American Express Membership Rewards (Australia)

How it works

The most flexible points currency for Australians, but notably it does NOT transfer to Qantas. Instead Amex AU Membership Rewards (Ascent tier) feeds Velocity, KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Emirates, Etihad, Flying Blue, British Airways Avios and Virgin Atlantic — most at a 2:1 ratio. Use it to reach Singapore Suites via KrisFlyer/Velocity or Qsuite via Avios. Frequent transfer bonuses improve the effective rate.

• No Qantas transfer path — plan around Velocity for an Australian-airline redemption.
• Most airline transfers are 2:1; KrisFlyer and Velocity are the highest-value targets.
• Wait for transfer bonuses (e.g. +15–30%) before moving large balances.
• Transfer only after confirming award space — points are worth more unflown and flexible.