Citi transfer partners (2026): ratios, sweet spots and best uses

Q: What are Citi's transfer partners?

Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers to 16 airlines (American Airlines AAdvantage 1:1, Avianca LifeMiles 1:1, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 1:1, Copa Airlines ConnectMiles 1:1, Emirates Skywards 1:0.8, Etihad Guest 1:1, EVA Air Infinity MileageLands 1:1, Air France-KLM Flying Blue 1:1, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank 1:1, JetBlue TrueBlue 1:1, Qantas Frequent Flyer 1:1, Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios) 1:1, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 1:1, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus 1:1, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles 1:1 and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club / Virgin Red 1:1) and 5 hotel programs (Accor Live Limitless (ALL) 2:1, Choice Privileges 1:1.5, The Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club 5:1, I Prefer Hotel Rewards (Preferred Hotels & Resorts) 1:2 and Wyndham Rewards 1:1). Ratios checked November 1, 2026.

Q: What is the best way to use Citi points?

Transfer to an airline partner for a premium-cabin award, where points are often worth 2 cents or more. Well-known options: ANA business/first to Japan via Virgin Atlantic (Business 52,500 (West Coast) / 60,000 (Central & East) one-way), Qatar Qsuites to Doha via Qatar Privilege Club (Avios) (70,000 Avios off-peak (+~$100-250)) and JAL business to Japan via AAdvantage (Business 60,000). Always confirm award space before transferring; transfers can't be undone.

Q: How much are Citi points worth?

Cashing out usually gets about 0.6 to 1.1 cents per point. A good transfer redemption gets about 1.25 to 1.75 cents, and premium-cabin sweet spots can reach 2 to 5 cents. Compare against the cash fare you would actually pay.

Q: How do I transfer Citi points to airlines?

To transfer Citi points, find and confirm the award seat first, then sign in at thankyou.com → Points transfer, link your airline account and transfer only what you need (minimum 1,000 points).

Q: How long do Citi transfers take?

Most Citi transfers are instant or arrive within a day or two, but some partners take longer. Check the partner list above, and only transfer once you've confirmed the award seat is bookable.

As of November 1, 2026, Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers to 16 airlines and 5 hotel programs. Most partners transfer at 1:1; exceptions include Emirates Skywards at 1:0.8, Accor Live Limitless (ALL) at 2:1, Choice Privileges at 1:1.5 and The Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club at 5:1. The best-known ways to use Citi points: ANA business/first to Japan via Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Qsuites to Doha via Qatar Privilege Club (Avios) and JAL business to Japan via AAdvantage.

Best ways to use Citi points

Award prices that beat the cash fare by a wide margin, booked through partners Citi transfers to.

ANA business/first to Japan via Virgin Atlantic

US-Tokyo on ANA, booked with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Business 52,500 (West Coast) / 60,000 (Central & East) one-way; First 72,500 / 85,000; Hawaii-Japan business 37,500

Phone booking only; ANA saver space (esp. first) released ~355 days out and scarce; low taxes. Unconfirmed rumors of a 2026 repricing—verify.

From Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo Check my dates

Qatar Qsuites to Doha via Qatar Privilege Club (Avios)

US-Doha, booked with Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios)

70,000 Avios off-peak (+~$100-250)

Peak much higher (~90-120k). Avios can be moved from BA/Iberia (Amex/Chase). 2026 restrictions on redeeming for non-family third parties.

From Capital One, Citi, Bilt Check my dates

JAL business to Japan via AAdvantage

US-Japan (Asia 1), booked with American Airlines AAdvantage

Business 60,000; First 80,000

Partner chart unchanged in 2026; low taxes on JAL; Citi now 1:1 (premium cards) since July 2026.

From Citi Check my dates

AAdvantage partner business to Europe (avoid BA)

US-Europe on Iberia, Finnair, (Aer Lingus via AA), booked with American Airlines AAdvantage

57,500 one-way

BA-operated awards carry ~$400-700 surcharges; Finnair/Iberia low fees.

From Citi Check my dates

AAdvantage Qsuites to Middle East/India

US-Doha-India/Middle East on Qatar, booked with American Airlines AAdvantage

70,000 one-way

Qatar partner availability tightened; modest taxes.

