After a series of devaluations for its Indian cardholders, including the recent changes to the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, there is finally some good news for Amex users in India.
American Express has improved the Membership Rewards transfer ratios for two popular loyalty partners: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Hilton Honors.
According to a recent communication sent to eligible Amex cardholders, Membership Rewards points can now be transferred to these programs at more favorable rates.
| Transfer Partner | Revised Ratio |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1:0.8 |
| Hilton Honors | 1:1.5 |
Amex Points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
The revised transfer ratio allows cardholders to transfer: 1,00,000 Membership Rewards Points = 80,000 Virgin Points
This means Amex is effectively offering a 1:0.8 transfer ratio to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
The transfer must be made in multiples of 400 points, with a minimum transfer of 800 Membership Rewards points per transaction. Transfers are normally completed immediately, although Amex states that they can take up to 48 hours and, in exceptional circumstances, up to seven days.
Virgin Points can be used for flights across the Virgin Atlantic network and partner airlines, making the program particularly interesting for cardholders looking at international redemptions.
Amex Points to Hilton Honors
The second major change is for Hilton Honors, where the revised ratio is significantly more generous: 1,00,000 Membership Rewards Points = 1,50,000 Hilton Honors Points
This works out to a 1:1.5 transfer ratio.
Cardholders can transfer a minimum of 1,000 Membership Rewards points in a single transaction. The transfer is normally completed immediately but can take up to seven days. The improved ratio could be particularly useful for Amex cardholders who regularly stay at Hilton properties, especially given the Hilton portfolio’s large global footprint.
Bottom Line
The timing of this change is interesting.
American Express has made several changes to its Indian card portfolio in recent months, with the Platinum Travel Credit Card seeing one of the biggest. Against this backdrop, improved transfer ratios are a welcome development for American Express cardholders.
For cardholders who prefer transferring points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, the new ratios can potentially unlock more value.
Overall, while this does not undo the recent devaluations, better transfer ratios to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Hilton Honors are certainly a positive development for Amex cardholders in India.