Amex Transfer Partners 2026: Avios 30% Ends Sep 27 — Who to Transfer Now
As of September 18, 2026 (PT), U.S. Amex Membership Rewards has two live transfer bonuses worth watching before they expire: 30% to Avios (British Airways Club, Iberia Club/Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub) through September 27, 2026, and 30% to Hilton Honors through October 14, 2026, plus a 2026 roster change that still trips people up: Etihad Guest is out for U.S. miles transfers.
When the elevated ratio shows, Avios moves at 1,000 Membership Rewards → 1,300 Avios (1:1.3 vs the ordinary 1:1). Hilton moves at 1,000 → 2,600 Hilton Honors (1:2.6 vs base 1:2). Bonuses can be eligibility-gated; Hilton is more often described as targeted than Avios.
Deadline priority is simple: Avios ends first on September 27; Hilton runs longer to October 14. Transfer only when you already have a specific redemption lined up (Amex terms treat transfers as final), and skip stale Etihad transfer advice. The post-Etihad map is about 16 airline + 4 hotel partners, including the newer Leaders Club hotel add at 4:1.
Miles & Points transfer map for roamingcactus.com, as of September 18, 2026 (PT). Linking rules, increments, and irreversible transfers follow Amex Membership Rewards terms. AwardWallet reports an Avios end clock of 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on September 27 (that timezone is AwardWallet’s, not an Amex public-page clock). Live bonuses and the post-Etihad roster shape are current as of September 18, 2026 (PT).
At a Glance: Amex Transfer Partners 2026 — live bonuses + roster
- As of September 18, 2026 (PT): two live Amex MR transfer bonuses: 30% to Avios (BA Club, Iberia Club/Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub) through Sept 27, 2026; 30% to Hilton Honors through Oct 14, 2026. NerdWallet’s September 14 update lists only those two.
- Avios math: base 1:1 → bonus 1:1.3 (1,000 → 1,300). Worked examples from that ratio: 10,000 → 13,000; 50,000 → 65,000; 54,000 → 70,200. Bonus typically lands at transfer time with no separate registration step.
- Hilton math: base 1:2 → bonus 1:2.6 (1,000 → 2,600). Window Sept 1–Oct 14, 2026. Traveling for Miles reports some accounts see 20% or no bonus; Hilton is more often targeted than Avios.
- Deadline priority: Avios ends first (Sept 27); Hilton runs longer (Oct 14). AwardWallet reports 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Sept 27 for the Avios end.
- Soft eligibility: Bonuses may be targeted or gated; Hilton is more often targeted than Avios. Doctor of Credit leans cautious on Hilton except for topping off a specific stay.
- Etihad Guest removed from U.S. MR: ended June 30, 2026 (last transfer day generally June 29). Pay with Points on Amex Travel for Etihad cash fares may still exist; that is not a miles transfer.
- 2026 roster shape: about 16 airline + 4 hotel partners after the Etihad exit and Leaders Club add (4:1, 1,000 → 250, added ~July 28, 2026). Prefer Cathay at 5:4; Qatar Airways Privilege Club stays on majority partner lists.
- Default rule: Do not transfer without a specific redemption. Transfers are final. Travel after a bonus end date is fine if the transfer itself completes by the deadline. Waiting for a future higher Avios bonus is speculation, not a verified next offer.
Real-World Examples
Example 1 — Avios award locked before September 27
You already have award space and taxes/fees locked for an Avios redemption. The 30% window ends September 27, 2026, before Hilton, so this is the time-sensitive move if the elevated 1:1.3 ratio is showing. Partner choice still matters even though Avios can often move among programs later. The Points Guy frames Aer Lingus for Ireland-focused metal, Iberia for Spain and often lower surcharges, and British Airways for the broadest booking platform (including some American Airlines / Alaska and Qatar Qsuite paths).
