Update: New Standard Rate Will Be 1 MR point = 1 Avios

I was contacted by American Express who confirmed that this will indeed be the new norm for transfers of Membership Rewards Points to Avios. MR points with now transfer 1:1 to Avios, instead of the previous rate of 5:4. It is not just a temporary promotion.

American Express [claims it] now leads the industry in reward program partners:

• Today, two of Amex’s Membership Rewards airline transfer partners, British Airways and Iberia, are increasing the transfer ratio for their rewards program, Avios. The transfer is increasing from a 5:4 to a 1:1 transfer ratio.
• With this update, Amex’s Membership Rewards program now offers the most 1:1 airline transfer partners – 11 in total.
• Membership Rewards now also offers Card Members the opportunity to transfer points to 21 reward program partners, which is more than any other U.S. credit card rewards program.

The regular rate for transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to British and Iberia Avios has been 250:200 for a while now. The good old days are long gone. But, occasionally there’s promotions that make the transfer rate 1:1 or better.

Right now the transfer rate has been increased to 250 Membership Rewards points = 250 Avios. That’s a rate of 1:1. What’s interesting is the fact that this is not showing up as a promotional rate, where usually the old rate is crossed out and the increased rate shows right under it. Looks more like the new normal transfer rate.

Guru’s Wrap-Up

This would be welcomed news if 1:1 was to become the new regular rate for transferring MR points to Avios. Maybe we can see a promotion in the future to make it even better, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Keep in mind that Avios have been devalued lately and AA availability has been terrible as well. I found that out first hand when looking for award flights last week.

HT: IAD Gr8 on Twitter