What is a transfer bonus?

A promotion where moving credit-card points to an airline gives extra miles — for example a 30% bonus turns 50,000 points into 65,000 miles. It effectively lowers your cost per mile.

Should I wait for a transfer bonus?

If your trip is flexible, yes — a bonus stretches your points further. But never transfer before you've confirmed the award seat exists, because most transfers can't be reversed.

How do I calculate miles from a transfer bonus?

Multiply your points by the transfer ratio (usually 1:1) and then by one plus the bonus percentage. This calculator does it for you and shows the bonus miles earned.

Transfer bonus calculator

A transfer bonus turns credit-card points into extra airline miles — a 30% bonus makes 50,000 points into 65,000 miles. Enter your points and the bonus to see exactly how many miles you'll get.

Points you'll transfer

Transfer bonus (%)

Transfer ratio (miles per point)

Most card → airline transfers are 1:1 (enter 1). Marriott is often about 0.33 (3:1).

You'll receive

65,000 miles

from 50,000 points with a 30% bonus

Without bonus50,000

Bonus miles+15,000

Total65,000

A transfer bonus lowers your effective cost per mile — wait for one when you can, then confirm the award seat before transferring (transfers usually can't be reversed).

Is buying cheaper than transferring? →

FAQ

What is a transfer bonus?: A promotion where moving credit-card points to an airline gives extra miles — for example a 30% bonus turns 50,000 points into 65,000 miles. It effectively lowers your cost per mile.
Should I wait for a transfer bonus?: If your trip is flexible, yes — a bonus stretches your points further. But never transfer before you've confirmed the award seat exists, because most transfers can't be reversed.
How do I calculate miles from a transfer bonus?: Multiply your points by the transfer ratio (usually 1:1) and then by one plus the bonus percentage. This calculator does it for you and shows the bonus miles earned.

Should I buy miles? →Mileage value calculator →Buy miles vs transfer points →