At the beginning of August 2024, Amex US Membership Rewards program launched a 30% transfer bonus to British Airways Executive Club for the first time since Summer 2023.
As a reminder, this transfer bonus event runs until September 30, 2024, which means that there are a few days left to plan out a redemption and score a deal.
30% Transfer Bonus from Amex US MR to British Airways Executive Club
Until September 30, 2024, you can transfer Amex US Membership Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club and receive a 30% bonus.
Points are normally transferred 1:1 between the two programs, and can only be transferred in increments of 1,000. With the 30% bonus, for each 1,000 Amex US Membership Rewards points transferred, you’ll receive a total of 1,300 Avios.
This transfer promotion is only for those who dabble in US credit cards and have access to Amex US MR points.
For what it’s worth, the last three transfer bonuses to British Airways Executive Club were for 40% in April 2022, 25% in September 2022, and 30% in August 2023.
Is This Transfer Bonus a Good Deal?
Whenever a transfer bonus is available, it’s a good idea to take stock of how you can leverage the opportunity. The bonus effectively reduces the cost of any redemption by 30%, which can make sweet spots even sweeter.
One of the more attractive uses of Avios is to book Qatar Airways Qsuites, which is widely considered to be one of the best business class products in the world.
Keep in mind that you can instantly transfer different flavours of Avios between accounts to take advantage of sweet spots in different programs. For example, you can transfer British Airways Avios to Qatar Airways Avios, which effectively ports the transfer bonus to Qatar Airways Avios.
Usually, a one-way flight from most cities in North America to Doha costs 70,000 Avios. With the 30% transfer bonus, that number effectively drops down to 53,846 Amex US MR.
In fact, one of the best sweet spots around is to fly from North America to Doha in Qsuites, and then continue onward to Bangkok in Qatar Airways First Class onboard the behemoth A380. When booked with Qatar Airways Avios, this itinerary usually costs 95,000 Avios, which is effectively dropped down to 73,076 Amex US MR with the transfer bonus from Amex US Membership Rewards.
Another great use of Avios is for short-haul flights in Europe, Asia, and Australia. With the bonus taken into consideration, you could fly from London to Prague for 7,115 Amex US MR in economy or 11,538 Amex US MR in business class, or from Melbourne to Sydney for just 4,615 Amex US MR in economy or 9,615 Amex US MR in business class.
You can of course redeem British Airways Avios for flights on British Airways. The program consistently releases award seats on every flight, which can be helpful if you’re able to book far in advance.
With the transfer bonus taken into account, a one-way flight from Toronto to London would effectively cost 19,230 Amex US MR in economy, 32,692 Amex US MR in premium economy, or 61,538 Amex US MR in business class.
On the other hand, you’ll have to pay a tidy sum in carrier surcharges, which can reduce the overall value of your booking. This is why many people avoid booking flights with British Airways using Avios; however, in the absence of other options, or if direct flights are preferred, it can still be a good option.
As a reminder, Finnair Plus recently adopted Avios as its points currency. A one-way flight in business class from New York to Helsinki typically costs 62,500 Finnair Plus Avios; however, the 30% transfer bonus effectively reduces the cost to just 48,076 Avios.
If you choose to transfer your British Airways Avios to Iberia Avios, you can find a one-way off-peak business class flight from the Eastern US to Madrid with Iberia for 34,000 Avios, which is effectively reduced to 26,153 Avios with the transfer bonus considered.
Conclusion
Amex US is offering a 30% bonus when transferring American Express US Membership Rewards points to British Airways Executive Club.
Booking Qatar Airways Qsuites using Avios is one of the best ways to score a deal on a great business class product. The transfer bonus also makes short-haul sweet spots and other Avios opportunities even better.
Make sure to take advantage before September 30, 2024 to rack up your Avios balance with a 30% bonus.