From Citi Check my dates

AAdvantage business to northern South America

US-Colombia/Ecuador/Peru (partner chart), booked with American Airlines AAdvantage

30,000 one-way (economy 20,000)

Applies to partner/mixed awards; AA-operated awards are dynamic and may differ.

From Citi Check my dates

Etihad Guest short-haul AA economy

AA flights <500 mi, booked with Etihad Guest

6,000 one-way (business 20,000)

Amex transfers ended June 2026; actual prices may exceed chart; good for expensive short hops.

From Capital One, Citi Check my dates

Flying Blue Promo Rewards

US-Europe on Air France/KLM (monthly promo origins), booked with Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Business from ~45,000 (e.g. MSP); PE ~30,000 (Light fare level)

Since Sept 2026 Light fares strip bags/changes/lounge; surcharges ~$300-600 business; promos change monthly.

From Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo Check my dates

Flying Blue Light business to Europe

US-Paris/Amsterdam, booked with Air France-KLM Flying Blue

from 60,000 (Light) / 75,000 (Standard)

Dynamic; Light non-refundable/no lounge; surcharges ~$300-600.

From Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo Check my dates

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class saver

NYC/Boston/etc.-London on Virgin, booked with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

from 28,500 one-way (max saver 47,500/57,500 peak) + up to ~$586

Dynamic; surcharges significant; best eastbound-from-US.

From Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo Check my dates

LifeMiles Star Alliance business to Europe (no fuel surcharges)

US-Europe on SWISS/Austrian/TAP/Lufthansa, booked with Avianca LifeMiles

from ~59,500 (SWISS BOS-ZRH) up to ~81,000+

Repriced without notice in 2025-2026 (partially rolled back July 2026); United metal ~77-92k; booking fee.

From Amex, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo Check my dates

Turkish Miles&Smiles United domestic

Any US domestic United itinerary (incl. transcon), booked with Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

15,000 economy / 22,500 business (Hawaii now 25,000 / 40,000)

Devalued Dec 2025 (was 10k/15k); phone booking often needed; still OK for long/expensive domestic or United Polaris transcon.

From Capital One, Citi, Bilt Check my dates

Emirates one-way Business Saver (fifth freedom)

New York-Milan / Newark-Athens, booked with Emirates Skywards

~59,000 one-way (Milan-NYC example)

One-way Saver new since May 2026; fuel surcharges; transfer haircuts (Amex 5:4, Capital One 4:3).

From Amex, Capital One, Citi, Bilt Check my dates

Singapore Suites/Business saver to Singapore

LAX/SFO/JFK/EWR-Singapore, booked with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Business 112,500-117,000; Suites ~154,000-156,000

Only KrisFlyer members see most saver space; low taxes; +5% Nov 2025.

From Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi Check my dates

Cathay business to Hong Kong (West Coast)

SFO/LAX/SEA-Hong Kong (5,001-7,500 mi), booked with Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Business 91,000; First 125,000 (Atmos: 75,000 / 110,000)

Via Atmos usually cheaper (Bilt only); Amex->Asia Miles 5:4 since Mar 2026.

From Amex, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo Check my dates

How to transfer Citi points to airlines

Five steps, in this order. The order is what protects your points.

Find the award seat firstSearch for award space with the airline partner (or ask Points or Cash) and confirm it on the airline's own site. Transfers can't be undone.
Open the transfer pageSign in at thankyou.com → Points transfer. You need Strata Elite, Strata Premier or Prestige for the full ratio.
Link your airline accountAdd your frequent-flyer number for the partner. Create a free account with the airline first if you don't have one.
Transfer only what you needMinimum 1,000 points. Transfer at the moment you book, not before.
Book the award6 of 21 Citi partners usually arrive within minutes; others take a day or more. Book as soon as the points land.

Watch out

Strata, Double Cash, Custom Cash and other non-premium cards get only 70% of the ratio.

Airline partners

Base ratios without temporary bonuses. Green means you get more miles than the points you send.

