Amex Membership Rewards: New 1:1 Transfer Ratio to Flying Blue Starting January 2026
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American Express Canada is improving the transfer ratio to Flying Blue by increasing it to 1:1 effective January 3, 2026. This change enhances the accessibility of flights to Europe, making it possible to reach Paris or Amsterdam from 25,000 Membership Rewards points in Economy Class, compared to 33,333 points previously with the old 1:0.75 ratio.
Why Is This Change Important for Canadians?
Flying Blue now joins American Express Canada’s circle of 1:1 transfer partners, alongside Aeroplan and British Airways Avios.
This change positions Flying Blue as the most economical option for crossing the Atlantic from Canada.
| Program | Economy | Business | Transfer Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Blue (New) | 25,000 points | 60,000 points | 1:1 |
| Aeroplan | 35,000 points | 60,000 points | 1:1 |
| British Airways Avios | 27,500 points | 88,000 points | 1:1 |
| Amex Fixed Points Rate | 30,000 points | Variable | Direct |
How to Maximize This Opportunity with Flying Blue Promo Rewards?
Flying Blue offers monthly Promo Rewards offering 25% (sometimes 50%) off selected routes.
With the new 1:1 ratio, these promotions become even more attractive:
Examples of Optimized Promo Rewards
- Economy: 18,750 Membership Rewards points one-way (instead of 25,000)
- Premium Economy: 30,000 Membership Rewards points one-way (instead of 40,000)
- Business Class: 45,000 Membership Rewards points one-way (instead of 60,000)
Exclusive Flying Blue Benefits You Might Not Know About
Flying Blue offers unique benefits that set it apart from its competitors, including Aeroplan and British Airways Club:
Free Stopovers in Paris and Amsterdam
All Flying Blue award tickets, including Promo Rewards, allow for free stopovers in Paris-CDG or Amsterdam-Schiphol. This feature allows you to turn a simple trip into a multi-destination journey at no additional points cost.
Access to domestic WestJet flights
Flying Blue allows you to book flights with WestJet, a unique option among European programs. Examples of award flights:
- Calgary-Vancouver: From 12,500 Miles one-way
- Calgary-Montreal: From 17,500 Miles one-way
- Montreal-Vancouver: From 22,000 Miles one-way
Or even this flight Calgary-Tokyo for 38,500 Miles one-way
Detailed Comparison: Flying Blue vs. Competitors
This improvement repositions Flying Blue as a leader for transatlantic travel from Canada:
Flying Blue Advantages
- Lowest base fares for Europe (25,000 vs. 35,000 Aeroplan)
- Monthly Promo Rewards reducing costs by 25-50%
- Free stopovers in Paris and Amsterdam (vs. 5,000 points for Aeroplan for flights outside North America)
- Access to domestic WestJet flights
- Extended SkyTeam Network
Limitations to Consider
- Limited availability during peak periods
- Promo Rewards subject to geographical restrictions
- Less flexibility than Aeroplan for changes
American Express Cards Eligible for This Improvement
All cards earning Membership Rewards benefit from this new ratio:
Personal Cards
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $191.88 | |||
| $250 | |||
| $799 | |||
| $0 |
The American Express Cobalt Card is becoming even more powerful with this change. With its 5 points per dollar on groceries and restaurants, this reinforces its status as the best credit card for earning points in Canada.
For example, to get an Economy Class flight to Europe (from 25,000 Flying Blue Miles), you only need to spend $5,000 in the grocery and restaurant category (or even just $3,750 during Promo Rewards at 18,750 Miles).
American Express Cobalt® Card
The American Express Cobalt® Card is the best American Express credit card, whether you want points for travel or cash back.
The welcome bonus is paid out monthly over the first 12 months. You earn 1,250 Membership Rewards points each month you charge $750 in purchases to your card (whether in the 1X, 2X, 3X or 5X category), for a total of up to 15,000 Membership Rewards points.
You can easily redeem these points as a statement credit for everyday or travel purchases. The value is the same: 1,000 points = $10.
Or you can transfer them to Aeroplan points, Avios (British Airways / Qatar Airways), Flying Blue, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.
For example, with this welcome offer, if you decide to transfer your Membership Rewards points to a partner loyalty program, you could choose to get up to:
- 15,000 Aeroplan points
- 15,000 Avios points
- 15,000 Flying Blue Miles
- 18,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
With the American Express Cobalt® Card, you can earn between 1 and 5 points per dollar:
| Catégorie | Points par dollar |
| Épicerie (Métro, IGA, Sobeys, Super C, etc.) | 5 |
| Livraison de nourriture à domicile | 5 |
| Restaurants et bars | 5 |
| Dépanneurs | 5 |
| Services de diffusion en continu | 3 |
| Station-service | 2 |
| Transports | 2 |
| Voyages | 1 |
| Autres | 1 |
That represents a 1% to 5% return on all these purchases.