Build a posting buffer. The Points Guy lists British Airways and Aer Lingus as often instant and Iberia up to 48 hours. Frequent Miler puts Iberia around 12–24 hours (slower on weekends). AwardWallet notes promo transfers may take up to 72 hours. Math at the elevated ratio: 1,000 → 1,300; 10,000 → 13,000; 50,000 → 65,000. Travel after September 27 is fine if the transfer completes by the deadline.
Takeaway: Avios ends first. Only transfer after award space and taxes are locked; the first-hop partner still matters.
Example 2 — Hilton stay top-off (specific booked stay only)
You are short on Hilton Honors points for a stay you already booked (or can book now) and you see the elevated 1:2.6 ratio, a 20% variant, or none. Transfer only the top-off amount you need. Doctor of Credit generally finds dumping flexible Membership Rewards into Hilton not worth it on valuation alone, except when you are topping off a real stay.
At 30% elevated, 1,000 Membership Rewards → 2,600 Hilton Honors. The Hilton window runs through October 14, 2026, longer than Avios, so there is no need to prioritize Hilton ahead of a ready Avios award that needs the September 27 deadline.
Takeaway: Hilton is a topping-off tool during the bonus, not a default Membership Rewards dump.
Example 3 — Updating a 2026 mental map (Etihad out, Leaders Club in)
Older guides still list Etihad Guest as an Amex transfer partner. For U.S. Membership Rewards, that corridor ended June 30, 2026 (last transfer day generally June 29). The Points Guy reported the removal ahead of that date, and Etihad is not on current partner lists. Pay with Points on Amex Travel for Etihad cash fares may still exist (different product, not a miles transfer).
The other 2026 hotel change: Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club joined around July 28, 2026 at a steep 4:1 face ratio (1,000 Membership Rewards → 250 Leaders Club). Treat it as a niche luxury-independent option, not a live bonus overlay. After Etihad’s exit and that add, the shape is about 16 airline + 4 hotel partners, always subject to change in the logged-in transfer UI.
Takeaway: Do not plan new Membership Rewards → Etihad Guest transfers; use the post-Etihad roster below instead.
TL;DR – Verdict
- Two live bonuses as of September 18, 2026 (PT): Avios 30% through Sept 27 (1,000 → 1,300); Hilton 30% through Oct 14 (1,000 → 2,600).
- Deadline priority: Avios ends first; Hilton longer. AwardWallet reports 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on Sept 27 for Avios.
- Avios partners: British Airways Club, Iberia Club/Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub. Hilton may show 30%, 20%, or none.
- Who to transfer now: Avios only if an award is ready; Hilton only to top off a specific stay; otherwise hold flexible Membership Rewards.
- Etihad out June 30, 2026; not a miles partner. Leaders Club hotel add at 4:1 (~July 28, 2026).
- Roster: ~16 airline + 4 hotel. Prefer Cathay 5:4; Qatar included on majority lists.
- Mechanics: Transfers final; link first; 1,000 minimum in 1,000 increments; U.S. airline transfers may incur a $0.0006/point excise offset (max $99).
Verdict: Eligible U.S. Membership Rewards holders who see the elevated ratio and already have a specific redemption (a locked Avios award before September 27, or a Hilton stay top-off before October 14) are the only clear “move now” cohort. Everyone else should hold flexible points. Transfers are irreversible; Etihad is gone; do not skip a locked Avios award waiting on an unverified future bonus.
Last updated: September 18, 2026 (PT).
Introduction
As of September 18, 2026 (PT), the Amex Membership Rewards transfer story is a deadline map, not a generic evergreen partner dump. Two live bonuses are on the board: 30% to Avios through September 27 and 30% to Hilton Honors through October 14. Avios ends first. That is the clock that should drive most “who to transfer now” decisions this month.
The elevated math, when it shows, is straightforward. Avios: 1,000 Membership Rewards → 1,300 Avios (1:1.3 versus base 1:1). Hilton: 1,000 → 2,600 Hilton Honors (1:2.6 versus base 1:2). NerdWallet’s September 14, 2026 update lists only those two Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses as active; no other concurrent airline or hotel transfer bonus appears in that roundup.
