If you’re a frequent flyer or someone who enjoys using credit cards to earn rewards, you might be wondering if you can transfer American Express (Amex) Membership Rewards points to Turkish Airlines. This is a popular question, especially among those who are keen on making the most out of their points for international travel. Let’s take a look at the options available on how to transfer Amex points to Turkish Airlines, how you can use your points for flights, and the best alternatives if you are not in the region that directly supports transfers.
Can You Transfer Amex Points to Turkish Airlines?
American Express offers a Membership Rewards program that allows cardholders to earn points for every purchase. These points can be used for various rewards, including flights, hotel stays, and even merchandise. Turkish Airlines is a part of the Star Alliance, and many travelers wonder if they can transfer their Amex Membership Rewards points to Turkish Airlines’ frequent flyer program, Miles & Smiles.
The answer to this question depends on where you are located.
How to Transfer Amex Points to Turkish Airlines
Amex Middle East Region Direct Transfer
Currently, the only American Express Membership Rewards program that allows a direct transfer to Turkish Airlines’ Miles & Smiles is the Middle East region. This program is regulated and licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain. If you live in one of the eligible countries, you can directly transfer your points to your Miles & Smiles account.
The current transfer rate is 2:1.
The countries that are part of this program include:
Bahrain
Jordan
UAE
Oman
Lebanon
Kuwait
Egypt
Qatar
If you reside in one of these countries, the process is simple: once you are enrolled in the Amex Membership Rewards program, you can link your account to Turkish Airlines’ Miles & Smiles program and transfer your points. This transfer is usually seamless and can be done online through your American Express account.
Options for Those Outside the Middle East Region
If you are not located in one of the Middle Eastern countries listed above, there are still several ways to use your Amex Membership Rewards points for Turkish Airlines flights. Though a direct transfer is not available, there are alternative methods to make the most of your points.
1. Transfer Amex Points to Star Alliance Partners
One method is to use your Amex Membership Rewards points for Turkish Airlines flights. You can do this by transferring them to a Star Alliance partner that works with the program. Turkish Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, and some other airlines within this network are partners with American Express, allowing you to transfer points to them.
For example, Singapore Airlines is one of the Star Alliance members that participate in the Amex Membership Rewards program. You can transfer your points to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program and then book a flight with Turkish Airlines through a Star Alliance redemption. Although this is an indirect way of booking with Turkish Airlines, it can still help you get a seat on your desired flight.
2. Transfer from Amex to Marriott Bonvoy and Onwards to Turkish Airlines
Another option for those outside the Middle East region is to transfer your Amex Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy. Then convert them into Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles. While this method involves an additional step, it can still yield excellent value, especially if you take advantage of promotions offered by Amex.
If you are in the USA the transfer ratio is 1:1; so 120,000 Amex Points would get you the same amount in Marriot Bonvoy. If you are in the UK the transfer ratio is 2:3 which is even better. By transferring 120,000 Amex Points you would receive 180,000 Bonvoy.
Unfortunately in Australia we are still at 3:2.
For those in Australia, look out for the 50% bonus that Amex may occasionally offer on transfers to Marriott Bonvoy. For example last year in Australia this promotion ran until October 2023, allowing cardholders to transfer points with significantly increased value.
Conversion Rates Explained
Under normal conditions, Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy is at a 3:2 ratio—three Membership Rewards points equal two Marriott Bonvoy points. However, with the 50% bonus, the rate improves to 3:3, or essentially 1:1.
For instance:
- Without Bonus: Transferring 120,000 Amex points would yield 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
- With 50% Bonus: Transferring 120,000 Amex points would yield 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points—a significant improvement!
Once you have Marriott Bonvoy points, they can be transferred to most airline frequent flyer programs. This includes Turkish Airlines’ Miles & Smiles. The standard transfer ratio is 3:1, meaning every 3 Marriott Bonvoy points convert into 1 frequent flyer mile.
Additionally, Marriott provides a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred to airline programs.
Calculating the Final Miles
Let’s say you transferred 120,000 Amex points (with the 50% bonus, giving you 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points):
- Marriott points transfer to Turkish Airlines at 3:1. So, 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points become 40,000 Miles & Smiles miles.
- Because you exceed 60,000 Marriott points, you also get a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. Since you’re transferring two blocks of 60,000 Marriott points, you earn 10,000 bonus miles.
- In total, you would receive 50,000 Miles & Smiles miles.
Your actual transfer ratio from start to end is: 2.4:1
For comparison in Australia:
- Direct Amex transfers to airlines like Emirates or Singapore Airlines have a 3:1 ratio.
