The transfer-partner reference

Every transfer partner, one matrix

HDFC → KrisFlyer at 1:1. Axis EDGE → Marriott at 5:4. Amex MR → Avios at 1:1. The canonical reference for which bank points go to which airline / hotel program, and what each transfer is actually worth in rupees.

A transfer partner converts bank reward points into airline miles or hotel points at a fixed ratio, and it is where most of a premium card's value hides. The matrix below lists every bank-to-partner ratio in our dataset. Ratios change with little notice, so confirm on the bank's page before you transfer.

₹2+/point, premium sweet spots₹1-2/point, solid valueUnder ₹1/point, meh

Airline partners

Best per-point values are typically in premium-cabin international awards.

British Airways Avios

EUROPE

Short-haul Asia awards from 8-10K Avios, best per-mile value

No bank transfers indexed yet. Check back as we expand coverage.

United MileagePlus

US

Star Alliance access; LHR-LAX business class at ~70K miles

No bank transfers indexed yet. Check back as we expand coverage.

Etihad Guest

gulf

Premium-cabin to Europe via AUH; partner award sweet spots

Hotel partners

Lower per-point values than airlines, but more predictable redemption (off-peak Cat 4 properties).

💡 Don't just look at the matrix, run YOUR spend through it

The matrix shows the ratios. The points calculator tells you what your specific spend pattern would actually earn at the best transfer partner, net of annual fee, with welcome bonus thrown in.

Open the points calculator

FAQ

What is a transfer partner?

An airline or hotel program that accepts your bank's reward points at a fixed conversion ratio. The transfer multiplies the value of your points: 1 HDFC point is worth ~₹0.30 as cashback but ~₹4-6 when transferred to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer for a premium-cabin award.

How are ratios written?

X:Y means X bank points = Y partner points/miles. So '1:1' is one-to-one (HDFC → Singapore Air), '5:4' is five EDGE Miles = four KrisFlyer miles (Axis Magnus), '2:1' is two source points = one partner mile (HDFC Regalia → KrisFlyer at the older ratio).

Which transfers actually have value?

Transfers to airline programs (KrisFlyer, Avios, MileagePlus) tend to yield 2-5 INR/point at sweet-spot redemptions. Hotel transfers (Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt) yield ~0.8-1.2 INR/point. Transfers FROM hotels TO airlines (Marriott → United at 3:1) almost always lose value vs direct hotel use.

Do transfers happen instantly?

Varies. HDFC → KrisFlyer is typically 24-48 hours. Axis EDGE → Marriott is 2-5 days. Amex MR → most partners is instant. Always confirm award availability BEFORE transferring, points are non-refundable once moved.

How often do programs devalue?

Every 12-18 months on average. Major devaluations in the last 24 months: HDFC stripped Vistara CV transfers post AI merger; Marriott added peak-season pricing; Amex MR shuffled Taj rates. The strategy: burn points within 6-12 months of earning, don't hoard.