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How to transfer your credit card rewards to your frequent flyer program

Turn your purchases into flights by transferring your credit card reward points to your frequent flyer program.

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Sally McMullen

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There are a number of rewards credit cards that let you transfer the reward points you earn to different frequent flyer programs. These cards are sometimes referred to as indirect rewards credit cards. The process for transferring frequent flyer points from a rewards credit card varies depending on the credit card provider and the frequent flyer program. This guide looks at the different credit card providers that offer this service and how it works so that you can make your credit card and frequent flyer rewards go further.

Credit card rewards programs covered in this guide

How do I transfer my credit card rewards to a frequent flyer program?

The following section provides details of the transfer process for individual credit card providers and airline loyalty programs, so that you know exactly what steps you need to take.

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American Express Membership Rewards

If you have an American Express credit card that earns Membership Rewards, you can transfer points to a wide range of frequent flyer programs using the following steps:

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Link your frequent flyer membership number to your Membership Rewards account.
  3. Select the ‘redeem’ option.
  4. Follow the prompts to transfer your Membership Reward points to your chosen frequent flyer program.

American Express offers Membership Rewards on a wide range of its personal and business cards, including:

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates

Air New Zealand Airpoints

  • Minimum transfer amount: 2,000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 1 business day
200 Membership Rewards points = 1 Airpoints Dollar

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

  • Minimum transfer amount: 5,000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 3 business days
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Asia Mile

Emirates Skyward

  • Minimum transfer amount: 3,000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 1 business day
3 Membership Rewards points = 1 Skywards Mile
Etihad Guest
  • Minimum transfer amount: 1,000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 7 business days
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Etihad Guest Mile
Hawaiian Airlines
  • Minimum transfer amount: 2,000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 1 business day
2 Membership Rewards Points = 1 HawaiianMiles
Malaysia Airlines Enrich
  • Minimum transfer amount: 1000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 2 business days
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Enrich Mile
Qatar Airways Privilege Club
  • Minimum transfer amount: 500 points
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 1 business day
2 Membership Rewards Points = 1 Avios
Qantas Frequent Flyer (Only available for select cardholders, e.g. those enrolled in the Business Ascent and Ascent Premium programs)
  • Minimum transfer amount: 2,000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 6 business days
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Qantas Point
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Minimum transfer amount: 7,500 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 1 business day
3 Membership Rewards points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
Thai Royal Orchid Plus
  • Minimum transfer amount: 5000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 5 business days
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Royal Orchid Plus Mile
Virgin Australia Velocity
  • Minimum transfer amount: 2000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 1 business day
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Velocity Point
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • Minimum transfer amount: 2000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 1 business days
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Flying Club mile
Hilton Honors
  • Minimum transfer amount: 2000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 1 business day
2 Membership Rewards points = 1 Honors point
Marriott Bonvoy
  • Minimum transfer amount: 1000 points
  • Estimated transfer time: 3 business days
3 Membership Rewards points = 2 Marriott Points

American Express also notes that points transferred to frequent flyer programs are not reversible and are subject to the terms and conditions of both Membership Rewards and the partner program. So you may want to double-check details before transferring points from your Membership Rewards card.

Compare American Express credit cards here

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ANZ Rewards

The following credit cards that are linked to the ANZ Rewards program allow you to transfer points to frequent flyer programs:

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Air New Zealand Airpoints
  • Initial transfer: Minimum 2,000 Reward Points
  • Additional transfers: Available in multiples of 2,000 Reward Points
  • Estimated transfer time: 6 business days
2,000 Reward Points = 10 Airpoints Dollars
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
  • Initial transfer: Minimum 3,000 Reward Points
  • Additional transfers: Available in multiples of 1,500 Reward Points
  • Estimated transfer time: 18 business days
3,000 Reward Points = 1,000 Asia Miles
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Initial transfer: Minimum 1,500 Reward Points
  • Additional transfers: Available in multiples of 1,500 Reward Points
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 15 business days
1,500 Reward Points = 500 KrisFlyer Miles
Virgin Australia Velocity
  • Minimum initial transfer. Transfers available in multiples of 2 Reward Points, with a 2,000 point minimum
  • Estimated transfer time: 5 business days. Auto-redemption is also available for Velocity Points.
2 Reward Points = 1 Velocity Point

