Historically, redeeming Capital One miles meant navigating fixed-value options. However, since 2018, Capital One has revolutionized its rewards program by introducing transfer partners, offering cardholders significantly more flexible and potentially lucrative redemption avenues. Capital One now boasts over 15 airline and hotel transfer partners, most operating at a desirable 1:1 transfer ratio. This guide will delve into how to accumulate Capital One miles and provide a comprehensive overview of each Capital One transfer partner, empowering you to make informed decisions and maximize your rewards.
Earning Capital One Miles: Your Gateway to Travel Rewards
To leverage the power of Capital One transfer partners, you’ll first need to earn Capital One miles. While not every Capital One credit card participates in this program, a robust selection of consumer and business cards are designed to accumulate these valuable, transferable miles.
Here are some of the popular consumer credit cards that earn transferable Capital One miles:
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For business owners seeking to boost their travel rewards, Capital One also offers business credit cards that earn miles:
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The information for the Capital One Spark Miles Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Acquiring one of these cards is the primary step to earning Capital One miles. However, Capital One provides an additional strategic advantage: the ability to convert cash back earned from other Capital One cards into miles. This opens up opportunities to consolidate rewards from cards like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, a popular cash-back option, and funnel those earnings into your miles balance, further amplifying your travel potential.
Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture Rewards: Which $95 card should you get?
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Capital One Transfer Partners: A Detailed Overview
Capital One’s extensive network of transfer partners spans across airlines and hotels, providing a diverse range of redemption options. Understanding the transfer ratios is crucial for assessing the value proposition of each partner. Here’s a comprehensive list of Capital One transfer partners and their respective transfer ratios:
- Aeromexico Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Air Canada Aeroplan: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Accor Live Limitless: 2:1 transfer ratio
- Avianca LifeMiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
- British Airways Executive Club: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Choice Privileges (U.S.-based accounts only): 1:1 transfer ratio
- Emirates Skywards: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Etihad Airways Guest: 1:1 transfer ratio
- EVA Airways Infinity MileageLands: 4:3 transfer ratio
- Finnair Plus: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 1:1 transfer ratio
- TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Virgin Red: 1:1 transfer ratio
- Wyndham Rewards: 1:1 transfer ratio
It’s important to note that transfer times can vary between partners. For detailed information on processing times, consult our guide on Capital One transfer times.
Related: Tips and tricks to get maximum value from your Capital One miles
Unlocking Maximum Value: The Best Capital One Transfer Partners
While Capital One miles offer a baseline value of 1.85 cents each according to TPG valuations, strategic transfers to the right partners can significantly amplify this value. To help you navigate the options, we’ll highlight some of the most rewarding Capital One transfer partners.
Air Canada Aeroplan: Your Gateway to the Star Alliance
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program underwent significant enhancements in 2020, solidifying its position as a premier loyalty program. Aeroplan’s award chart features zone-based pricing for Air Canada flights and fixed rates for most partner awards within the Star Alliance network.
A key advantage of Aeroplan is the elimination of carrier-imposed surcharges on award tickets. This can translate to substantial savings, especially on long-haul international flights. Furthermore, Aeroplan’s generous stopover policy allows you to incorporate a stopover on a one-way award for a mere 5,000 points, adding extra destinations to your itinerary. A partner booking fee of 39 Canadian dollars (approximately $29 USD) applies to partner-operated segments.
Aeroplan shines for short-haul awards within North America and premium-cabin international flights. For instance, economy flights under 500 miles within North America on partner airlines are priced at just 6,000 points each way.
[Image of Air Canada website search result]
Alt text: Air Canada Aeroplan search results showcasing flight options and point costs for award travel.
Transcontinental business class flights within North America operated by United Airlines can often be secured for 25,000 points each way, offering exceptional value for premium travel.
[Image of Air Canada website showing transcontinental business class flight]
Alt text: Air Canada Aeroplan business class flight award availability on a transcontinental route within North America.
