Point Transfers To Hotel Loyalty Programs
If you're based in Canada and you're looking to build up your balance of hotel rewards points, there's not many options available. Outside of the few cards that Marriott and Best Western offers, your only other option for earning hotel rewards points through credit card spend is by using the American Express Membership Rewards program.
American Express Membership Rewards
The American Express Membership Rewards is available in many countries which is why it's one of the most popular programs worldwide. It is the best flexible rewards program available in Canada if you're looking to build rewards redeemable towards travel.
Points earned in the American Express Membership Rewards Program can be transferred to the programs in the table listed below.
American Express Membership Rewards Transfer Partners
| Partner |
Ratio |
| Marriott Bonvoy |
5:6 |
| Hilton Honors |
1:1 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan |
1:1 |
| Alitalia MilleMiglia |
5:4 |
| British Airways Executive Club |
1:1 |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles |
5:4 |
| Delta Air Lines SkyMiles |
5:4 |
| Etihad Guest |
5:4 |
American Express Cobalt Card
The American Express Cobalt™ Card is one of the best credit cards in Canada due to it's high earning rates on grocery and dining spend along with the ability to transfer points to a handful of airline and hotel partners.
American Express Cobalt™ Card
Intro Bonus
View Issuer's Website
Rewards Rate
5X
Earn 5X points at restaurants and grocery stores including food delivery.
2X
Earn 2X points on gas, travel, and transit.
1X
Earn 1X points on everything else.
Main Card Highlights
- With your American Express Cobalt Card you can redeem your points towards whatever eligible Card purchases you want – your options are anything but limited
- Cobalt Cardmembers receive regular Perks, including bonus rewards and access to great events.
- Enjoy benefits at over 600 participating hotels and resorts in over 30 countries with The Hotel Collection
- Road trip or flight, you may be protected when you book travel with your Card.
Annual Fee
$12.99 per month
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
The Platinum Card® & Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card are both stacked to the brim with benefits, but they are mostly known for the American Express Global Lounge Collection which grants you access to:
- Centurion Lounges
- International American Express Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Delta Sky Club Lounges (when flying Delta)
- Airspace Lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Priority Pass Lounges
- Executive Lounges by Swissport
- Québec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport VIP Lounge
On top of that, the hotel benefits are pretty great as well as you'll receive complimentary elite status with several chains when holding either card:
- Hilton Honors Gold
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold
- Shangri-La Golden Circle Jade
- Radisson Rewards Gold
If you're looking for the ultimate luxury travel card, The Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card are worth having.
The Platinum Card®
Intro Bonus
View Issuer's Website
Rewards Rate
3X
Earn 3X points on eligible dining and takeout purchases
2X
Earn 2X points on travel including flights, hotels, tours, and more
1X
Earn 1X points on everything else
Main Card Highlights
- With Fine Hotels + Resorts, Platinum Cardmembers can receive benefits such as guaranteed 4:00 p.m. late check-out, complimentary daily breakfast for two and other benefits at over 1,100 iconic properties worldwide.
- With Hotel Status Benefit, you'll be fast-tracked to the higher tiers of leading hotel loyalty programs around the world without having to fulfill the usual qualifying criteria, such as numerous night stays each year.
- Benefits at Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Platinum Concierge offers you complimentary assistance, anytime, day or night, wherever you are.
- Redeem points for statement credits, travel, gift cards, and more.
Authorized User Fee
$175 annual fee for each Additional Platinum Card, $50 annual fee for each Additional Gold Card
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro Bonus
View Issuer's Website
Rewards Rate
1.25X
Earn 1.25X points for every $1 in Card purchases.
Main Card Highlights
- From regular business expenses to travel, earn 1.25 points for every $1 in Card purchases.
- Benefit from up to 55 interest-free days so you can keep more cash on hand when you need it most.
- Settle in before takeoff at over 1,200 airport lounges across 130 countries and counting with the American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Road trip or flight, you could be protected when you book travel with your Card which includes Out of Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance, Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance, and much more.
Authorized User Fee
$199 annually for Business Platinum Cards, $50 annually for Business Gold Cards
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
