Points Transfer Cheat Sheet: Card Partners & Timing
This Points Transfer Cheat Sheet turns that giant, confusing mess of airline partners and transfer times into one clean, scannable image. Instead of Googling every program, you can glance once and instantly see who partners with Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One, Bilt, Wells Fargo, and Marriott Bonvoy—and how long each transfer actually takes. Keep the chart open when you book, and you will stop guessing and start timing your moves like a pro.
How to Read the Chart in 10 Seconds
Start on the left with the airline or hotel program, then scan right. The green, yellow, and red blocks tell you transfer speed (instant up to seven days). The logos show which banks partner with that program and at what ratio. Before you move a single point, confirm two things on the image: 1) you can actually book the airline you want, and 2) the transfer will land before your award space disappears.
The Psychology Behind It
- Color-coded timing blocks make your brain spot instant vs slow transfers without reading fine print.
- Logos for Chase, Amex, Citi, and others tap recognition, so you find your card program in a split second.
- Alliance grouping (Star Alliance, oneworld, etc.) nudges you to think in partners, not just single airlines.
- Potential transfer ratios on the right side prevent you from wasting points on bad-value moves.
Real Ways to Use This Cheat Sheet
United uses the chart to confirm that Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer instantly before locking in a Star Alliance award seat.
Air Canada Aeroplan uses the image to show travelers that Amex, Capital One, and Bilt all feed into its program with near-instant transfers.
Marriott Bonvoy uses the table to demonstrate which airline partners offer the best value when converting hotel points to flights.