Soft eligibility is real. Amex transfer bonuses can be targeted or gated; Hilton is more often described that way than Avios. Traveling for Miles reports accounts seeing 20% or no Hilton bonus alongside the headline 30%. Before you move points, check the elevated ratio in your Amex transfer UI; that is the single practical gate that matters more than any roundup table.
The other 2026 change still confusing readers: Etihad Guest is no longer a U.S. Membership Rewards miles transfer partner. Transfers ended June 30, 2026. Pay with Points on Amex Travel for Etihad cash fares may still appear; that is not the same as transferring Membership Rewards into Etihad Guest miles. Leaders Club joined the hotel side around July 28, 2026 at 4:1 (1,000 → 250), which is a steep face ratio and a separate decision from the live Avios and Hilton bonuses.
Default decision rule per Amex’s transfer FAQ and The Points Guy: do not transfer without a specific redemption in mind. Transfers cannot be reversed. Award pricing and availability can change. Travel after a bonus end date is fine if the transfer itself completes by the deadline.
Below: the live Avios bonus, the live Hilton bonus, who to transfer now by deadline priority, the post-Etihad 2026 roster with tables, transfer mechanics from Amex terms, then a short conclusion and FAQ.
Deadline strip: Avios 30% → ends Sept 27, 2026 (first) | Hilton 30% → thru Oct 14, 2026 | Etihad miles transfer → out June 30, 2026
AwardWallet reports 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on September 27 for the Avios end.
Live Now: Amex Transfer Bonus Avios 30% Through September 27
U.S. American Express Membership Rewards offers a 30% transfer bonus to three Avios programs: British Airways Club, Iberia Club/Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub, through September 27, 2026. NerdWallet frames the window as starting August 3, 2026. Aer Lingus is in that three-partner set.
Base ratio: 1:1 (1,000 Membership Rewards → 1,000 Avios). With 30% bonus: 1:1.3 (1,000 → 1,300 Avios). Worked examples from that ratio alone: 10,000 → 13,000; 50,000 → 65,000; 54,000 → 70,200. The bonus is typically reflected at transfer time, with no separate registration step. Transfers usually move in a 1,000-point minimum and 1,000-point increments. AwardWallet cites a single-transfer Avios maximum of 999,000 (AwardWallet reporting, not an Amex public-page term).
On the end clock, AwardWallet reports 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on September 27, 2026. Leave a buffer either way. The Points Guy lists British Airways and Aer Lingus as often instant and Iberia up to 48 hours. Frequent Miler puts Iberia around 12–24 hours. AwardWallet notes promo-period transfers may take up to 72 hours.
After Avios land in one program, Combine My Avios can often move balances 1:1 among British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar Privilege Club, Finnair Plus, and other programs named in The Points Guy’s Avios coverage. Some hops may require British Airways first. That is why the first-hop partner still matters for booking access and surcharge exposure even during a bonus.
As of September 18, 2026 (PT), NerdWallet still lists the Avios 30% window as active through September 27. Waiting for a future higher Avios percentage is speculation. Historical larger bonuses are context, not a promise of the next offer.
Full “should I transfer” framing sits in Who to Transfer Now below. Roster context, including partners without a live bonus, is in the 2026 roster section.
Also Live: Hilton Honors 30% Through October 14
Separately, Amex Membership Rewards offers a 30% transfer bonus to Hilton Honors from September 1 through October 14, 2026, as of September 18, 2026 (PT). Base: 1:2 (1,000 Membership Rewards → 2,000 Hilton). With 30%: 1:2.6 (1,000 → 2,600 Hilton Honors).
Targeting matters more here. Traveling for Miles reports both 20% and 30% variants in the wild around early September, plus accounts that see no bonus. Hilton is more often described as targeted than the Avios corridor. Doctor of Credit leans cautious: generally not worth draining flexible Membership Rewards into Hilton on valuation alone, except when you are topping off a specific booked or bookable stay.
