Oh, hello there, fellow travel enthusiast! Are you sitting on a mountain of American Express Membership Rewards points, dreaming of soaring through the skies with Delta? You've come to the right place. Transferring your hard-earned Amex points to Delta SkyMiles can unlock incredible travel opportunities, from cozy domestic escapes to luxurious international adventures. Let's get you ready to take flight!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step, ensuring a smooth and successful transfer. Get ready to turn those points into unforgettable experiences!
The Power of Points: Why Transfer Amex to Delta?
Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why." American Express Membership Rewards are incredibly versatile, but their true power often lies in transferring them to airline and hotel partners. While you can use your Amex points directly for travel bookings through Amex Travel, you generally get much better value by transferring them to a loyalty program like Delta SkyMiles.
Delta SkyMiles, Delta's frequent flyer program, offers a dynamic pricing model, meaning award flight prices can fluctuate. However, with strategic searching and a good understanding of the program, you can find fantastic redemption opportunities. Plus, Delta SkyMiles never expire, giving you peace of mind to save up for that dream trip.
Now, let's get down to business!
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| How To Transfer American Express Points To Delta |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Fly? (Confirm Your Delta SkyMiles Account)
Hold on a minute! Before you even think about transferring points, you need to ensure you have an active Delta SkyMiles account. This is absolutely essential, as you can only transfer points into an account bearing your name.
Do you already have a Delta SkyMiles account?
Yes! Fantastic! Make sure you have your SkyMiles number handy. You'll need it in a later step.
No? No problem at all! It's quick, easy, and free to sign up.
How to Sign Up:
Navigate to the official Delta Air Lines website (delta.com).
Look for a "SkyMiles" or "Join SkyMiles" link, usually found in the top navigation bar or a prominent section on the homepage.
Click "Join Now" or "Enroll."
Follow the on-screen prompts to provide your personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.) and create a password.
Once registered, you'll be assigned a unique Delta SkyMiles number. Write this down and keep it safe!
Remember, the name on your American Express account must exactly match the name on your Delta SkyMiles account for the transfer to be successful.
Step 2: Logging In and Navigating American Express Membership Rewards
With your Delta SkyMiles account confirmed, it's time to head over to your American Express account.
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Sub-heading: Accessing Your Rewards Hub
Log In to Your American Express Account: Go to americanexpress.com and enter your User ID and Password.
Navigate to Membership Rewards: Once logged in, look for the "Membership Rewards" section. This is usually accessible from your account dashboard or through a dedicated "Rewards" tab. The exact placement might vary slightly depending on your specific Amex card and the website's layout, but it's generally quite prominent.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Correct Card (If Applicable)
If you have multiple American Express cards, particularly if some are co-branded (like a Delta SkyMiles Amex card) and others earn Membership Rewards, ensure you've selected a Membership Rewards-earning card. Your Membership Rewards points are typically aggregated into one account, but it's good practice to start from a card that earns them. If your default card is a co-branded card, you might need to click on it and switch to one of your Membership Rewards cards.
Step 3: Finding the "Transfer Points" Option
Now that you're in the Membership Rewards section, it's time to find the transfer portal.
Locate "Redeem Rewards": On the Membership Rewards homepage, scroll down until you see a section titled "Redeem Rewards." This section lists various ways you can use your points.
Find "Transfer Points": Within the "Redeem Rewards" section, look for a "Travel" subsection, and specifically an option named "Transfer Points." Click on this.
View All Partners: This will expand the section. Click on "View all partners" to see the full list of airline and hotel loyalty programs you can transfer your points to.
Step 4: Selecting Delta SkyMiles as Your Partner
You'll now see a comprehensive list of American Express's transfer partners.
Scroll and Select Delta SkyMiles: Scroll through the list until you find "Delta SkyMiles®." Click on it.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for any active transfer bonuses! American Express occasionally offers promotional bonuses for transferring points to specific partners, which can significantly increase the value of your transfer.
Link Your Account: If you haven't linked your Delta SkyMiles account to your American Express Membership Rewards profile before, you'll be prompted to do so.
Enter Your Delta SkyMiles Number: Carefully enter your Delta SkyMiles account number into the designated field.
Confirm Your Information: American Express will verify that the name on your SkyMiles account matches your Amex account. This is a crucial security step.
Security Verification: You may be asked for your card security code (CSC) from the Amex card you're logged in with, or a one-time passcode sent via text or email for further verification.
Important Note: If you're an authorized user on an Amex account, you can link loyalty programs in your name, but only if you've been an authorized user for at least 90 days.
Step 5: Initiating the Transfer – How Many Points to Move?
Once your accounts are linked, you're ready for the main event!
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Sub-heading: Understanding Transfer Ratios and Increments
Transfer Ratio: For most American Express Membership Rewards programs in the US, the transfer ratio to Delta SkyMiles is 1:1. This means 1,000 Membership Rewards points will become 1,000 Delta SkyMiles. Always double-check the specific ratio displayed on the Amex transfer page, as ratios can occasionally vary by region or Amex product.