For transatlantic travel from the U.S. to Europe (excluding Emirates), Aeroplan offers competitive rates on Star Alliance partners. Expect to pay around 35,000-40,000 points for economy, 60,000-70,000 points for business, and 90,000-100,000 points for first class, depending on the distance band.
Related: The best ways to maximize Air Canada’s Aeroplan program
Avianca LifeMiles: Sweet Spots within the Star Alliance
Avianca LifeMiles is renowned for its attractive redemption rates on Star Alliance partner flights and its policy of not imposing fuel surcharges on partner awards. Despite some award chart adjustments, LifeMiles continues to present valuable opportunities.
One notable sweet spot is Lufthansa first class between Chicago and Frankfurt, often redeemable for 87,000 LifeMiles plus minimal taxes and fees.
[Image of LifeMiles website showing Lufthansa First Class award]
Alt text: Avianca LifeMiles award booking for Lufthansa First Class, highlighting mileage cost and low fees.
LifeMiles’ unique pricing structure for mixed-cabin awards can further reduce redemption costs. By incorporating a connecting flight in a lower class of service to a long-haul first-class segment, you may receive a points refund, effectively lowering the overall award price.
[Image of LifeMiles mixed cabin award example]
Alt text: Avianca LifeMiles mixed-cabin award booking example, demonstrating potential point savings.
LifeMiles is also a strong contender for domestic travel within the U.S. on United Airlines. Economy awards within the U.S. typically range from 13,500 LifeMiles or less each way, with short-haul United routes available for as little as 6,500 LifeMiles.
[Image of LifeMiles domestic United flight award]
Alt text: Avianca LifeMiles domestic award flight on United Airlines, showcasing low mileage redemption for short-haul routes.
Related: Using LifeMiles to book Aeromexico business-class award tickets
British Airways Executive Club: Short-Haul Value and Beyond
British Airways Executive Club, utilizing Avios as its currency, offers a wealth of redemption possibilities. Even after recent award chart adjustments, significant value remains, particularly for short-haul flights on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
[Image of British Airways website for award booking]
Alt text: British Airways Executive Club award search results demonstrating Avios redemption options for flights.
British Airways’ distance-based award chart presents opportunities for maximizing value, especially for shorter flights. Off-peak business-class flights from select U.S. cities to Madrid can be booked for 34,000 Avios plus modest taxes and fees one-way.
[Image of British Airways off-peak business class award to Madrid]
Alt text: British Airways Executive Club off-peak business class award flight to Madrid, highlighting Avios cost.
Avios can also be transferred to partner programs like Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Iberia Plus, unlocking further redemption sweet spots within the Avios ecosystem.
Related: Which airlines can I book with Avios?
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: Hidden Gems and Sweet Spots
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles continues to be a program with hidden gems and appealing sweet spots. Retaining traditional award charts, Miles&Smiles offers an exceptional value for United-operated flights to Hawaii, bookable for just 7,500 miles one-way in economy.
[Image of Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles website for award booking]
Alt text: Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles award search interface, highlighting potential for finding award flights.
While fuel surcharges can be a consideration on some Star Alliance carriers, they are not imposed on United-operated flights and are generally reasonable on Turkish Airlines flights. Promotional award flights operated by Turkish Airlines can also offer excellent value.
[Image of Turkish Airlines promotional award flight booking]
Alt text: Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles promotional award flight booking, showcasing potential discounts on mileage costs.
Related: Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles sweet spots you can use to maximize your transferable rewards
Virgin Red: Virgin Atlantic and Beyond
Virgin Red serves as the loyalty program for the Virgin Group, encompassing Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Voyages cruises. Virgin points can unlock exceptional value, particularly through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
One standout redemption is U.S. West Coast to Japan in All Nippon Airways (ANA) business class for 45,000 points one-way (plus taxes and fees). While requiring a phone booking, this represents incredible value for premium travel to Asia.
Solid value can also be found on select Delta Air Lines-operated awards booked through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, particularly for shorter routes.
