I am reading Randy Peterson's Mileage Pro, and in the section on credit cards and points it refers to multi-program cards. The book explains that these cards can be exchanged into miles and points for multiple participating airlines and hotels. I am interested in a card that will allow 1:1 conversion into United.

However, looking at AMEX in particular, the book refers to the "American Express Preferred Rewards" program, p. 49. Yet there is currently no such card. I found AMEX Membership Rewards' site. But it appears not allow conversion from points earned in its program directly into airline programs.

Can anyone please clarify if there actually is a current AMEX program that allows 1:1 conversion? If so, can you post the right AMEX link for me to look into?

Thank you.

American Express's main rewards program is called Membership Rewards. Membership rewards points can be earned using a few different types of Amex branded cards. Amex Membership Rewards Points can be transferred to about 15 different airlines -- most at a 1:1 ratio. UA used to be one of them, but no longer is.

Starwood Points can be earned by using the American Express Starwood Card. Starwood points transfer to about 30 different airlines. Most transfer at a rate of 1:1, or 1:1.25 if you transfer in increments of 20,000. Starwood points transfer to United, but, unfortunately, only at a rate of 2 to 1.

Chase's main rewards program is called ultimate rewards. Points can be earned with several different chase branded cards. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to three different airline partners, including United.

This information is about the US version of these programs. I think there are some slight differences with the other countries' versions of Amex MR, but don't think any permit 1:1 transfers to UA.

Amex membership rewards program no longer participates with United to transfer miles. The information in the book is outdated regarding this. However, Chase credit cards like the Sapphire will allow you to transfer to United at a 1:1 ratio.

Thank you both!

I believe this only holds true for the 'Preferred' version of the Sapphire.

Yep, you've pretty much nailed it! Just one quick fix:
Chase Ultimate Rewards has 4 airline partners: Southwest, United, British, and Korean. You get 1:1 transfer with all four partners.

Also works for Ink Bold/Plus

To truly clarify:

Only three cards allow direct transfer to UA MP Miles at a 1:1 ratio:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred (Personal Credit Card)
2. Chase Ink Plus (Business Credit Card)
3. Chase Ink Bold (Business Charge Card - cannot carry a balance)

However, points from other UR rewards programs can be combined and transferred to UA MP Miles at a 1:1 ratio as long as you have at least one of the three cards above. That means that the following cards can also be added:

1. Chase Freedom (Personal Credit Card)
2. Chase Sapphire (Personal Credit Card)
3. Chase Ink Classic (Business Credit Card)

Good luck.

Yes, forgot about Southwest. Good point.

all the posts are true and helpful. I just want to add,

stop reading the book which is probably outdated the minute it hits shelf and start reading more of the FT forum all the information here is up to date and interactive

Also worth mentioning is to seek out other Star Alliance partners to get access to those same flights you might find on UA. For example, US Airways.

US Airways has their own card (Barclays) and the SPG card (AMEX) transfers 1:1 to US Airways. Comes in handy since UA miles are so useful and seem to be monopolized by Chase at the moment. Have to consider the banks and airline partners if you intend to get serious in the "game".

Happy reading.

There are additional Chase cards with this feature

4. JP Morgan Select
5. JP Morgan Palladium

Thread moved to Credit Card Programs forum. Please review this Announcment for guidance:

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