Under the partnership, eligible Amex cardmembers can convert 1,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points into 500 ALL Accor points, a 2:1 transfer ratio.Dado Ruvic/Reuters
American Express Membership Rewards has strengthened its position as Canada’s top bank rewards program by unveiling a new transfer partnership with the largest hotel group in Europe.
Accor Live Limitless – often known simply as ALL Accor – has more than 8,800 hotels in over 100 countries, including some well-known brands such as Fairmont, Sofitel, ibis, Raffles, Banyan Tree and Novotel.
Under the partnership, eligible Amex cardmembers can convert 1,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points into 500 ALL Accor points, a 2:1 transfer ratio.
At first glance, the ratio may not seem remarkable. But once you dig into the math, the value becomes clear.
Membership Rewards points carry a baseline value of 1 cent per point, or CPP, when redeemed for purchases, including travel. ALL Accor points, however, can be redeemed at a fixed rate of 1,000 points for €20 off stays across more than 45 hotel brands.
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With the new transfer option, 2,000 MR points become 1,000 ALL Accor points – worth roughly $32 at today’s exchange rate. In other words, you’re effectively boosting your redemption value from 1 CPP to about 1.6 CPP.
This stands in contrast to Amex’s existing hotel transfer partner, Marriott Bonvoy. Although MR points convert at a 1:1.2 ratio, Marriott points are typically worth around 0.7 cents each, meaning you lose value on transfers.
American Express runs 30-per-cent transfer bonuses with Marriott Bonvoy about four times a year, and the program has a continuing promotion where the fifth night is free when booking four nights on points. So there’s still value, but Accor’s fixed‑value structure offers far more predictability.
The launch date for the new transfer option is expected later this month.
Additionally, later this year, American Express Platinum cardholders will receive ALL Accor Gold status, which includes room upgrades when available, late check-out, premium Wi‑Fi and bonus points on stays. You will need to enroll in the Amex cardmember benefits hub to take advantage of this perk.
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Status perks may not matter to every traveller, but for a card such as the American Express Platinum – with its $799 annual fee – the benefits certainly add to its reputation of being the ultimate travel card for frequent flyers.
This isn’t the only way to book ALL Accor properties with points. Any bank rewards program lets you redeem points for hotel stays through its travel portal, and Aeroplan HotelSavers also includes select Accor brands, offering four nights on points for the price of three.
That said, by adding ALL Accor as a direct transfer partner, American Express is giving cardmembers maximum flexibility and potentially top value.
The timing is great for consumers, since Aeroplan recently announced a new partnership with World of Hyatt. Members can now redeem 25,000 Aeroplan points for a free night at Hyatt properties up to Category 4, or 75,000 points for a night at hotels up to Category 7.
That means points enthusiasts have more hotel options.
Although American Express isn’t everyone’s first choice because of fees or acceptance, the brand has been relentless in enhancing cardholder value.
A standout example came earlier this year when the transfer ratio to Air France-KLM Flying Blue was boosted from 1:0.75 to 1:1, a significant upgrade for travellers.
More transfer partners are one of the most common requests in the rewards space, and Amex is among the few issuers that consistently responds.
Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert at moneywehave.com. He was previously affiliated with American Express, Marriott Bonvoy, and Aeroplan but currently has no relationship with any of the brands.