ANZ Business Rewards

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsTransfer points rates
Qantas Frequent Flyer
  • Estimated transfer time: Allow up to 6 business days for Qantas Frequent Flyer Points to be allocated to your Account
2 Reward Points for 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point
Air New Zealand
  • Initial transfer: Initial minimum of 2,000 Reward Points for Airpoints Dollars, with additional multiples of 2,000 Reward Points thereafter.
  • Estimated transfer time: Allow up to 6 business days for Airpoints Dollars to be transferred to your account
Redeem 2,000 Reward Points for 10 Airpoints Dollars
Asia Miles
  • Initial transfer: Redeem an initial minimum of 3,000 Reward Points for 1,000 Asia Miles, additional multiples of 1,500 Reward Points thereafter
  • Estimated transfer time: Allow up to 18 business days for points to be allocated to your account
1,500 Reward Points = 500 Asia Miles
Velocity Frequent Flyer
  • Initial transfer: Redeem an initial minimum of 2,000 Reward Points for 1,000 Velocity Points, with additional multiples of 2 Rewards Points thereafter
  • Estimated transfer time: Allow up to 5 business days for Velocity Points to be allocated to your Account.
2 Reward Points for 1 Velocity Point
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles
  • Initial transfer: Redeem an initial minimum of 1,500 Reward Points for 500 KrisFlyer Miles, and additional multiples of 1,500 Reward Points.
  • Estimated transfer time: Allow up to 15 business days for Kris Flyer Miles to be allocated to your account.
Redeem 1,500 Reward Points for 500 KrisFlyer Miles

Compare ANZ credit cards here

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Citi Rewards

Citi offers points transfer options for the following credit cards:

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerMinimum transfer
  • 20,000 Citi Rewards points (Prestige and Premier)
  • 25,000 Citi Rewards points (Rewards)

Estimated transfer time: Up to 15 business days

Citi Rewards, Citi Premier cards: 3 points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile

Citi Prestige card: 2.5 points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile

Eithad Guest
(Citi Prestige only)		Minimum transfer

Not publicly listed. Log in to see full transfer details.

Estimated transfer time: Allow up to 10 business days for your Citibank Reward Points to be exchanged to Etihad Guest Miles.

Starts from 1.5 Premier Miles to 1 Etihad Guest Mile

Citi also says it reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time without notice. So for the most up-to-date details, login to your Citi Rewards account and check your options there.

Compare Citi credit cards here

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Commonwealth Bank Awards

The CommBank Awards program allows you to transfer Awards points to either the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program or the Velocity Frequent Flyer Program. There are different requirements for each of these options, which are outlined in the table below. To transfer points, you will need to have one of the following cards:

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Emirates SkywardsMinimum transfer: Not publicly listed
Estimated transfer time: Up to 7 business days.		4 CommBank Awards points = 1 Skywards Mile
Virgin Australia Velocity
  • Minimum transfer. Transfers can only be made to Velocity accounts with the same name as the primary cardholder.
  • Estimated transfer time: Within 5 working days
1 Velocity point = 2 Awards points

Compare Commonwealth Bank credit cards here

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Diners Club Rewards

The Diners Club Rewards program gives you the ability to transfer your reward points to a number of frequent flyer programs. If you're an existing cardholder, you can redeem your points by logging into your account or calling Diners Club.
Important: Diners Club has announced it is closing down in Australia and any Diners Club Rewards Points must be redeemed by 30 July 2024.

