When you move points to a partner program, the trade is not always even. A transfer ratio describes how many of your points become how many of the partner's, and it is not always one-for-one. Knowing this in advance keeps you from an unwelcome surprise at the moment of booking.
What a transfer ratio is
A transfer ratio is simply the rate at which your points convert into a partner's currency. Often it is even, but not always — some partners convert at less favorable rates. The ratio is a basic fact to check before you move anything, not after.
Why it matters for value
A less favorable ratio changes the real value of a redemption, because you end up with fewer partner points than you started with. This feeds directly into the calculation in "Cents per point." The ratio is part of the math, not a footnote to it.
Why transfers are still worth it
Even with an imperfect ratio, a transfer can be excellent if the partner prices the travel well — the gap described in "How transfer partners work." A slightly worse ratio into a great redemption still beats an even ratio into a poor one. Judge the whole outcome.
The rule to remember
Always confirm both the ratio and the final redemption before transferring, since transfers are usually one-way and final. Moving points on an assumption is how value gets lost. Check the numbers first, commit second.
Don't transfer on hope
Never move points speculatively in the hope a good ratio or redemption will appear later — the caution at the heart of "Earn and burn vs. save the points" applied in reverse. Transfer only when the specific deal in front of you already makes sense.
Not every transfer is an even trade. Check the ratio, weigh the whole redemption, and move points only when the full picture holds up.
