April 2026 Transfer Bonuses: 70% to IHG, 30% to Japan Airlines, and More
TravelApril’s transfer bonus window is unusually active. Chase Ultimate Rewards holders can move points to IHG One Rewards at a 70% premium through April 30 — one of the strongest IHG transfer bonuses in recent memory — while Capital One Miles holders have a 30% bonus to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank and Citi cardholders have two live bonuses running through April 18.
Context
Transfer bonuses are temporary multipliers that increase the value of moving credit card points into airline or hotel loyalty programs. They are one of the few mechanisms that let points-holders materially improve the value of an existing balance without additional spending. Most programs offer standard fixed transfer ratios year-round; bonuses stack a percentage premium on top for a limited window. April 2026 has an unusually broad slate of active bonuses across three major card programs — which is worth prioritizing if any of these programs fit current travel plans.
The Detail
The active bonuses, organized by program:
Chase Ultimate Rewards
- IHG One Rewards: 70% bonus through April 30. 1,000 Chase points → 1,700 IHG points. This is the marquee deal of the month. IHG properties include InterContinental, Kimpton, and Regent hotels globally, and the program runs periodic “fourth night free” promotions that amplify redemption value further.
- Air Canada Aeroplan: 20% bonus through April 30. 1,000 Chase points → 1,200 Aeroplan points. Aeroplan is one of the strongest Star Alliance programs for transatlantic and transpacific redemptions.
Capital One Miles
- Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: 30% bonus through April 30. Transfer ratio is 1,000 Capital One miles → 975 JAL miles, so the net after the bonus is roughly 1:1. JAL Mileage Bank is valuable for oneworld redemptions including American Airlines domestic and business class on Japan Airlines transpacific routes.
Citi ThankYou Rewards (requires eligible Citi card)
- Avianca Lifemiles: 25% bonus through April 18. 1,000 points → 1,250 Lifemiles. Lifemiles is useful for Star Alliance metal on United, Lufthansa, and others, and often prices partner awards more competitively than transferring directly.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 30% bonus through April 18. 1,000 points → 1,300 Flying Club points. Flying Club is one of the best programs for Delta One business class redemptions and ANA first class.
Rove Miles → SAS EuroBonus: 20% bonus, but the window closes April 8 — the shortest runway of any active bonus.
American Express Membership Rewards is not running any transfer bonuses this month.
For context on how transfer bonus timing intersects with award pricing volatility, Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program has shown how loyalty program economics can shift quickly — timing transfers to bonuses matters more as programs adjust dynamically.
The So What
The IHG 70% bonus through Chase is the clearest action item. If there’s an IHG redemption in the pipeline — particularly for aspirational InterContinental properties in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East — this is the window to execute the transfer. The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club bonus through Citi is the second-strongest play, particularly for anyone holding Delta One aspirations. As always, the cardinal rule applies: only transfer with a specific redemption already identified. Transfer bonuses cannot be reversed, and points in a loyalty program are only as valuable as the redemption opportunity that accompanies them.
Photo by Connor Danylenko on Pexels
Source: The Points Guy
Content created with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.
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