The news is out – starting from October 31, 2024, points transfer from all banks and hotel programs to Club Vistara will cease to exist. This change has created a buzz among frequent travelers who rely on bank and hotel reward programs for accumulating air miles.
The big question remains: Should you transfer your points to Club Vistara now, or wait? The answer depends on which bank you hold your rewards with. In this blog post, we’ll break down the transfer situation for each major bank and guide you through whether or not you should act now.
Axis Bank – No Rush to Transfer
If you hold points with Axis Bank, you’re in luck! Axis Bank still partners with Air India Flying Returns, and the transfer ratio remains the same as Club Vistara. There’s no urgency to transfer your points unless you have an upcoming trip.
HDFC Bank – Transfer if Your Points Are Expiring
Like Amex, HDFC Bank doesn’t have a partnership with Air India Flying Returns. There’s been no indication that they’ll add this partnership anytime soon. If your HDFC points are expiring, it might make sense to transfer them to Club Vistara before October 31.
American Express – Consider Transferring for Domestic Travel
American Express does not have Air India Flying Returns as a transfer partner, meaning your Vistara partnership is exclusive. If you’re planning on using your points for domestic travel, you may want to transfer to Club Vistara before the partnership ends.
The good news? Amex points don’t expire, so you can hold onto them if you’re uncertain about upcoming travel. However, if you plan to fly soon, consider transferring.
AU Small Finance Bank – Exclusive Partnership with Vistara
AU Small Finance Bank has an exclusive partnership with Club Vistara for popular credit cards like Zenith, LIT, and Vetta. Strangely, Vistara has not mentioned the end of this partnership with AU Small Finance Bank, making it unclear if transfers will stop after October 31.
If you have points lying around, especially from Zenith Plus, which offers an excellent transfer ratio, it’s wise to transfer them soon.
IndusInd Bank – Great Transfer Ratio
IndusInd Bank only has InterMiles and Club Vistara as transfer partners. Given that Air India Flying Returns isn’t part of their program, you should consider transferring your points to Club Vistara. IndusInd’s transfer ratio is one of the best across credit cards, so make sure to act before the deadline.
HSBC Bank – No Rush
If you have points with HSBC Bank, you don’t need to rush. HSBC offers both Club Vistara and Air India Flying Returns as transfer partners, and the transfer ratio is the same for both. If you’re not planning any immediate trips, it’s fine to keep your points for later use.
Conclusion – Should You Transfer Points Now?
If you’re planning travel with Club Vistara before October 31, 2024, or if your points are expiring soon, transferring points makes sense. However, for those without immediate plans or with banks offering similar transfer ratios to Air India Flying Returns, there’s no need to rush.
Remember: Transferring points should align with your travel goals. If you’re not certain about upcoming travel, it’s better to hold off. The last thing you want is points locked in a program you won’t use!
For more detailed information on transfer ratios and the latest updates, check out the Magnify app, where we list all transfer partners and ratios in real-time.