We have kept the details below based on past point transfer options, but keep in mind that point transfers may vary and be more limited. Existing cardholders can log in to get full details.

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Air Canada AeroplanRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Aeroplan point
Alaska Airlines Mileage PlanRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Mileage Plan point
American Airlines AAdvantageRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 AAdvantage point
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Asia Mile
Delta SkyMilesSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Delta SkyMile
EVA Air Infinity MileageLandsSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions3 Rewards points = 1 Infinity MileageLands Mile
Emirates SkywardsSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2.5 Rewards points = 1 Skywards Mile
Etihad GuestSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Guest Mile
EL AL Israel Airlines Matmid ClubRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Minimum transfer. Your redemption must be in blocks of 4,000 Diners Club Reward points.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Matmid Point
Flying Blue(Air France and KLM)Subject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Flying Blue Award Mile
FlybuysSubject to Flybuys terms and conditions1 Rewards point = 1 flybuy point
Frontier Airlines Early ReturnsSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 EarlyReturns Mile
Garuda Indonesia Frequent FlyerSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Garuda Frequent Flyer Mile
Hawaiian MilesRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Minimum transfer. Your redemption must be in blocks of 4,000 Diners Club Reward points.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Hawaiian Mile
Malaysia Airlines EnrichSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Enrich Mile
Qatar Airways Privilege ClubSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Avios
SAS EuroBonusRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Minimum transfer. Your redemption must be in blocks of 4,000 Diners Club Reward points.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 EuroBonus Point
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
South African Airways VoyagerRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Minimum transfer. Your redemption must be in blocks of 4,000 Diners Club Reward points.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Voyager Mile
Southwest Airlines Rapid RewardsRewards must be redeemed by the primary cardholder and the frequent flyer account must be in their name.
  • Minimum transfer. Your redemption must be in blocks of 4,000 Diners Club Reward points.
  • Estimated transfer time: Up to 28 days
2 Rewards points = 1 Rapid Rewards Point
Thai Airways Royal Orchid PlusSubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions2 Rewards points = 1 Royal Orchid Plus Mile
Virgin Australia VelocitySubject to frequent flyer program terms and conditions1 Rewards point = 1 Velocity Point

Compare Diners Club charge cards

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HSBC Rewards Plus

If you have an HSBC credit card enrolled in Rewards Plus, you can transfer your points to three different frequent flyer programs. Just provide your frequent flyer membership number to HSBC and login to your account to redeem your reward points for the selected frequent flyer miles. There are two HSBC credit cards that offer Rewards Plus:

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (HSBC Premier only)
  • Minimum transfer. You can transfer either 2,500 or 5,000 HSBC points at a time.
  • Estimated transfer time: 4-6 weeks
1 HSBC Premier Reward Points = 0.5 Asia Miles
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (HSBC Premier only)
  • Minimum transfer. You can transfer either 2,500 or 5,000 HSBC points at a time.
  • Estimated transfer time: 15 working days
1 HSBC Premier Reward Points = 0.5 KrisFlyer Miles
Virgin Australia Velocity
  • Initial transfer: Minimum 5,000 HSBC Rewards Points. Your redemption must be in blocks of 5,000 or 10,000 HSBC Rewards Points. Estimated transfer time: Up to 5 business days
1 HSBC Premier Reward Points = 0.5 Velocity Points

Compare HSBC credit cards here

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St.George

St.George Amplify Rewards

With a St.George credit card that earns Amplify Rewards, you can transfer your points to three different frequent flyer programs. You can get Amplify Rewards with any of the following St.George credit cards:

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerMinimum transfer: $3,000 Amplify Points

Estimated transfer time: Up to 15 working days

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 3 Amplify Points = 1 KrisFlyer mile
Virgin Australia VelocityPoints can only be redeemed in multiples of 500 and you must be a member of the selected frequent flyer program. 3,000 point minimum for transfers unless opting into Velocity auto-redemption.Virgin Australia Velocity: 2 Amplify Points = 1 Velocity Point

Compare St.George Credit cards here

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Suncorp Bank Rewards

Suncorp’s Points Transfer option is only available on Suncorp Platinum and Business Clear Options credit card accounts enrolled in Suncorp Bank Rewards.