- Amex Transfers to other airlines like Qatar Airways or Cathay Pacific have a 2:1 ratio.
Thus, when a 50% bonus is applied, the Amex-to-Marriott-to-Turkish Airlines method almost matches or even surpasses the value of some direct airline transfers. This gives you excellent flexibility and maximizing the value of your Amex points.
Important Note on Transfer Limits
Marriott Bonvoy caps the transfer of points to airline programs at 240,000 points per day. If you’re planning a large transfer, you’ll need to divide it across multiple days. Planning ahead is essential to avoid delays in securing your desired flights.
By strategically using this method and watching for bonuses, you can stretch the value of your Amex points and enjoy Turkish Airlines’ world-class travel experience.
Enrolling in Membership Rewards and Miles & Smiles
To take advantage of transferring points, you need to be enrolled in both the American Express Membership Rewards program and the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program (if you are in a country where direct transfers are possible).
If transferring through Marriot Bonvoy, then you must register with them as well. The enrolment process for these programs is straightforward. It’s important to keep in mind that the programs have different requirements and registration procedures.
Once enrolled, you’ll be able to transfer your points to Miles & Smiles or use your points in other ways, such as booking flights on Turkish Airlines through Star Alliance partners. Alternatively using the Amex-Bonvoy route and then directly into Turkish Airlines.
Earning Points and Maximizing Transfers
Now that you know how to transfer your Amex points to Turkish Airlines, you might be interested in learning how to maximize your rewards. Amex Membership Rewards points can be earned through everyday purchases like groceries, dining, travel bookings, and more. The key to making the most of your points is to use your card frequently and in ways that earn the most points.
For example, some American Express cards offer bonus points for specific spending categories, such as dining or travel. By strategically using your card in these categories, you can accumulate points faster, which will allow you to transfer more points to Turkish Airlines or other airline partners.
Additionally, you should monitor any special offers or promotions that American Express may run from time to time. These promotions can give you bonus points for transferring to certain airline partners or for making specific types of purchases.
Miles Redemption Value Calculator
You should always use a miles redemption value calculator to ensure you are getting value for your points.
For example if you are unable to directly transfer to Turkish airlines then compare what it will cost you to do it via one of the above methods.
Things to Keep in Mind When Transferring Points
When transferring your points, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
First, always check the transfer ratio, as it can vary depending on the airline partner.
Secondly and as mentioned above ensure you get value for points.
Thirdly, consider the timing of your transfers. While most transfers are processed quickly, it’s a good idea to initiate the transfer ahead of time to avoid any last-minute issues. Some programs may have a waiting period before your points appear in your airline account, and some programs have a daily cap. So give yourself enough time before booking a flight.
Lastly, remember that you can only transfer points to the name on your American Express account. Ensure that your name matches EXACTLY in both places.
Why fly Turkish Airlines?
Flying Turkish Airlines is an exceptional experience, offering world-class service and comfort that makes it a real contender in todays competitive world of business class air travel, where comfort, service, and unique experiences are key to a memorable journey. The airline boasts an exceptional business class lounge at Istanbul Airport providing a luxurious and relaxing environment with gourmet dining, comfortable seating, and a wide range of amenities.
On board, passengers can enjoy the unique experience of having a chef prepare delicious meals, elevating the dining experience to a whole new level. The Turkish Airlines Airbus A350 ensures a comfortable journey, and if you’re lucky enough to fly on one of their “Turkoflot” aircraft—Turkish Airlines’ fleet of ex-Aeroflot A350s—you’ll enjoy the added luxury of individual business class suites that offer maximum privacy and comfort.
Summing Up
In summary, it is possible to transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to Turkish Airlines, but this option is limited to certain regions. If you are in the Middle East, you can transfer your points directly to Turkish Airlines’ Miles & Smiles program. However, if you are outside the Middle East, you still have options. You can transfer points to a Star Alliance partner like Singapore Airlines and book a flight with Turkish Airlines that way, or you can do it through the Marriot Bonvoy route.
To take advantage of these options, you need to be enrolled in both the Membership Rewards program and the Miles & Smiles program. By earning points through everyday spending and taking advantage of promotions, you can maximize your rewards and make your travel dreams a reality with Turkish Airlines.
Remember, whether you can directly transfer points or not, there are plenty of ways to use your Amex points for flights, and with a little planning, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience.
There’s no greater reward than flying almost free on business or first class. I have been doing it for the last 20 years and have made use of my American Express Membership Rewards. It’s one of my favourite programs as it provides such great flexibility. I generally do an amex points transfer to Emirates – although I must say i am reconsidering due to the increase in ratio.
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Happy travels!