[Image of Virgin Atlantic website showing Delta award flight]
Alt text: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club award booking for a Delta Air Lines flight, demonstrating partner redemption options.
Related: How to upgrade your next Virgin Atlantic flight with Virgin points
Mid-Tier Capital One Transfer Partners: Situational Value
Several Capital One transfer partners fall into a mid-tier category, offering potential value depending on specific travel needs and circumstances. It’s crucial to evaluate redemption options and compare cash prices before transferring miles to these programs.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue: Dynamic Pricing and Promo Rewards
Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France, KLM, and partner airlines, utilizes dynamic award pricing, making it essential to compare redemption rates against cash fares.
However, Flying Blue presents sweet spots, including Virgin Atlantic award tickets and transatlantic economy flights from the U.S. to Europe for as low as 20,000 miles one-way.
[Image of Air France Flying Blue website for award search]
Alt text: Air France-KLM Flying Blue award search interface, showcasing dynamic pricing and award flight options.
Flying Blue’s monthly Promo Rewards offer discounted award flights on select routes, providing opportunities for savings.
Related: Flying Blue stopovers: Extend your trip and book an additional flight at no extra cost
Accor Live Limitless: Fixed Value Hotel Redemptions
Accor Live Limitless, the hotel loyalty program for Accor brands, uses a fixed-value redemption scheme. Transferring Capital One miles to Accor provides a consistent, albeit not aspirational, value. 2,000 Accor points can be redeemed for 40 euros (approximately $44 USD) off a hotel stay.
With a 2:1 transfer ratio, 4,000 Capital One miles yield $44 in Accor credit. This offers a slightly better return compared to redeeming the same miles for a $40 statement credit through Capital One’s fixed-value redemption option, making it a viable option for Accor hotel stays.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: Distance-Based Awards and Cathay Pacific Flights
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles employs distance-based award charts, which can result in higher mileage costs for long-haul flights to/from the U.S. on Cathay Pacific.
While recent Asia Miles program changes in late 2023 increased premium-cabin award rates on Cathay Pacific, economy rates decreased in some instances. For example, economy flights from Los Angeles to Hong Kong can be found for 27,000 Asia Miles plus taxes and fees.
[Image of Cathay Pacific Asia Miles website award search]
Alt text: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles award search results, showcasing distance-based award pricing and flight availability.
Booking British Airways flights through Asia Miles may offer reduced carrier-imposed surcharges. Asia Miles can also provide access to Cathay Pacific first-class award space, although availability on U.S.-Hong Kong routes is currently limited.
Emirates Skywards: Premium Cabin Access and Partner Redemptions
Emirates Skywards is valuable for accessing Emirates’ premium cabins, particularly first class, despite award chart adjustments.
[Image of Emirates Skywards website for award booking]
Alt text: Emirates Skywards award booking interface, highlighting options for redeeming miles on Emirates flights.
Emirates Skywards partners with other airlines, expanding redemption options beyond Emirates flights.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: Singapore Suites and Spontaneous Escapes
Singapore KrisFlyer, despite recent devaluations, remains essential for booking Singapore Suites or first class.
[Image of Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer website for award search]
Alt text: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer award search interface, showcasing options for redeeming miles in premium cabins like Suites.
KrisFlyer’s Spontaneous Escapes program often features discounted award flights, offering potential value.
Related: You can convert Singapore KrisFlyer miles to Marriott points — but should you?
Qantas Frequent Flyer: Distance-Based Chart and Transpacific Flights
Qantas Frequent Flyer uses distance-based award charts, making long-haul flights from the U.S. to Australia generally expensive. However, shorter transpacific flights and flights within specific regions can offer reasonable redemption rates. East Coast to Europe flights can be found for around 20,300 points.
[Image of Qantas Frequent Flyer website for award booking]
Alt text: Qantas Frequent Flyer award search results, illustrating distance-based award chart and flight options.
Wyndham Rewards: Hotel and Vacation Rental Value
Wyndham Rewards points are valued at approximately 1.1 cents each by TPG. However, redemptions for Wyndham Vacation Rentals at a fixed rate of 15,000 points per bedroom per night can yield higher value.
