What Qantas transfer partners are and how they work

When you earn points through a Qantas credit card, you can transfer those points to airline and hotel partners at a fixed conversion rate. Qantas calls this the Qantas Points transfer program. You move your points from your Qantas account into a partner's loyalty program, where you can then book flights, upgrades, or hotel stays using that partner's redemption rates.

The transfer happens when ready once you request it through your Qantas account. You cannot reverse a transfer, so the points move permanently to the partner program. The conversion rate depends on which partner you choose — some partners offer a 1:1 conversion (one Qantas point becomes one partner point), while others offer less favourable rates like 1.2:1 or 1.5:1.

Transfer partners fall into two categories: airline partners and hotel partners. Airline partners let you book paid flights at a discount or redeem points for free or reduced-cost flights on their networks. Hotel partners work similarly for accommodation. The value you get from a transfer depends on what you want to book and whether that partner's redemption rates are better than Qantas's own rates for the same flight or hotel.

Key Takeaways

  • Qantas points transfer when ready to partner airlines and hotels at fixed conversion rates that vary by partner.
  • Some partners offer 1:1 conversion rates, while others require you to give up more points per transfer, so compare before you move your points.
  • You cannot reverse a transfer once it is complete, so confirm the partner's redemption rates for your intended booking before transferring.
  • Transfer partners change periodically, so check the current list on your Qantas account rather than relying on older information.

Current Qantas airline transfer partners

Qantas's airline transfer partners include carriers across the oneworld alliance and other independent airlines. The list includes American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and others. Each partner has its own earning and redemption structure, and the conversion rate from Qantas points varies.

American Airlines and British Airways typically offer 1:1 conversion rates, meaning your Qantas points convert at a one-to-one ratio. Other partners may offer less favourable rates. Before you transfer, log into your Qantas account and check the exact conversion rate listed for each partner, because these rates can change and may differ based on the size of your transfer.

The value of a transfer depends on what you want to book. If you are looking for a flight on a partner airline that Qantas does not serve, or if that partner's redemption rates are lower than Qantas's rates for the same route, a transfer may give you better value. If Qantas itself offers a cheaper redemption for your intended flight, transferring your points would be wasteful.

Hotel and accommodation transfer partners

Qantas also partners with hotel chains and loyalty programs including Accor Hotels, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club, and Marriott Bonvoy. Hotel transfers work the same way as airline transfers: you move your Qantas points into the hotel program at a set conversion rate, then redeem them for room nights or other benefits.

Hotel transfer rates are often less favourable than airline rates. Many hotel partners require a 1.5:1 or 2:1 conversion, meaning you lose value in the transfer. However, if you are planning a specific hotel stay and that hotel's redemption rate is significantly cheaper through points than through cash, a transfer might still make sense. Check both the transfer rate and the redemption cost before moving your points.

How to transfer Qantas points to a partner

Log into your Qantas Frequent Flyer account online or through the Qantas app. Navigate to the "Transfer Points" or "Points Transfers" section — the exact name varies depending on your app version. You will see a list of current transfer partners with their conversion rates displayed next to each one.

Select the partner you want to transfer to. Enter the number of points you wish to transfer. Qantas will show you how many points the partner will receive after the conversion rate is applied. Review this number carefully — this is your final note to confirm the rate before the transfer is final.

Confirm the transfer. Qantas will ask you to verify your decision, usually by entering a PIN or confirming through your account settings. Once you confirm, the transfer is when ready and cannot be undone. The points will appear in your partner account within minutes to a few hours, depending on the partner's system.

When transferring points makes sense

A transfer makes sense when the partner's redemption rate is significantly better than Qantas's rate for the same booking. For example, if a flight costs 50,000 Qantas points but only 40,000 American Airlines points, and the conversion rate is 1:1, you would transfer 40,000 Qantas points to American Airlines and save 10,000 points overall.

Transfers also make sense when you want to book something Qantas does not offer. If you need a flight on an airline that is not part of the Qantas network, transferring to that airline's partner program may be your only points-based option. Similarly, if you are booking a hotel that Qantas does not partner with, a transfer to that hotel's loyalty program gives you access.

Transfers rarely make sense for one-off small bookings, because the conversion rate loss often outweighs any redemption savings. They work best when you are moving a large balance to a partner where you have a specific, high-value booking in mind.

Comparing transfer value before you move points

Before you transfer, price the same flight or hotel stay in three ways: through Qantas points, through the partner's points, and through cash. This tells you whether points redemption is even worth considering, and which program offers the best rate.

For example, if a flight costs $400 in cash, 50,000 Qantas points, or 40,000 American Airlines points, and the Qantas-to-American conversion is 1:1, you would need to transfer 40,000 Qantas points to American Airlines to book it. That means you are paying 40,000 points instead of 50,000, a saving of 10,000 points. Whether that is worth the transfer depends on what you could do with those 10,000 points in your Qantas account.

Use the Qantas website's search tool to check redemption rates for your intended flight or hotel. Then check the partner's website for the same booking. Write down both point costs and the conversion rate. The math will show you whether transferring gains you anything.

Risks and limits of the transfer program

Transfers are permanent. Once your points move to a partner account, you cannot move them back to Qantas. If you transfer points and then change your mind about the booking, you are stuck with points in a program you may not use.

Partner programs have their own expiration rules. Some partners expire points after a period of inactivity, while others keep points indefinitely. If you transfer points to a partner and do not use them within the partner's validity window, you may lose them. Check the partner's terms before transferring a large balance.

Conversion rates and partner lists change. Qantas can add or remove partners, or adjust conversion rates, at any time. A partner that offers 1:1 conversion today might offer 1.2:1 next month. Check the current rates in your account every time you consider a transfer, rather than relying on rates you saw weeks or months ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer points to a partner if I do not have an account with that partner yet?

Yes. When you initiate a transfer, Qantas will ask for the partner account number or email address associated with your partner account. If you do not have one, you will need to create it before the transfer completes. Most partners let you set up an account in minutes on their website.

How long does a transfer take?

Transfers are usually when ready, but points may take a few hours to appear in your partner account depending on the partner's system. Check your partner account a few hours after you request the transfer. If the points have not arrived within 24 hours, contact Qantas support.

What happens if I transfer points but do not use them?

That depends on the partner's expiration policy. Some partners expire points after 12 or 24 months of inactivity, while others do not expire points at all. Check the partner's terms before you transfer. If you are unsure whether you will use the points soon, it may be safer to keep them in your Qantas account.

Can I transfer points to multiple partners at the same time?

Yes. You can split your points balance across multiple partners in separate transfers. Each transfer is independent and processes when ready. However, remember that each transfer is permanent, so confirm each one before you proceed.

Do I earn points when I transfer points to a partner?

No. Transferring points does not earn you additional Qantas points. You only earn points when you make a purchase with your Qantas credit card or through other Qantas earning activities.