You can transfer Amex points to Delta, but only through specific Amex cards and only to a Delta frequent flyer account

Not every American Express card lets you move points to Delta. Only cards in the Amex Membership Rewards program that have an active transfer partnership with Delta allow it. The most common cards are the American Express Gold Card, the Platinum Card, and various Delta co-branded American Express cards. If your card doesn't list Delta as a transfer partner in your rewards dashboard, you cannot send points to Delta through this method.

The transfer itself is permanent and happens instantly once you authorize it. You cannot reverse a transfer or get points back after they land in your Delta account, so confirm your Delta frequent flyer number and account details before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Amex cards enrolled in the Membership Rewards program with an active Delta partnership allow point transfers; check your card's rewards page to confirm.
  • Transfers go directly to your Delta SkyMiles account and are instant and irreversible, so verify your Delta account number before transferring.
  • Amex typically converts points at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Amex points becomes 1,000 Delta miles, though some promotions offer bonus miles for larger transfers.
  • Delta miles have no set expiration as long as your account remains active with at least one earning or spending activity every 24 months.

How to find the transfer option in your Amex account

Log into your American Express online account or open the Amex mobile app. Go to the Membership Rewards section, usually labeled "Rewards" or "Points" in the main menu. Look for a link or button that says "Transfer Points" or "Redeem Points." Some cards show this under a "Travel" or "Partners" tab instead.

Click through to the transfer partners page. You should see a list of airlines and hotels your specific card can transfer to. Delta will appear with a box or button labeled "Transfer to Delta" or similar. If Delta does not appear on this list, your card does not have an active transfer partnership and you cannot use this method.

The step-by-step transfer process

Once you've located the Delta transfer option, click it. You'll be asked to enter your Delta SkyMiles account number. Double-check this number against your Delta account or frequent flyer card — entering the wrong number sends your miles to someone else's account and Amex will not recover them.

Next, enter the number of Amex points you want to transfer. Most programs require a minimum transfer (often 1,000 points) and allow transfers in increments of 1,000. Some cards let you transfer up to your full balance; others cap transfers at a certain amount per day or month. The screen will show you how many Delta miles you'll receive based on the current conversion rate.

Review the confirmation screen carefully. It will show your Delta account number, the number of points being transferred, and the number of miles you'll receive. Once you click "Confirm" or "Complete Transfer," the transaction is final. The miles typically appear in your Delta account within minutes to a few hours.

Conversion rates and bonus mile promotions

Amex usually converts Amex points to Delta miles at a 1:1 ratio — 1,000 points becomes 1,000 miles. This rate is standard across most Amex cards and does not change based on how many points you transfer at once.

Amex occasionally runs bonus promotions where you receive extra miles for transferring a certain amount. For example, a promotion might offer 25% bonus miles on transfers of 10,000 points or more, meaning 10,000 Amex points would become 12,500 Delta miles instead of 10,000. These promotions are temporary and Amex announces them through email to cardholders and on the Amex website. Check your Amex account or recent emails before transferring to see if a bonus is currently active.

What happens to your Delta miles after transfer

Once miles land in your Delta account, they follow Delta's rules, not Amex's. You can use them to book flights, upgrade seats, or purchase other travel-related services through the Delta website. Miles do not expire as long as your SkyMiles account remains active, which means you've earned or spent miles at least once in the past 24 months.

If your Delta account goes inactive (no earning or spending for 24 months), Delta may close the account and forfeit the miles. You can reactivate an inactive account by earning or spending miles again, which restores access to any remaining balance.

Alternatives if your card doesn't transfer to Delta

If your Amex card does not have a Delta transfer partnership, you have other options. You can redeem Amex points for cash back, statement credits, or gift cards instead. Some cards let you transfer points to other airline partners — check your rewards page to see which airlines are available.

You can also purchase Delta miles directly through Delta's website using cash, though this is usually more expensive per mile than transferring Amex points. Delta occasionally runs promotions on mile purchases that reduce the cost, so check before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Amex points to Delta if I don't have a Delta credit card?

Yes, as long as your Amex card is enrolled in Membership Rewards and has an active Delta partnership. The American Express Gold and Platinum cards both allow Delta transfers without being Delta co-branded cards. Check your rewards dashboard to confirm Delta appears as a transfer partner for your specific card.

What's the minimum number of points I have to transfer?

Most Amex cards require a minimum transfer of 1,000 points and allow transfers in 1,000-point increments. Some cards may have different minimums, so check the transfer screen in your account before you start — it will display the minimum and increment rules for your card.

How long does it take for miles to show up in my Delta account?

Miles typically appear within minutes to a few hours after you confirm the transfer. In rare cases, it may take up to 24 hours. You can check your Delta account balance online to confirm the miles have arrived.

Can I undo a transfer if I made a mistake?

No. Transfers are instant and permanent. Amex cannot reverse a transfer or recover miles once they've been sent to Delta. Always verify your Delta account number and the transfer amount before confirming.

Do transferred miles count toward Delta elite status?

No. Only miles earned through Delta flights, Delta credit card spending, and certain Delta partners count toward elite status qualification. Transferred miles add to your account balance but do not contribute to status progress.