Discover Hilton Transfer Partners for Optimal Use of Points

Introduction: Maximizing Your Hilton Honors Points

The Hilton Honors loyalty program is the second largest in the United States and, according to experts, is expected to overtake Merriott Bonfoy this year, so it’s understandable that Hilton Honors points are very popular.

We always cover the latest offers for buying points here, and we’ve already written about whether or not to buy hotel points. So this article will be about transferring points, transfer partners, conversion rate, Pooling and Sharing with family and friends.

Transfer Options Available

Hilton Honors points are very flexible, allowing you to transfer Hilton points to airline loyalty programs such as Delta, United and American Airlines, Aeroplan or Avios, among others, as well as to more universal loyalty programs such as American Express Membership Rewards.

Understanding Hilton’s Airline Transfer Partners

Hilton Honors boasts an extensive network of airline partners, offering you the flexibility to convert your hotel points into airline miles. Here’s a detailed look at the list of airline partners and some best practices for transferring your points.

List of Airline Partners

Hilton Honors has partnerships with 26 major airlines, allowing you to transfer your points into various frequent flyer programs. Here are some of the key airline partners:

• Aeromexico: 25,000 Hilton points = 6,500 Premier points
• Air France-KLM: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Flying Blue miles
• ANA – All Nippon Airways: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Mileage Club miles
• Asiana Airlines: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Asiana miles
• British Airways: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Avios
• Cathay Pacific: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Asia miles
• Delta Air Lines: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 SkyMiles
• Etihad Airways: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Etihad Guest miles
• Malaysia Airlines: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,200 Enrich points
• Qatar Airways: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Privilege Club Qmiles
• Qantas Airways: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,500 Qantas Frequent Flyer points
• United Airlines: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 MileagePlus miles
• Virgin Atlantic Airways: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,500 Flying Club miles
• Virgin Australia: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,500 Velocity points.

Best Practices for Transferring Points to Airline Miles

While transferring Hilton Honors points to airline miles can be a valuable strategy, it’s important to do so thoughtfully. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Evaluate the Transfer Ratio

Most Hilton Honors points transfer to airline miles at a 10:1 ratio, meaning 10,000 Hilton points convert to 1,000 airline miles. However, some partners offer slightly better ratios, such as Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin Atlantic Airways, which offer 1,500 miles for 10,000 Hilton points. Always check the transfer ratio before making a decision.

2. Consider the Value of Your Points

Transferring points to airline miles often results in a loss of value compared to using them for hotel stays. For instance, 60,000 Hilton points might be worth $360 when used for hotel stays but only $81 when transferred to United MileagePlus miles. Ensure that the transfer aligns with your travel plans and maximizes the value of your points.

3. Plan Ahead

Transfer times can take up to 30 days, so it’s essential to plan your transfers well in advance of any travel plans. This ensures that the miles are available in your airline account when you need them.

How Do I Transfer Points?

Link your accounts. To transfer points, you’ll need to link your frequent flyer account to your Hilton Honors membership account. To do this, log in to your Hilton account, go to the “Redeem Points” section and add your airline membership information. 

This step is vital for a smooth transfer process.

Exploring Hilton’s Partnerships with Credit Card Programs

Hilton Honors has established robust partnerships with several major credit card programs, allowing you to transfer points from these programs to your Hilton Honors account. Here’s a detailed look at these partnerships and how to maximize your point transfers.

Major Credit Card Transfer Partners

Hilton Honors is directly linked with a few key credit card rewards programs, providing multiple avenues to accumulate Hilton points.

American Express Membership Rewards

Amex Membership Rewards is one of the most important partners that offers a 1:2 transfer ratio. Which works in both directions. This means that for every 1,000 Membership Rewards points you transfer, you will receive 2,000 Hilton Honors points and vice versa, for 2,000 Hilton Honors points you will receive 1,000 Membership Rewards points.

On americanexpress.com you can find a points calculator for transferring points.

American Express occasionally offers transfer bonuses to Hilton Honors, which can significantly enhance the value of your points. For instance, a 30% transfer bonus would turn 1,000 Membership Rewards points into 2,600 Hilton Honors points. Timing your transfers to coincide with these bonuses can maximize your point value.

Use credit cards that offer high earning rates in categories that align with your spending habits. For example, American Express cards can earn up to 10X points per dollar in certain categories, which can then be transferred to Hilton Honors at the 1:2 ratio.

