How do I maximize AMEX points?

[MontegoMack]

I have just over 120k MR points and I got the prompt on the AMEX site suggesting that I tranfer points to Delta up to 120k points for up to 120k miles. The miles sound like a good buy, but I looked closer to see what gets me close to 1:1. Didn't find much.

Are there any other ways to redeem these points close to 1:1 or even better? I'm not sure what other details you might need, but I'm looking for the best bang for my buck, as I'm sure you all are. 

[Anonymous]

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@MontegoMack wrote:

I have just over 120k MR points and I got the prompt on the AMEX site suggesting that I tranfer points to Delta up to 120k points for up to 120k miles. The miles sound like a good buy, but I looked closer to see what gets me close to 1:1. Didn't find much.

Are there any other ways to redeem these points close to 1:1 or even better? I'm not sure what other details you might need, but I'm looking for the best bang for my buck, as I'm sure you all are. 

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.   ThePointsGuy values Delta points at 1.2c per point.     But then he values MRs at 1.9c per point, so if you trust his valuations, moving them to Delta isn't so great!

[mongstradamus]

I think a better way to look at is where do you want to go ,then you can find best value.

[K-in-Boston]

Agreed, for MR it can be quite variable. It seems to be that figuring out where you want to go and then figuring out which affiliated airline gives the most bang for buck with one of Amex's partners is the way to go. Personally I don't find MRs as easy to work with so I've just been converting mine to Starwood points 3:1, then to Marriott points 1:3 and getting well over $0.02/MR that way. Of course you're not going to fly on a hotel so not sure how helpful I really am.

[MontegoMack]

I keep an open mind. I'm looking for the best bang for my buck, but I'm reasonable to know that not every opportunity will be for me. Just knowing what my options are puts me in a better position to make that decision.

[MontegoMack]

Delta would be the best airline for me, but I know there are other ways to redeem. 

I just don't know what they are nor do I really understand the value. I'm just asking for a little help.

[wasCB14]

Consider both the point value and the transfer ratio. Hilton transfers are 1:1.5, but many people feel Hilton point values are very low, making it a bad option.

One strength of Delta is the lack of a close-in award booking fee for non-elites...though with other airlines there are sometimes ways to avoid that.

[MontegoMack]

My apologies. I didn't realize there was an implication that I was only looking to fly somewhere. I thought I was just search for information on how to "maximize AMEX points" as I indicated in the title of my post. 

[K-in-Boston]

That changes everything!

[MontegoMack]

K - 

It sounds like you have your finger on the MR-point-transfer pulse!