Big News: Amex Canada Improves Flying Blue Transfer Ratio to 1:1

Canadian points and miles enthusiasts have reason to celebrate! As of January 3, 2026, American Express Canada quietly made a significant change that will benefit travelers across the country: Membership Rewards now transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio.

This means 1,000 MR points now equals 1,000 Flying Blue miles, instead of the long-standing 1,000 MR = 750 miles ratio. That's effectively 33% more Flying Blue miles for the same transfer.

What Changed: The Numbers That Matter

Previously, transferring Membership Rewards points to Flying Blue from Canada came with a penalty. For every 1,000 points you transferred, you only received 750 Flying Blue miles.

This change puts Amex Canada on the same footing as Amex US, where Flying Blue has long been a 1:1 transfer partner. Canadian cardholders no longer face a transfer penalty when accessing one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs for travel to Europe.

Why This Matters for Canadian Travelers

Europe Just Got More Accessible

Flying Blue is known for offering some of the most competitive award pricing between North America and Europe:

• 25,000 miles one-way in economy
• 40,000 miles one-way in premium economy
• 60,000 miles one-way in business class

With the old 1:0.75 ratio, a 60,000-mile business class ticket effectively required 80,000 MR points to generate the miles. Now? It's a straight 60,000 MR points for the exact same award.

For example, a flight from Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG) prices at 25,000 miles in economy and 60,000 miles in business class. This is now directly accessible at face value for Canadian Amex cardholders.

Promo Rewards Become Even Sweeter

If you follow Flying Blue, you know the real magic happens with their monthly Promo Rewards, which can discount select awards by up to 50% (though 25% is more common).

A 25% discount on transatlantic flights brings awards down to:

• 18,750 miles one-way in economy
• 30,000 miles one-way in premium economy
• 45,000 miles one-way in business class

With the old transfer ratio, you were paying an MR premium just to access these discounted prices. Now, 45,000 miles for business class to Europe is simply 45,000 MR points transferred.

Partner Airlines Are More Attractive

Flying Blue isn't just useful for Air France and KLM flights. It offers access to the entire SkyTeam alliance plus numerous non-SkyTeam partners. Some notable redemptions include:

SkyTeam Partners:

• China Airlines: Vancouver to Taipei for 61,500 miles in business class
• Korean Air: Toronto to Seoul for 39,500 miles in economy
• SAS: Toronto to Copenhagen for 19,500 miles in economy
• Delta: Domestic US flights often cheaper than through Delta SkyMiles
• Kenya Airways: New York to Nairobi for 60,500 miles in economy

Non-SkyTeam Partners:

• Virgin Atlantic: New York to Manchester in Upper Class for 67,000 miles
• Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur for 50,500 miles in business
• Japan Airlines: Transpacific options for JAL fans
• Qantas: Sydney to Vancouver for 42,000 miles in economy
• WestJet: Canadian domestic and transborder flights

With the old 1:0.75 ratio, a China Airlines business class flight at 61,500 miles required roughly 82,000 MR points. Now it's a straightforward 61,500 MR points.

Transfer Details You Need to Know

According to Amex's Flying Blue partner page:

• Minimum transfer: 1,000 points
• Transfer increments: 100 points
• Official transfer time: Up to 3 days
• Practical transfer time: Often instant or near-instant

Pro tip: While transfers are often faster than stated, don't cut it close if you're trying to snag the last seat on a popular date. Always confirm award availability before transferring points—once you transfer, you're committed.

Which Amex Cards Can Transfer to Flying Blue?

Any American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points in Canada can transfer to Flying Blue at the new 1:1 ratio. This includes:

Personal Cards:

• The Platinum Card
• Amex Gold Card
• Cobalt Card
• Green Card

Business Cards:

• Business Platinum Card
• Business Gold Card
• Business Edge Card

Flying Blue Sweet Spots Worth Knowing

Now that transfers are at 1:1, these Flying Blue sweet spots become even more attractive:

Transatlantic Flights

The harmonized pricing between North America and Europe means a longer flight from Vancouver to Prague costs the same as the shorter Toronto to Paris route. Business class starting at 60,000 miles (now 60,000 MR) is exceptional value.

Africa

• Morocco from Toronto: Starting at 20,000 miles in economy
• Nairobi from Toronto: Starting at 35,000 miles in economy
• Within Africa flights are particularly well-priced

Family Travel

Flying Blue offers a 25% discount on award tickets for children ages 2-11 on Air France and KLM flights. A business class seat to Europe drops to just 45,000 miles for your child.

Free Stopovers

Flying Blue allows a stopover of up to one year for free on award bookings. You could fly Toronto–Amsterdam–Nairobi or Montreal–Paris–Tokyo with an extended stopover in Europe.

How to Make the Most of This Change

1. Don't transfer speculatively: Always search for availability first, then transfer points. Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing, so prices can vary significantly by date.

2. Check Promo Rewards monthly: Flying Blue releases new Promo Rewards each month with discounts of 25-50% on select routes. Timing your redemptions with these promos maximizes value.

3. Consider the stopover: Adding a free stopover in Paris or Amsterdam can significantly increase the value of your redemption.

4. Compare programs: While Flying Blue is now more attractive from Canada, always compare with Aeroplan or other options to ensure you're getting the best deal.

5. Watch for transfer bonuses: While this 1:1 ratio is now the standard, Amex occasionally offers transfer bonuses that could push value even higher.

The Bottom Line

American Express Canada's decision to match the US transfer ratio to Flying Blue is a meaningful upgrade for Canadian travelers. It removes the old transfer penalty, makes Canada–Europe award pricing easier to access, and improves the value proposition on Flying Blue partner redemptions.

If you've been sitting on Membership Rewards points and eyeing a trip to Europe, Africa, or anywhere Flying Blue's extensive network reaches, this change makes the math much simpler—and much more favorable.

The golden rule remains: find the award first, confirm you can book it at the shown price, then transfer your MR points. With this improved ratio, those dream trips to Paris, Amsterdam, or beyond just became 33% more achievable for Canadian Amex cardholders.

Start exploring deals and see where your points could take you!