Select “Transfer Points” from the menu.
4. Choose “United Airlines MileagePlus” as your transfer partner.
5. Enter the number of points you want to transfer.
6. Confirm your transfer request.

Transfers typically take 5-7 business days to process.

Benefits of Transferring Points

There are several benefits to transferring American Express points to United Airlines:

• Award Flights: United Airlines offers a wide variety of award flights, including domestic and international routes. With your transferred points, you can book flights to destinations around the world.
• Upgrades: You can use your transferred points to upgrade your existing flights to a higher class of service, such as business or first class.
• Partnerships: United Airlines has partnerships with other airlines, allowing you to use your MileagePlus miles to book flights on those airlines as well.
• Merging Accounts: You can combine your MileagePlus miles with those of family members, making it easier to book award flights for everyone.

Drawbacks of Transferring Points

While transferring points to United Airlines can be beneficial, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Points Expiration: United Airlines MileagePlus miles expire after 18 months of inactivity. This means you need to use your transferred points before they expire.
• Limited Availability: Award seats can be scarce, especially during peak travel times. You may need to book your flights far in advance to secure the seats you want.
• Fuel Surcharges: United Airlines may charge fuel surcharges on award flights, which can add to the cost of your travel. However, fuel surcharges are often less for flights booked with miles than for cash flights.
• Taxes and Fees: You will still have to pay taxes and fees on award flights, even though you’re using miles.

Alternative Ways to Use Your Points

If you’re not sure if transferring your American Express points to United Airlines is the right choice for you, there are other ways to use your points:

• Redeem for travel: American Express offers a wide range of travel redemption options, including flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals.
• Shop for merchandise: You can use your points to purchase merchandise from a variety of online retailers.
• Get cash back: You can redeem your points for cash back, which can be deposited into your bank account.
• Donate to charity: You can donate your points to charities that accept American Express points.

Tips for Maximizing Your Points

Here are some tips for maximizing your American Express points:

• Earn points quickly: Take advantage of welcome bonuses on new American Express cards, as well as bonus points categories for spending in certain areas.
• Transfer points strategically: Choose the airline or hotel program that offers the best redemption value for your travel needs.
• Combine points: If you have multiple American Express cards, you can combine your points into a single account for easier redemption.
• Use your points before they expire: Make sure to use your points before they expire so you don’t lose out on any value.
• Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on American Express’s latest promotions and offers so you can maximize your points earning potential.

Conclusion

Transferring American Express points to United Airlines can be a great way to book award flights, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can maximize the value of your points and make the most of your travel rewards.