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American Express Canada just made a clutch change to Membership Rewards, and updated the transfer ratio for Air France KLM Flying Blue from 1:0.75 to 1:1. Now, 1,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points become 1,000 Flying Blue miles instead of 750. This is incredible, especially for Canadians who earn most of their points through credit cards rather than paid flights.
The prior 1:0.75 ratio made the transfer feel like a compromise, even when Flying Blue had strong award space or an attractive Promo Reward. Moving to 1:1 doesn’t make Flying Blue “better than everything,” but it does make it a compelling transfer option. For a long time, MR’s strongest airline partner in Canada has been Aeroplan, with Avios playing a complementary role for certain short-haul and partner sweet spots. With Flying Blue now at 1:1, MR becomes a competitive Skyteam redemption partner. MR is now better positioned as a primary points currency for Canadians who want to keep their options open across the three major alliances.
Airline transfer partners with 1:1 ratio
It’s incredible how Amex Cobalt keeps becoming Canada’s most powerful airline-agnostic card. Between Aeroplan, Avios, and now Flying Blue, Cobalt spend can fuel three alliance currencies at a 5x rate. Amex Cobalt’s 5x MR points on groceries, restaurants, and food delivery now convert 1:1 into Flying Blue, making it one of the best Flying Blue earning cards in Canada. The Air France KLM Flying Blue World Elite Mastercard by Brim Financial has been the most direct way to earn Flying Blue miles domestically without relying on flight activity. While that still remains true, the opportunity cost comparison changes. If a household is already earning MR through Amex cards, a 1:1 transfer reduces the need to build a separate Flying Blue earning track.
Amex Cobalt Earn Rate
Additionally, Flying Blue Promo Rewards are now even more lucrative for Canadians because the 1:1 transfer rate no longer penalizes you for using them towards a limited-time promotion. When Promo Rewards publishes prices like Montreal to Europe at 45,000 miles for one-way business class, the 1:1 transfer ratio drives the value even further. Beyond the Promo Rewards, Canadians can really leverage the transfer ratio towards domestic flights within North America, on WestJet and Delta.
YYZ-ATL on Delta, using Flying Blue miles
YVR-ATL on WestJet, using Flying Blue miles
Reminder that Flying Blue awards include carrier-imposed surcharges. A 1:1 transfer ratio makes the miles cheaper to generate, but it does not lower the cash portion. You still need to price the entire ticket, including cash charges, before deciding whether it’s “better” than an Aeroplan redemption, an Avios redemption, or even a paid cash fare.
Many Canadian points collectors are heavily concentrated in Aeroplan because of the ecosystem strength and the number of ways to earn points. Aeroplan remains one of the most versatile programs, with strong partner access. But a stronger Flying Blue transfer option makes for a credible alternative when Aeroplan pricing or availability isn’t cooperating.
The updated Amex Canada Flying Blue transfer ratio increases the floor value of MR points in Canada. Canadians who earn Amex MR points can now unlock Aeroplan, Avios, and Flying Blue at 1:1.