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Minimum transfer. Minimum of 25,000 Suncorp Rewards points per transfer
2.5 Reward points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
Virgin Australia Velocity
  • Minimum transfer. Minimum of 25,000 Suncorp Rewards points per transfer
  • Transfer time: Up to 14 days
2 Reward Points = 1 Velocity Point
Flybuys1.33 Reward Points = 1 Flybuys point

Compare Suncorp credit cards here

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Westpac Altitude Rewards

The Westpac Altitude Rewards program lets you convert your points to a selection of major international airline frequent flyer programs. You must have earned at least 3,000 points before you can claim any rewards. There are two personal Westpac Altitude cards and two business options to choose from:

You can compare the exchange rates from Altitude Rewards to frequent flyer points below, but please not that some of these transfer terms and conditions will change from 9 November 2018.

Frequent flyer programTransfer requirementsPoints rates
Velocity Frequent FlyerMinimum of 3,000 Altitude Points required per transfer, with multiples of 500 points after that. Minimum of 6 Altitude Points for autoredemption.3 Altitude Points = 1 Velocity Point
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesA minimum of 3,000 Altitude Points applies per redemption. Then multiples of 600 Altitude Points apply.3 Altitude Points = 1 Asia Mile
Air New Zealand AirpointsThere is a minimum conversion of 1,920 Altitude Points. Then multiples of 580 Altitude Points. Allow up to 3 working days for points to appear on your Airpoints account.180 Altitude Points = 1 Airpoint
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerMinimum transfer amount. A minimum of 3,000 Altitude Points are required per redemption and can only be processed in multiples of 500 Altitude Points. Only whole Altitude points can be redeemed for frequent flyer points and no fraction of points can be redeemed.3 Altitude Points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
Malaysia Airlines Enrich MilesYou must redeem a minimum of 3,000 Altitude Points per transfer to Enrich points, with redemption of additional Altitude Points in multiples of 600 Reward Points.3 Altitude Points = 1 Enrich Mile

Compare Westpac credit cards here

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How to get the most out of your points

Consider the following factors before transferring your credit card reward points to a frequent flyer program to make sure it is worth it.

  • Frequent flyer membership. You must be a member of the frequent flyer program before you request a point transfer from your credit card. Keep in mind this could lead to an additional membership cost.
  • Participating frequent flyer programs. Some credit card providers let you transfer points to a wide range of airline loyalty programs, while others may only offer one or two frequent flyer transfer options.
  • The number of points required. There may be a minimum or maximum amount of credit card rewards you can transfer to a frequent flyer program.
  • The points rate. The amount of credit card rewards you need to get frequent flyer points varies. For example, 1 credit card reward point may equal 0.5 frequent flyer points.
  • The transfer time. After you transfer your credit card rewards to a frequent flyer program, it could be up to a month or even longer before they are credited to your frequent flyer account.
  • Credit card fees. If you get a rewards credit card and want to transfer points to frequent flyer programs, make sure you consider the annual fee, interest rates and other potential costs so that you know it is an affordable option for your needs.
  • Program changes. Most credit card issuers reserve the right to change their reward program options and redemptions at any time. The same is true for frequent flyer programs, so it’s important to get up-to-date information on your reward options before you transfer points to an airline loyalty program.

Whether you’re a member of several different frequent flyer programs or just want to find other ways to use your credit card rewards, by learning about point transfers you can choose exactly where your points go and how you use them.

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Finder survey: How often do Australians redeem their points for flights?