Amex Membership Rewards can also be used to transfer points to competing hotel programs, Marriott Bonvoy (4,000 Hilton Honors points = 2,000 Amex Rewards points = 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) or Choice Privileges (4,000 Hilton Honors points = 2,000 Amex Rewards points = 2,000 Marriott Bonvoy points). This works both ways.

Bilt Rewards

This partnership started recently, on May 8, 2024. And now Bilt Rewards members will be able to exchange their Bilt Rewards Points for Hilton Honors Points in a 1:1 ratio.

This is especially beneficial for those who use the Bilt Mastercard to earn points on rent and mortgage payments without transaction fees.

Indirect Partners via Virgin Atlantic

The transfer ratio is 2 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to 3 Hilton Honors Points. The minimum transfer amount is 10,000 Virgin Points, and then in increments of 10,000 Points.

While Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards are not direct transfer partners with Hilton Honors, you can transfer points from these programs to Hilton via Virgin Atlantic. 

For example, you can convert Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points at a 1:1 ratio, and then transfer those points to Hilton Honors at a 2:3 ratio. 

You can also transfer from Marriott Bonvoy to Hilton Honors and vice versa through Virgin Atlantic (6,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 2,000 Atlantic Flying Club points = 3,000 Hilton Honors points).

Although this method is less direct, it provides an additional pathway to accumulating Hilton points.

Ensure that you transfer points when you need them most. Transfers from American Express Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors are typically processed quickly, but transfers via other indirect methods, such as through Virgin Atlantic, may take longer.

Pooling and Sharing Hilton Points: Family and Friends

Hilton Honors offers two convenient methods to combine points with family and friends, making it easier to accumulate the points needed for a rewarding stay. Here’s a detailed look at the guidelines and processes for pooling and transferring Hilton points.

Guidelines for Pooling Hilton Points

Hilton’s points pooling feature is a powerful tool for consolidating points from multiple accounts into one. It makes it simpler to book award nights or other rewards.

• Number of Participants: Up to 11 Hilton Honors members can participate in a points pool, including the pool leader. This makes it ideal for large groups, families, or couples planning a joint trip.
• Pool Leader: Designate one person as the pool leader, who will receive the pooled points. It is advisable to choose a pool leader with the highest elite status to maximize the benefits when redeeming award nights.
• Invitation Process: The pool leader initiates the pooling process by emailing invitations to other members. Once the invitations are accepted, members can transfer their points to the pool leader’s account.
• Transfer Limits: Each member can transfer up to 500,000 points per calendar year and receive up to 2 million points. Additionally, each member is limited to six pooling transactions per calendar year.
• Account Requirements: To participate in points pooling, the account must be at least 30 days old with some activity or 90 days old without activity. It must also have a minimum balance of 1,000 points.

Transferring Points to Other Honors Members

Transferring points directly between Hilton Honors accounts is also an option for those who prefer a more straightforward approach.

• Transfer Process: To transfer points, log into your Hilton Honors account, navigate to the “Points” tab, and select “Transfer Points.” Enter the number of points you wish to transfer (in increments of 1,000) and the recipient’s name, Hilton Honors number, and email address.
• Transfer Limits: Each member can transfer up to 500,000 points per calendar year and receive up to 2 million points. You are also limited to six (6) transfers per calendar year.
• Immediate Transfer: Transfers are typically immediate, although they may take up to 24 hours to reflect in the recipient’s account. This process is free and does not incur any fees.
• Flexibility: Unlike some other loyalty programs, Hilton Honors does not restrict transfers to family members or household members. You can transfer points to any other Hilton Honors member, making it a versatile option for various travel scenarios.

By utilizing either the points pooling or direct transfer features, you can effectively combine your points with others, making it easier to achieve your travel goals and enjoy more rewarding stays with Hilton.

Conclusion: Leveraging Partnerships to Enhance Hilton Honors Benefits

In conclusion, the Hilton Honors program offers a wealth of opportunities to maximize your points through its extensive network of partners. Remember that you can transfer Hilton points to airlines like United, Delta, or American Airlines, often at a 10:1 ratio. Transferring Hilton points to Amex is another fruitful option, done at a 1:2 ratio.

To get the most out of these partnerships, evaluate the transfer ratios carefully, take advantage of transfer bonuses, and plan your transfers strategically. By leveraging these features, you can enhance your travel experiences, enjoy exclusive benefits, and make the most of your Hilton Honors membership. Don’t miss out on the potential to elevate your travels; explore Hilton’s airline and credit card partnerships, utilize points pooling and transfer options, and start planning your next rewarding stay today.