Deadline relative to Avios: Hilton runs longer (October 14). Do not prioritize a Hilton top-off ahead of a ready Avios award that needs the September 27 window. As of September 18, 2026 (PT), only Avios and Hilton show as the live Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses in current September roundups.
Hilton pill: 1,000 → 2,600 through Oct 14 · may be targeted · best framed as a top-off tool, not a default Membership Rewards dump.
Who to Transfer Now (Deadline Priority)
This is a deadline-priority decision tree, not a “transfer everything while there is a bonus” pitch.
Priority 1 — Avios first if an award is ready
The Avios 30% ends September 27, first of the two live windows. Transfer only after award space and taxes/fees are locked. Partner choice still matters. The Points Guy frames Aer Lingus for Ireland-focused metal, Iberia for Spain and often lower surcharges, and British Airways for the broadest platform among the three (including some American Airlines / Alaska and Qatar Qsuite booking paths). Illustrative award prices from August/September 2026 articles are examples, not live inventory guarantees. Build a timing buffer for Iberia and for any promo-period delay.
Priority 2 — Hilton only for a booked stay top-off
Use the elevated 1:2.6 Hilton ratio when you need Hilton points for a specific stay and the math beats earning or buying Hilton another way. Do not drain flexible Membership Rewards into Hilton on valuation alone; Doctor of Credit frames that caution clearly. Because Hilton runs to October 14, you can wait if Avios is the only real deadline on your calendar.
Default — hold flexible Membership Rewards
If neither redemption is real, hold the points. Transfers are final. You can use both bonuses in the same window only when both redemptions are real and both elevated ratios are showing; that is not a default “grab both” recommendation. Etihad is not an option for new miles transfers. Leaders Club at 4:1 is a separate, steep-ratio hotel path for readers who already have a Leaders Club plan, not a live bonus overlay.
Timing rule worth repeating: travel after a bonus end date is fine if the transfer completes by the deadline. That is especially relevant for Iberia and any promo delay. Waiting for a future 40% Avios offer is speculation, not a reason to skip a locked Avios award inside the current 30% window.
Hierarchy: Ready Avios award → transfer Avios by Sept 27 → else Hilton top-off by Oct 14 → else hold flexible Membership Rewards.
Amex Membership Rewards Transfer Partners 2026 Roster (Etihad Out)
After Etihad’s exit and the Leaders Club hotel add, U.S. Membership Rewards sits at about 16 airline + 4 hotel partners on current partner guides. Partners and ratios are subject to change; Amex directs cardmembers to the logged-in transfer experience rather than publishing a static public roster.
Etihad Guest: removed for U.S. MR. U.S. miles transfers ended June 30, 2026 (last transfer day generally June 29). Etihad is not on current partner lists. Pay with Points on Amex Travel for Etihad cash fares may still exist; that is not a miles transfer. Do not plan new Membership Rewards → Etihad Guest transfers.
Airline partners
| Partner | Base ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus AerClub | 1:1 | In live Avios 30% through Sept 27 |
| Aeromexico Rewards | ~1:1.6 | Base ratio only |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| ANA Mileage Club | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| British Airways Club | 1:1 | In live Avios 30% through Sept 27 |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 5:4 (1,000 → 800) | Prefer 5:4; The Points Guy still lists 1:1 in places |
| Delta SkyMiles | 1:1 | U.S. airline excise fee may apply |
| Emirates Skywards | 5:4 (~1:0.8) | Base ratio only |
| Iberia Club/Plus | 1:1 | In live Avios 30% through Sept 27 |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 250:200 (1:0.8) | U.S. airline excise fee may apply |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 1:1 | On majority partner guides; also reachable via Avios hops |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
Hotel partners
| Partner | Base ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Choice Privileges | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
| Hilton Honors | 1:2 | Live 30% → 1:2.6 (1,000 → 2,600) through Oct 14 |
| Leaders Club (Leading Hotels of the World) | 4:1 (1,000 → 250) | Added ~July 28, 2026; steep face ratio |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 1:1 | Base ratio only |
Live-bonus overlay: only the Avios trio (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus) and Hilton currently show elevated ratios in September roundups. Other partners on this list remain at their base ratios unless your transfer screen shows otherwise.
