What’s New for December?
AMEX has introduced a December 2024 transfer bonus, offering a 25% bonus when transferring Membership Rewards points to JetBlue TrueBlue. This promotion runs until the end of the month and brings the standard 250:200 transfer ratio up to an effective 1:1. But is it a good way to use your hard-earned points? Let’s dive in.
Key Details: December 2024 AMEX Transfer Bonus
- Promotion Period: Now through December 31, 2024.
- Transfer Ratio: The bonus improves the transfer ratio to 1:1 (up from the usual 250:200).
- Redemption Value: JetBlue TrueBlue points are worth 1.3–1.5 cents per point, which may not provide the best return for AMEX points.
- Best For: JetBlue loyalists or travelers with specific JetBlue plans.
- Pat’s Take: Save your points – unless it’s for a very specific use case.
Breaking Down the AMEX to JetBlue Transfer Bonus
Under this bonus, for every 250 AMEX points transferred, you’ll receive 250 JetBlue TrueBlue points—a boost from the standard 250:200 ratio. While this finally achieves a 1:1 transfer ratio, the value you get depends on how you redeem those points. In my opinion – this isn’t a transfer bonus worth looking much into.
Is JetBlue a Good Use of Your AMEX Points?
With this bonus, the redemption value for JetBlue remains modest compared to what AMEX Membership Rewards points can achieve with other transfer partners.
Here’s an example:
- 50,000 AMEX points transferred with this bonus = 50,000 JetBlue points.
- Let’s say we value JetBlue points at 1.4 cents per point, that’s $700 in JetBlue flight value.
- Meanwhile, those same 50,000 AMEX points could unlock $1,500–$2,000+ in value with premium international redemptions on partners like ANA or Aeroplan. I typically value AMEX points to be worth at least 2 cents per point.
While this bonus is an improvement over the typical transfer ratio, it doesn’t make JetBlue the most lucrative option for maximizing your points.
When Does This Transfer Bonus Make Sense?
This bonus might work for you if:
- You’re already booking a JetBlue flight: If you need to top up your TrueBlue balance for an upcoming trip, this bonus can provide a small value boost.
- You’re flying within the U.S. or the Caribbean: JetBlue offers competitive fares and decent redemption value for domestic or regional travel.
- Last-minute travel: If cash prices are high and JetBlue availability aligns with your plans, transferring points with this bonus could save you money.
Better AMEX Transfer Partner Options
For most travelers, there are better ways to use AMEX Membership Rewards points. Consider these transfer partners for higher-value opportunities:
- ANA Mileage Club: Exceptional value for round-trip business class flights to Asia and Europe, often yielding 3–5 cents per point.
- Emirates: Emirates routinely opens up last-minute first class redemptions on their fifth freedom routes, offering over 10 cents per point.
- Air Canada Aeroplan: Flexible for international travel with stopovers and regular transfer bonuses.
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: Ideal for premium cabin redemptions, including business and first class.
Each of these partners often can easily provide at least 2–4 cents per point in redemption value—far surpassing JetBlue’s fixed-value structure.
Should You Transfer?
For JetBlue enthusiasts, this bonus adds a little value to what’s usually a suboptimal transfer from AMEX. However, if you’re focused on maximizing your points, it’s better to wait for transfer bonuses to more valuable partners or to save your points for aspirational redemptions.
Pat’s Take
At PointsPat, I aim to help you make the smartest choices with your points and miles. While this bonus makes transferring to JetBlue more appealing than usual if you have a Membership Rewards earning card, it’s still not the best way to stretch your Membership Rewards. If you’re unsure about the best use for your points, book a consultation with me, and we’ll create a customized plan to help you achieve your travel goals.
