What an Avios Bonus Transfer Is

An Avios bonus transfer is when a credit card issuer moves extra Avios points from one account to another — typically from your card to a partner airline or travel program, or between your own accounts. The card issuer sets the transfer ratio, which is usually one-to-one but can vary. You initiate the transfer through your card account, and the points move within hours or days.

This is different from earning Avios on purchases. Bonus transfers are a separate feature some cards offer, letting you move points you already have rather than waiting to accumulate them through spending. Not every Avios card offers transfers, and not every transfer destination is available to every cardholder.

Key Takeaways

  • Avios bonus transfers move points from your card account to another program at a ratio set by the issuer, usually one-to-one but sometimes with a bonus multiplier.
  • Transfer partners vary by card and issuer — common destinations include other airline programs, hotel chains, and travel partners like Amex Transfer Partners.
  • Transfers are permanent and cannot be reversed, so confirm the destination account details before you initiate.
  • Some cards offer transfer bonuses during specific periods, giving you extra points for moving a minimum amount.
  • Transfers typically post within one to three business days, faster than waiting to earn points through regular spending.

How to Transfer Your Avios Points

Log into your credit card account online or through the issuer's mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Transfers," "Move Points," "Redeem," or "Manage Rewards" — the exact name depends on the card issuer. Select the transfer option and choose your destination from the list of available partners.

Enter the amount of Avios you want to transfer. The system will show you the transfer ratio — for example, whether one Avios equals one point in the destination program, or whether there is a bonus multiplier. Confirm the destination account number or email address. Double-check this information because transfers cannot be undone once submitted.

Review the transfer summary and submit. You will receive a confirmation number. The points typically arrive in the destination account within one to three business days, though some partners take longer. Keep the confirmation number in case you need to contact customer service.

Transfer Partners and Destination Options

The airlines and programs you can transfer to depend on your specific card. British Airways Avios cards, for example, often allow transfers to hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy and IHG One Rewards, as well as other airline partners. American Express cards with Avios may have different partner lists than Citi cards with Avios.

Before you transfer, check your card's terms or log into your account to see the current partner list. Partners change periodically, and some may be temporarily unavailable. If you do not see a destination you want, contact the card issuer to ask whether it will be added or whether you can transfer through an intermediary program.

Hotel and car rental partners typically accept transfers at a one-to-one ratio or sometimes at a bonus rate. Airline partners may have different ratios depending on the program — transferring to one airline might give you one point per Avios, while another might give you 1.25 points per Avios.

When Transfer Bonuses Are Offered

Card issuers occasionally run transfer bonus promotions, offering extra points when you move a minimum amount to a specific partner. For example, a promotion might say "Transfer 10,000 Avios to Marriott Bonvoy and receive a 10% bonus" — meaning you get 11,000 Marriott points instead of 10,000.

These promotions are time-limited and partner-specific. They appear in your account dashboard, in email from the issuer, or on the card's website. If you are planning a transfer, check whether a bonus is currently running before you move your points. Waiting a few weeks for a bonus promotion can be worth it if you were going to transfer anyway.

Sign up for email alerts from your card issuer so you know when transfer bonuses launch. Some issuers also notify cardholders through the mobile app or account dashboard.

Avios Transfers Versus Other Redemption Options

You can use Avios in several ways: book flights directly through the Avios program, transfer to a partner, or redeem for other rewards like hotel stays or gift cards. Transfers make sense when the destination program offers better value than booking directly or when you need points in a specific program to reach a redemption goal.

Direct flight bookings through Avios are sometimes cheaper in points than transferring to an airline and booking there. Compare the point cost of your desired flight through both routes before you transfer. Some readers find that transferring to a hotel partner gives them better value than using Avios for flights.

If you have a small balance of Avios that is not enough for a flight, transferring to a hotel or car rental partner might let you use those points sooner. Conversely, if you are close to a flight redemption threshold, it may be faster to transfer than to wait for new points to post from spending.

What Happens After You Transfer

Once points land in the destination account, they belong to that program and follow that program's rules. If you transfer Avios to a hotel chain, those points are now hotel points and cannot be converted back to Avios. The destination program sets expiration dates, blackout dates, and redemption minimums — not the credit card issuer.

Create an account with the destination program before you transfer if you do not already have one. The transfer will go to the account number or email you provide, so make sure it is correct. If you transfer to an account that does not exist, the points may be lost or delayed while the program tries to locate you.

Keep records of your transfer confirmation number and the date you transferred. If points do not arrive within the stated timeframe, you will need this information to contact customer service. Most issuers will investigate a missing transfer if you report it within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Avios to any airline?

No. You can only transfer to the partners your specific card offers. Check your card's website or account dashboard for the current list. If your desired airline is not listed, contact the issuer to ask whether it will be added or whether you can transfer through an intermediary program.

What is the transfer ratio, and does it always stay the same?

The transfer ratio is how many points you receive in the destination program for each Avios you send. Most transfers are one-to-one, but some partners offer a bonus ratio — for example, 1.25 points per Avios. The ratio can change if the issuer updates its partnership terms, so confirm it before you transfer.

Can I reverse a transfer if I change my mind?

No. Transfers are permanent once submitted. The destination program cannot send the points back to your card account. Before you confirm a transfer, verify the destination account details and make sure you want to move those points.

How long does a transfer take?

Most transfers post within one to three business days. Some partners take longer — up to a week in rare cases. You will receive a confirmation number when ready when you submit the transfer. If points do not arrive after five business days, contact the card issuer with your confirmation number.

Do transferred points count toward elite status in the destination program?

This depends on the destination program's rules, not on the credit card issuer. Some programs count transferred points toward elite status; others do not. Check the destination program's terms before you transfer if elite status is important to you.