For example, if you spend $1,000 per month on groceries, restaurants and/or food delivery, you will get $50 back per month, or $600 back per year with this card in this spending category!
And if you decide to transfer your points to other programs such as Aeroplan, you could get even more value!
This Card also comes with excellent insurance coverage: car rental theft and damage, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage, flight delay, $250,000 travel accident, hotel/motel burglary, Mobile Device Insurance, Buyer’s Assurance Protection Plan and Purchase Protection Plan.
As with all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
- Annual fee
- $191.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $255
- Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
- Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Business Cards
- American Express Business Edge Card
- American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
- American Express Business Platinum Card
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $799 | |||
| $199 |
Optimization Strategies for 2026
Planning Promo Rewards
Flying Blue announces its Promo Rewards monthly. To maximize your savings:
- Monitor announcements on the 1st of each month
- Maintain a Flexible Membership Rewards Balance
- Consider Flying Blue Extra for Priority Access
- Plan Your Transfers Based on Promotions
Combination with Other Programs
This improvement strengthens the position of American Express Membership Rewards for optimizing your points redemptions:
- Flying Blue: Optimal for Europe, Africa, and stopovers
- Aeroplan: Best for North America and Asia
- British Airways: Excellent for short-haul flights and Ireland
Impact on the Canadian Rewards Ecosystem
This change solidifies American Express’s dominance in the Canadian travel rewards market. No other issuer can compete with:
- The diversity of transfer partners
- The flexibility of transfer ratios
- Access to the three major airline alliances (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, Oneworld)
- The generous earning rates of the Cobalt Card
Bottom Line
The improved 1:1 transfer ratio to Flying Blue makes Europe significantly more accessible to Canadian travelers holding American Express cards.
With flights to Europe now available from 18,750 Membership Rewards points during Flying Blue Promo Rewards, and the option of free stopovers in Paris or Amsterdam, Flying Blue establishes itself as the essential program for exploring Europe in 2026.
This development confirms the undisputed position of American Express Membership Rewards as the most flexible rewards program in Canada.
- Annual fee
- $191.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $255
- Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
- Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does the New 1:1 Transfer Ratio to Flying Blue Come into Effect?
The new 1:1 transfer ratio from American Express Membership Rewards to Flying Blue is effective as of January 3, 2026. All transfers made from this date automatically benefit from the improved ratio, with no special action required on your part.
How Much Does a Flight to Europe with Flying Blue Cost Now?
With the new 1:1 ratio, flights to Europe now cost:
- Economy Class: 25,000 Membership Rewards points one-way
- Premium Economy Class: 40,000 Membership Rewards points one-way
- Business Class: 60,000 Membership Rewards points one-way
During Promo Rewards (25% off), these rates drop to 18,750, 30,000, and 45,000 points respectively.
How Do Free Stopovers Work with Flying Blue?
Flying Blue allows free stopovers in Paris-CDG or Amsterdam-Schiphol on all award tickets, including Promo Rewards. The stopover can last from a few hours to several months, with no additional points cost. You only pay additional airport taxes. This feature is available on one-way and round-trip tickets, allowing you to visit two European destinations for the price of one.
Can I Use Flying Blue for Canadian Domestic Flights?
Yes, Flying Blue allows you to redeem for domestic WestJet flights in Canada. For example:
- Calgary-Vancouver: from 12,500 points one-way
- Calgary-Toronto: from 17,500 points one-way
- Montreal-Vancouver: from 22,000 points one-way
This unique option among European programs offers additional flexibility for your domestic travels.
Which American Express Cards Benefit from This New Ratio?
All American Express Canada cards that earn Membership Rewards benefit from the new 1:1 ratio to Flying Blue:
- Personal Cards: Cobalt, Gold, Platinum, Green
- Business Cards: Edge, Business Gold, Business Platinum
The Cobalt Card remains the most effective with its 5 points per dollar on food and restaurants.
How Does Flying Blue Now Compare to Aeroplan for Europe?
Flying Blue is now more advantageous than Aeroplan for Europe:
| Class | Flying Blue | Aeroplan | Economy |
| Economy | 25,000 points | 35,000 points | Flying Blue -29% |
| Business | 60,000 points | 60,000 points | Draw |
| Economy (Promo) | 18,750 points | 35,000 points | Flying Blue -46% |
Flying Blue also offers free stopovers and monthly Promo Rewards, benefits not available with Aeroplan.
What Are Flying Blue Promo Rewards and How Can You Benefit from Them?
Promo Rewards are monthly promotions offering 25% (sometimes 50%) off selected Air France or KLM routes. They are announced on the 1st of each month on the Flying Blue website. To take advantage:
- Monitor monthly announcements
- Book quickly as seats are limited
- Some promotions require Flying Blue Extra (paid)
- Discounts are applied automatically during booking
These promotions can reduce a one-way flight to Paris from 25,000 to just 18,750 points.
For your next Hilton stay, see the Hilton Honors American Express® Card available in Canada and the terms of its current offer.