Partner	Ratio	Transfer time
American Airlines AAdvantageRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	Varies
Avianca LifeMilesRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	instant
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles10% transfer bonus live at check time (1,000 = 1,100) through about 2026-11-14. Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	instant
Copa Airlines ConnectMilesMarked 'New' on thankyou.com; added in 2026 (exact date not confirmed). Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	Varies
Emirates SkywardsCut from 1:1 in July 2025. Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.56.	1:0.8	Varies
Etihad GuestRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	instant
EVA Air Infinity MileageLandsRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	1-2 days
Air France-KLM Flying BlueRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	instant
Japan Airlines Mileage BankMarked 'New' on thankyou.com. Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	Varies
JetBlue TrueBlueRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	instant
Qantas Frequent FlyerRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	1-2 days
Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios)Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	1-2 days
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	<24 hours
Thai Airways Royal Orchid PlusRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	3-7 days
Turkish Airlines Miles&SmilesRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	<24 hours
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club / Virgin RedRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	instant

Hotel partners

Partner	Ratio	Transfer time
Accor Live Limitless (ALL)Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.35.	2:1	1-2 days
Choice PrivilegesCut from 1:2 around 2026-04-19. Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:1.05.	1:1.5	Varies
The Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club1,000 TY = 200 Leaders Club points on premium cards. Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.14.	5:1	Varies
I Prefer Hotel Rewards (Preferred Hotels & Resorts)Ratio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:1.4.	1:2	Varies
Wyndham RewardsRatio shown is for Citi Strata Elite / Strata Premier / Prestige / AT&T Access More. Other cards: 0 1:0.7.	1:1	Varies

Recent changes

Aeromexico Rewards removed. Not on thankyou.com's list as of 2026-11-01. AwardWallet still has a row for it but no ratio. Treat as unavailable.

Questions

What are Citi's transfer partners?

Citi ThankYou Rewards transfers to 16 airlines (American Airlines AAdvantage 1:1, Avianca LifeMiles 1:1, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles 1:1, Copa Airlines ConnectMiles 1:1, Emirates Skywards 1:0.8, Etihad Guest 1:1, EVA Air Infinity MileageLands 1:1, Air France-KLM Flying Blue 1:1, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank 1:1, JetBlue TrueBlue 1:1, Qantas Frequent Flyer 1:1, Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios) 1:1, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer 1:1, Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus 1:1, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles 1:1 and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club / Virgin Red 1:1) and 5 hotel programs (Accor Live Limitless (ALL) 2:1, Choice Privileges 1:1.5, The Leading Hotels of the World Leaders Club 5:1, I Prefer Hotel Rewards (Preferred Hotels & Resorts) 1:2 and Wyndham Rewards 1:1). Ratios checked November 1, 2026.

What is the best way to use Citi points?

Transfer to an airline partner for a premium-cabin award, where points are often worth 2 cents or more. Well-known options: ANA business/first to Japan via Virgin Atlantic (Business 52,500 (West Coast) / 60,000 (Central & East) one-way), Qatar Qsuites to Doha via Qatar Privilege Club (Avios) (70,000 Avios off-peak (+~$100-250)) and JAL business to Japan via AAdvantage (Business 60,000). Always confirm award space before transferring; transfers can't be undone.

How much are Citi points worth?

Cashing out usually gets about 0.6 to 1.1 cents per point. A good transfer redemption gets about 1.25 to 1.75 cents, and premium-cabin sweet spots can reach 2 to 5 cents. Compare against the cash fare you would actually pay.

How do I transfer Citi points to airlines?

To transfer Citi points, find and confirm the award seat first, then sign in at thankyou.com → Points transfer, link your airline account and transfer only what you need (minimum 1,000 points).

How long do Citi transfers take?

Most Citi transfers are instant or arrive within a day or two, but some partners take longer. Check the partner list above, and only transfer once you've confirmed the award seat is bookable.

Put your Citi points to work

Tell Points or Cash your balance and the trip. It finds the partner that gets you there for the fewest points.

Sources: https://www.thankyou.com/partnerProgramsListing.htm · https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier-credit-card · https://awardwallet.com/mile-transfer-times?program=Citi

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