Amex Membership Rewards Just Got a 30% Boost for Avios Transfers — Here's What to Know

If you've been sitting on American Express Membership Rewards points, now's a great time to think about moving them to Avios. Amex just launched a 30% transfer bonus to three Avios programs: British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus. That means for every 1,000 points you transfer, you'll get 1,300 Avios in return. This is the first time in over a year that Amex has offered a bonus to these programs, so it's worth paying attention.

Why This Bonus Feels Like a Big Deal

Amex has been pretty quiet on the transfer bonus front lately. While Chase, Capital One, and Bilt have been throwing bonuses around, Amex seemed to be sitting on the sidelines. That's why this 30% offer stands out — it's the first Avios bonus from Amex in more than a year.

The best part? Even though it's technically three separate bonuses (one for each airline), they all work together because Avios are transferable between programs. So you can move points to British Airways, then hop them over to Iberia if you find a better deal there. It's like having one big pot of Avios with multiple ways to spend them.

• Free transfers between Avios programs (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, plus Qatar, Finnair, Loganair)
• Different programs may have different award pricing and taxes/fees, so shop around
• You can often pay fewer Avios and more cash for a booking — sometimes that's the smarter move

How to Make the Most of Your Avios

Before you rush to transfer, think about what you want to book. Avios are great for short-haul flights, especially on British Airways and Iberia, but the sweet spots vary. For example, Iberia often has lower taxes on transatlantic awards, while British Airways might have better availability on certain routes.

Another thing to consider: when you book with Avios, you'll usually see a slider that lets you trade more cash for fewer points. Don't just pick the default option. Run the numbers — sometimes paying a bit more out of pocket saves you a ton of Avios, which can be worth it if you have a specific redemption in mind.

Also, don't feel pressured to transfer right away. The bonus runs until September 27, 2026, so you have almost two months. Unless you're eyeing a specific seat that might disappear, it's fine to wait and see if award availability opens up.

• Check award availability on each program before transferring
• Compare taxes and fees across BA, Iberia, and Aer Lingus for your route
• Consider using fewer Avios with higher cash co-pay if it stretches your balance further

A Few Things to Watch Out For

Transfer bonuses are great, but they're not always the best use of your points. If you don't have a specific redemption in mind, parking your Amex MR in Avios might not be wise — especially since Avios devaluations have happened before. Only transfer if you're fairly confident you'll use them within a reasonable timeframe.

Also, remember that Amex MR points are flexible. You might get more value transferring to other partners like ANA or Singapore Airlines for business class redemptions. So don't let the 30% bonus blind you to other opportunities.

Finally, make sure you're logged into your Amex account and see the bonus offer before you transfer. Sometimes bonuses are targeted, so double-check that it's available to you.

• Only transfer if you have a plan for the Avios
• Compare with other transfer partners for potential higher value
• Verify the bonus is attached to your account before initiating the transfer

Bottom Line

• 30% bonus on Amex MR to Avios programs until September 27, 2026
• Avios can be moved between BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and others for free
• Compare award prices and taxes across programs to get the best deal
• Don't transfer speculatively — have a redemption in mind first

Common Questions