ResponseMaleFemale
Less than once per year10.53%6.38%
1-2 times per year10.15%5.86%
Never4.51%2.93%
3-4 times per year2.44%1.21%
5+ times per year1.5%0.34%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023

Frequently asked questions

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Sally McMullen was a creative content producer at Finder. Sally wrote about credit cards for almost 5 years, authoring almost 900 articles on Finder alone. She has also been published in Yahoo Finance, Dynamic Business, Financy and Mamamia, as well as Music Feeds and Rolling Stone. Sally has a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies majoring in Journalism (Hons) from the University of Wollongong. See full bio

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36 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JoFebruary 16, 2023

    How do I convert my MasterCard points to my virgin frequent flyer?

      AvatarFinder
      AmyMarch 3, 2023Finder

      Hi Jo,
      It depends on the bank or credit card brand that’s associated with your Mastercard. Usually, you need to log in to your credit card account or the associated rewards program, choose “rewards” and follow the steps to transfer them. Some credit card reward programs even have a “frequent flyer” or “points transfer” category where you’ll find these details. Otherwise, contact the rewards program – there should be a phone number on your card or in the rewards program terms and conditions booklet. I hope that helps.

    Default Gravatar
    peterAugust 4, 2019

    I would like to convert altitude points to quantas frequent flyer points

      Default Gravatar
      NikkiAugust 5, 2019

      Hi Peter,

      Thanks for getting in touch! The conversion of Altitude Rewards and Altitude Qantas’ terms and conditions depends on the card you are holding. Generally, if you have an Altitude Visa card, Altitude Mastercard, Altitude Platinum Mastercard, Altitude Platinum Plus Mastercard, Altitude Platinum Plus Visa card, Altitude Platinum Visa card, or Altitude Black Mastercard, you may switch all cards linked to the card account between Altitude Rewards and Altitude Qantas programs at any time and any number of times, subject to the time it takes us to process each request. Note that you must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to convert your Altitude rewards to Altitude Qantas. You should allow at least 10 business days for a request to switch to be processed or as advised at the time of your request.

      Check your card’s terms and conditions to know if you can convert your Altitude points to Qantas frequent flyer points.

      Hope this helps!

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    DenisMay 17, 2018

    I have a Westpac Altitude Black card with just over a million points. What airline/s could I use to purchase an around the world ticket leaving Australia to USA to UK and then home to Australia

      Default Gravatar
      AshMay 17, 2018

      Hi Denis,

      Thank you for contacting finder.

      With Westpac Altitude Black, you can redeem your Altitude points through their airline partners which are Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Air New Zealand. You can log-in to your Altitude Rewards Account to book your flights on any of the above airlines with the available destination of your choice.

      I hope this helps.

      Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.

      Cheers,
      Ash

    Default Gravatar
    BonitaNovember 26, 2017

    I have an Amplify Credit Card that attracts QFF points.
    I also have remaining points still sitting in QFF that I was told would be transferred to my Credit Card . Can I merge these 2 lots of points for one flight? Or how can I have the QFF transferred to my Credit Card

      Default Gravatar
      AsiaNovember 28, 2017

      Hi Bonita,

      Thank you for your inquiry,

      Upon checking the page that you’re on, Your qantas frequent flyer points can be added to your credit card if your card is directly linked to a frequent flyer program. You can redeem them for rewards including flights, flight upgrades and travel packages.

      Take note that the frequent flyer program may vary because most of the credit card issuers change their reward program options and redemptions at any time. It is best to get an up-to-date information or contact them about your reward options before to transfer points to an airline loyalty program.

      I hope this information helped.

      Cheers,
      Asia

    Default Gravatar
    MichelleMay 10, 2017

    how do i transfer my points to use on qantas or emirates please

      AvatarFinder
      DeeMay 11, 2017Finder

      Hi Michelle,

      Thanks for your question.

      So I can assist you further, may I know from what Rewards program are you transferring your points from? The procedure and conversion rates vary depending on your current rewards program.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

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