Minimum and Increment Amounts: You'll typically need to transfer a minimum of 1,000 Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles. Transfers are usually required in increments of 1,000 points (though sometimes 500, so confirm on the page). American Express will alert you if you try to enter an invalid number.
Enter Your Desired Amount: In the provided box, enter the number of American Express Membership Rewards points you wish to transfer.
Sub-heading: The Dreaded Excise Tax Offset Fee
This is a specific point to be aware of for transfers to U.S. airlines like Delta, Hawaiian, and JetBlue.
The Fee: American Express charges a federal excise tax offset fee of $0.0006 per point transferred, with a maximum fee of $99.
Example: If you transfer 50,000 points, the fee would be $0.0006 * 50,000 = $30.
Payment: This fee will be charged to the American Express card you use to initiate the transfer.
Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Transfer
You're almost there! This is your last chance to review everything before the points make their journey.
Review Transfer Details: Carefully review all the information on the confirmation screen:
The number of American Express points you're transferring.
The corresponding number of Delta SkyMiles you will receive.
The excise tax offset fee (if applicable).
The linked Delta SkyMiles account number.
Confirm and Submit: If everything looks correct, click "Confirm" or "Submit Transfer Request."
Sub-heading: What to Expect After Submission
Instant Transfers (Usually!): Transfers from American Express Membership Rewards to Delta SkyMiles are generally instantaneous. This means the miles should appear in your Delta SkyMiles account almost immediately.
Allow for Delays: While usually instant, American Express states that it can take up to 30 minutes, or even up to 48 hours for the transfer to complete. Don't panic if they don't show up in seconds; give it a little time.
Confirmation Email: You should receive a confirmation email from American Express regarding your successful transfer.
Step 7: Booking Your Delta Award Flight!
Once your Delta SkyMiles are safely in your account, it's time for the fun part: booking your award flight!
Go to Delta.com: Head back to the Delta Air Lines website.
Log In to Your SkyMiles Account: Log in using your SkyMiles number and password.
Search for Award Flights: When searching for flights, ensure you select the option to "Shop with Miles" or "Book with Miles" (the wording may vary slightly).
Find Your Dream Trip: Enter your desired departure and arrival airports, dates, and number of passengers. Delta's award calendar can be helpful for finding dates with lower mileage requirements.
Redeem Your Miles: Select your desired flight and proceed with the booking, using your newly transferred SkyMiles for payment.
Congratulations! You've successfully transferred your American Express points to Delta SkyMiles and are now ready to enjoy your well-deserved travels!
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10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my American Express Membership Rewards balance?
You can easily check your American Express Membership Rewards balance by logging into your American Express online account and navigating to the "Membership Rewards" section. Your total points will be prominently displayed.
How to find my Delta SkyMiles account number?
You can find your Delta SkyMiles account number by logging into your Delta.com account. It's usually displayed on your profile page or in the "My SkyMiles" section.
How to avoid the excise tax offset fee when transferring Amex points?
The excise tax offset fee is legally required for transfers to US-based airlines (Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue). There is no way to avoid this fee when transferring to these specific partners. However, transfers to international airline partners do not incur this fee.
How to know if there's a transfer bonus for Delta SkyMiles?
American Express frequently offers transfer bonuses to various partners. You can check for current promotions directly on the American Express Membership Rewards "Transfer Points" page, where any active bonuses will be prominently displayed next to the partner's name.
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How to transfer Amex points to another person's Delta SkyMiles account?
Generally, American Express Membership Rewards points can only be transferred to a loyalty account (like Delta SkyMiles) that is in the same name as the primary American Express cardholder. However, if an authorized user has been on your Amex card for at least 90 days, you might be able to link and transfer to a loyalty account in their name.
How to cancel or reverse an American Express point transfer?
Once you confirm and submit a transfer of American Express Membership Rewards points to an airline or hotel partner, the transfer is almost always final and irreversible. Double-check all details before confirming.
How to use Delta SkyMiles for upgrades?
You can often use your Delta SkyMiles to upgrade existing tickets on eligible flights. When logged into your Delta account, check your reservation details for an option to upgrade with miles or cash.
How to earn more American Express Membership Rewards points?
You can earn more American Express Membership Rewards points by using your eligible Amex credit cards for everyday spending, taking advantage of bonus categories (e.g., dining, travel, supermarkets), and utilizing introductory welcome offers on new Amex cards.
How to find the best value for Delta SkyMiles redemptions?
The best value for Delta SkyMiles redemptions often comes from searching flexibly for award flights, especially during off-peak seasons or by looking for Delta's "SkyMiles Deals" or flash sales. Business or First Class redemptions can also yield high value, though they require more miles.
How to contact American Express customer service for transfer issues?
If you encounter any issues during the transfer process or have questions, you can contact American Express customer service by calling the number on the back of your card or by using their online chat support.
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