Amex
Amex Membership Rewards in Canada: transfer partners and ratios
Becky · Founder, PointsMaxxing
Numbers checked October 9, 2026 · 5 min read
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American Express Membership Rewards points are the most flexible points in Canada because they don't belong to one airline or hotel. You earn them on the Cobalt, Gold, Platinum and Green cards, then move them to a partner program when you're ready to book. One warning up front: the Canadian program is different from the American one, so US articles will mislead you.
Transfer partners and ratios (as of October 2026)
Aeroplan
- Ratio
- 1:1
- What that means
- 1,000 Amex points become 1,000 Aeroplan points.
British Airways Executive Club (Avios)
- Ratio
- 1:1
- What that means
- Useful for short partner flights.
Air France KLM Flying Blue
- Ratio
- 1:1
- What that means
- Good for Europe from Canada.
Hilton Honors
- Ratio
- 1:1
- What that means
- Hilton points are worth much less each, so this is rarely the best use.
Marriott Bonvoy
- Ratio
- 5:6
- What that means
- 1,000 Amex points become 1,200 Bonvoy points.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Ratio
- 4:3
- What that means
- 1,000 Amex points become 750 Asia Miles.
Delta SkyMiles
- Ratio
- 4:3
- What that means
- 1,000 Amex points become 750 SkyMiles.
| Partner | Ratio | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | 1:1 | 1,000 Amex points become 1,000 Aeroplan points. |
| British Airways Executive Club (Avios) | 1:1 | Useful for short partner flights. |
| Air France KLM Flying Blue | 1:1 | Good for Europe from Canada. |
| Hilton Honors | 1:1 | Hilton points are worth much less each, so this is rarely the best use. |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 5:6 | 1,000 Amex points become 1,200 Bonvoy points. |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 4:3 | 1,000 Amex points become 750 Asia Miles. |
| Delta SkyMiles | 4:3 | 1,000 Amex points become 750 SkyMiles. |
Transfers are one-way and usually take minutes for Aeroplan, longer for some others.
Etihad Guest was removed as a partner on June 20, 2026. Some guides still list it. Etihad flights can still be booked with Aeroplan or Flying Blue points.
Which transfer is usually best
For most Canadians, Aeroplan at 1:1. Prince of Travel values Membership Rewards at about 2.2¢ a point as of May 2026, and Aeroplan at about 2¢, so you keep nearly all the value and gain access to Air Canada and Star Alliance flights. Marriott's 5:6 ratio looks generous, but Bonvoy points are valued around 0.8¢ each, so 1,200 of them are worth less than the 1,000 Amex points you gave up unless a transfer bonus is running.
Amex runs transfer bonuses a few times a year, most often to Marriott at 25% to 50% extra. Aeroplan bonuses are rare. If you can wait, waiting for a bonus is the single biggest lever.
Earning them: the Cobalt in brief
The Cobalt is the usual entry point. As of October 2026 it earns 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants and food delivery (on the first $2,500 a month), 3 on streaming, 2 on gas, transit and rideshare, and 1 on everything else. The fee is $15.99 a month, and foreign purchases carry a 2.5% fee. See which grocers accept Amex before counting on the 5x.
Card terms, earn rates and fees change often. Check the issuer's site before you apply. This is general information, not financial advice.
Sources
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