Citi ThankYou Adds Japan Airlines as a Transfer Partner, Launches With 30% Bonus

Yesterday, Citi added Japan Airlines Mileage Bank as a ThankYou transfer partner. Cards with an annual fee transfer at a 1:1 rate, including the Citi Strata Elite and Citi Strata Premier, plus the legacy Citi Prestige and AT&T Access More. No-annual-fee cards — such as the Citi Strata, Citi Double Cash, and Citi Custom Cash — offer a 0.7 transfer ratio.

To sweeten the deal, Citi is adding a 30% bonus on transfers to JAL through Oct. 24. That turns 1,000 ThankYou points into 1,300 JAL miles on annual-fee cards, which can lead to some excellent deals. For example, JAL business class from the U.S. to Japan can be booked from 55,000 JAL miles plus roughly $350 in taxes and fees. That's just over 42,000 ThankYou points with the bonus.

There are a few things to know before you transfer. First, new Mileage Bank members may have to wait up to 60 days before they can redeem miles. Further, JAL miles expire after 36 months and cannot be extended.

Andrew's Take

This is a good addition if you hold a Strata Premier, Strata Elite, or another card that transfers 1:1 to JAL. JAL Mileage Bank has some of the best premium cabin award rates to Asia, and the 30% transfer bonus opens the door to some excellent deals.

Source: Citi