Mechanics: Linking, Increments, Excise Fee, Transfers Final
Amex Membership Rewards terms and transfer FAQ (September 2026 terms PDF and transfer FAQ) set the baseline rules. What your account shows in the transfer screen is what you can move today.
- Link first. Connect the partner loyalty account before transferring. The account must belong to the Card Member or an Additional Card Member; an Additional Card must have been issued at least 90 days before linking.
- Minimum and increments. Typical minimum is 1,000 Membership Rewards points in 1,000-point increments.
- Transfers are final. Once completed, transfers are irreversible, which is why the “specific redemption first” rule matters.
- U.S. airline excise offset. U.S. airline transfers may incur a federal excise tax offset of $0.0006 per point, capped at $99.
- Partners change. Participating partners and ratios are subject to change. Bonuses may be targeted. The logged-in transfer screen is the source of truth for what you can move today.
- Timing buffer. British Airways and Aer Lingus are often instant; Iberia can take longer. AwardWallet notes promo transfers may take up to 72 hours. Leave room before September 27 if you are booking immediately after transfer.
Quick checklist: Partner account linked? Correct partner selected? Amount in 1,000 increments? Deadline buffer enough? Then transfer, and treat it as final.
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Conclusion / Final Thoughts
As of September 18, 2026 (PT), the live Amex Membership Rewards transfer map has two bonuses and one roster change that still confuses people. Avios 30% ends September 27 first at 1,000 → 1,300 when the elevated ratio shows. Hilton 30% runs through October 14 at 1,000 → 2,600, useful for topping off a specific stay, not for dumping flexible points. Etihad Guest is out for U.S. miles transfers as of June 30, 2026; Pay with Points is not a substitute transfer corridor.
Who to transfer now: ready Avios award → move by September 27; else Hilton top-off by October 14; else hold Membership Rewards. The post-Etihad roster is about 16 airline + 4 hotel partners, with Leaders Club as the notable 2026 hotel add at 4:1. Prefer Cathay at 5:4. Transfers are final; waiting on a future higher Avios percentage is speculation.
Re-check the live Avios status as September 27 approaches, and the Hilton window through October 14. Transfers remain final once completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Amex Membership Rewards transfer bonuses are live right now?
As of September 18, 2026 (PT), September roundups list two: 30% to Avios (British Airways Club, Iberia Club/Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub) through September 27, 2026, and 30% to Hilton Honors through October 14, 2026. No other concurrent Amex airline or hotel transfer bonus appears in that coverage. Bonuses may be targeted; Hilton more often than Avios.
When does the Amex Avios 30% transfer bonus end?
Through September 27, 2026. AwardWallet reports 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on that date. Leave a buffer if you need points posted before you book; Iberia and promo-period transfers can take longer than British Airways or Aer Lingus.
Is Etihad still an Amex Membership Rewards transfer partner?
No. Etihad Guest was removed from U.S. Membership Rewards; transfers ended June 30, 2026 (last transfer day generally June 29). It is not on current partner lists. Pay with Points on Amex Travel for Etihad cash fares may still exist; that is not a miles transfer.
Who should I transfer Amex points to before the bonuses expire?
Deadline priority: Avios first if you have a locked award and taxes/fees locked (ends Sept 27); Hilton only to top off a specific booked stay (through Oct 14). Default: do not transfer without a specific redemption; transfers are final. Ready Avios → Sept 27; else Hilton top-off → Oct 14; else hold Membership Rewards.
Are Amex Membership Rewards transfers reversible?
No. Transfers are final once completed per Amex Membership Rewards terms. Link the partner account first (Card Member or Additional Card Member with the Additional Card issued ≥90 days before linking). Typical minimum is 1,000 points in 1,000 increments. U.S. airline transfers may incur a $0.0006 per point excise tax offset, max $99.