Wyndham’s three-tiered award chart can also provide excellent value for expensive hotel nights.
[Image of Wyndham Hotels website showing award booking]
Alt text: Wyndham Hotels website showcasing award booking options and point redemption levels for hotel stays.
For example, the BeHome by LuxUrban, a Travelodge by Wyndham in New York City, can be booked for 15,000 points per night, offering a significantly higher redemption value compared to cash rates during peak periods.
Related: The best Wyndham hotels in the world
Capital One Transfer Partners to Avoid: Proceed with Caution
Certain Capital One transfer partners may not consistently offer optimal value due to factors like high award charts, unfavorable transfer ratios, or program limitations. While these programs may have niche uses, they are generally best avoided for Capital One mile transfers.
Aeromexico Rewards: Dynamic Pricing and High Fees
Aeromexico Rewards primarily uses dynamic pricing for award flights, often resulting in elevated redemption rates. Additionally, the program can impose substantial taxes and fees on award tickets.
[Image of Aeromexico Rewards website for award search]
Alt text: Aeromexico Rewards award search interface, highlighting dynamic pricing and potentially high fees.
However, Aeromexico Rewards offers a unique around-the-world award ticket, allowing up to 15 stopovers, which may be of interest to some travelers.
Choice Privileges: Low Point Value and Alternative Earning Methods
Choice Privileges points are valued at approximately 0.6 cents each by TPG. Transferring Capital One miles to Choice Privileges typically does not represent good value. Purchasing Choice points during promotions or earning them through Choice Privileges credit cards are often more advantageous strategies.
[Image of Choice Hotels website for award booking]
Alt text: Choice Hotels website showcasing award booking options and point redemption levels for hotel stays.
Related: Redeem Choice points for a Maldives resort, half-board hotels, suites and more
Etihad Guest: Reduced Sweet Spots and Indicative Award Charts
Etihad Guest, despite a broad partner network, has significantly reduced its sweet spots with the introduction of a standardized award chart in March 2023. Award redemption rates often exceed the “indicative values” listed on the chart, diminishing the program’s appeal for Capital One mile transfers.
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands: Less Competitive Award Chart
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands generally features a less competitive award chart compared to other Star Alliance programs like Air Canada Aeroplan and Avianca LifeMiles, making it a less compelling Capital One transfer partner.
Finnair Plus: Higher Award Rates
Finnair Plus typically has higher award rates compared to other programs.
[Image of Finnair Plus website for award booking]
Alt text: Finnair Plus award search interface, showcasing potentially higher award rates compared to other programs.
While Finnair Plus points will transition to Avios in March 2024, with points converting at a 3:2 ratio, award rates will be adjusted accordingly, likely maintaining the program’s relative value proposition.
Related: The best websites for searching Oneworld award availability
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go: Inconsistent Award Pricing
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go award charts may not consistently reflect actual award pricing. Award searches often reveal higher rates than those listed on the charts.
[Image of TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go website award chart]
Alt text: TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go award chart for flights, illustrating base mileage costs but potential pricing discrepancies.
[Image of TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go website award search]
Alt text: TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go award search results, showing potentially higher actual award prices than advertised in the chart.
Purchasing TAP miles during sales can sometimes be more cost-effective than transferring Capital One miles, even when considering award flight redemptions.
Related: TAP Air Portugal launches new credit card for US travelers
Bottom Line: Strategic Transfers for Maximum Rewards
Capital One transfer partners offer tremendous potential to elevate the value of your Capital One miles. By strategically transferring miles to programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and British Airways Executive Club, you can unlock premium travel experiences and maximize your rewards.
However, it’s crucial to always compare cash prices and redemption values before transferring Capital One miles. In some instances, redeeming miles at a fixed value to offset travel purchases may provide a more advantageous return. Understanding the nuances of each Capital One transfer partner program empowers you to make informed decisions and travel smarter.
