I Prefer Hotel Rewards Transfer Partners

Last updated: February 2026

Capital One is the only credit card program that transfers directly to I Prefer Hotel Rewards, and it does so at a 1:2 ratio—meaning every 1 Capital One mile converts into 2 I Prefer points. No other major transferable points currency (Chase, Amex, Citi, or Bilt) offers a direct transfer to I Prefer per the Award Travel Hub transfer table. That single partnership, combined with I Prefer’s network of 700+ independent and boutique hotels through Preferred Hotels & Resorts, creates a niche but sometimes valuable redemption path for the right traveler.

This page covers exactly how I Prefer Hotel Rewards transfer partners work, when transferring points actually makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that irreversibly waste points.

Key Takeaways

• Capital One is the sole direct transfer partner for I Prefer Hotel Rewards. The ratio is 1:2 (1 Capital One mile = 2 I Prefer points).
• Chase, Amex, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo, and Rove do not offer direct transfers to I Prefer (per the ATH table).
• Award nights start at 15,000 I Prefer points, but can climb to 150,000+ at high-end properties, so value per point varies widely.
• Transfers from Capital One are instant, but they are one-way and irreversible—always confirm award availability before transferring.
• I Prefer’s award inventory is limited compared to major chains like Hyatt or Hilton. Not every property offers point-bookable rooms, and availability can be inconsistent.

What Is I Prefer Hotel Rewards?

I Prefer Hotel Rewards is the loyalty program for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a collection of over 700 independent, boutique, and luxury hotels across 80+ countries. Unlike chain programs (Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors), I Prefer connects properties that operate independently but share a common booking and rewards platform.

Members earn points on eligible stays and can redeem them for free nights, room upgrades, and other perks. The program is free to join and doesn’t have traditional elite status tiers in the same way major chains do, though members receive benefits like complimentary Wi-Fi, welcome amenities, and room upgrades when available.

Best for: Travelers who prefer independent or boutique hotels over standardized chain properties, especially in destinations where Preferred Hotels has strong coverage (major European cities, select U.S. markets, resort destinations).

Not for: Travelers who prioritize consistent elite status perks, extensive award availability, or properties in every mid-size city. I Prefer’s footprint is smaller and less predictable than Hyatt’s or Marriott’s.

Which Credit Card Programs Transfer to I Prefer Hotel Rewards?

Direct answer: Only Capital One Miles transfers directly to I Prefer Hotel Rewards. The transfer ratio is 1:2.

Here’s the full picture across all major transferable points currencies:

For a complete view of where each bank’s points can go, see the full credit card transfer partners guide.

What the 1:2 Ratio Means in Plain English

When Capital One says the transfer ratio to I Prefer is 1:2, it means you get double the number on the I Prefer side. Transfer 10,000 Capital One miles, and you’ll receive 20,000 I Prefer points. Transfer 25,000 Capital One miles, and you’ll get 50,000 I Prefer points.

This is actually favorable compared to many hotel transfer ratios, where you often lose value (like a 2:1 ratio where you’d need to send 2 points to get 1). Here, the multiplier works in your favor numerically—though whether the resulting I Prefer points are worth the Capital One miles you gave up is a separate question (more on that below).

How to Transfer Capital One Miles to I Prefer: Step-by-Step

Transferring is straightforward, but because transfers are irreversible, preparation matters more than speed.

Before You Transfer

1. Create a free I Prefer Hotel Rewards account at preferredhotels.com if you don’t have one. Note your member number.
2. Search for award availability on the I Prefer website or by calling the hotel directly. Confirm the specific property offers point-bookable rooms for your dates.
3. Note the exact points required for the stay. Award nights range from 15,000 to 150,000+ I Prefer points, depending on the property.
4. Calculate whether the transfer makes sense using the value math framework below.

Transfer Steps

1. Log in to your Capital One account (app or website).
2. Navigate to Rewards → Transfer Miles.
3. Select I Prefer Hotel Rewards from the hotel partner list.
4. Enter the number of Capital One miles to transfer (remember: they’ll double on the I Prefer side).
5. Enter your I Prefer member number.
6. Confirm the transfer.

Transfer speed: Capital One to I Prefer transfers process instantly in most cases. Points should appear in your I Prefer account within minutes.

Common mistake: Transferring points before confirming award availability. I Prefer’s award inventory is limited—not all 700+ properties offer point-bookable rooms, and available dates can be scarce. Once Capital One miles are transferred, they cannot be moved back. Always verify availability first.

For more on how Capital One Miles work across all their partners, see the Capital One Miles transfer partners guide.

Is Transferring to I Prefer Worth It? A Value Math Example

The core question: are your Capital One miles worth more as I Prefer points than they would be used another way?

Framework for Deciding

Capital One miles are generally valued at roughly 1.5 to 1.85 cents each when transferred to strong airline partners (such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Turkish Miles & Smiles, or British Airways Avios) for short-haul flights. That’s the opportunity cost—what you give up by sending those miles to I Prefer instead.

For an I Prefer transfer to make sense, the redemption value should ideally match or exceed what you’d get from a strong airline redemption.

Real-World Example

Scenario: A boutique hotel in Barcelona is available for 30,000 I Prefer points per night. The cash rate for the same room is $280/night for a 2-night stay ($560 total). You need 60,000 I Prefer points.

Step 1: Calculate the Capital One miles needed. At a 1:2 ratio, you need 30,000 Capital One miles to get 60,000 I Prefer points.

Step 2: Calculate cents per point (CPP). $560 cash value ÷ 30,000 Capital One miles = 1.87 cents per Capital One mile.

You can run this calculation quickly using the Award Travel Hub calculators.

Step 3: Compare to opportunity cost. At 1.87 CPP, this is competitive with many airline sweet spots. If you don’t have an upcoming flight redemption that would deliver better value, this transfer is reasonable.

Step 4: Factor in what you lose. When you book with I Prefer points, you typically won’t earn stay credits or points on that award stay. You also lose the flexibility of keeping Capital One miles in a fungible currency with 22+ transfer partners.

Decision Rule

• Transfer if the CPP on Capital One miles exceeds ~1.7 cents AND you’ve confirmed availability AND you don’t have a higher-value airline redemption planned.
• Don’t transfer if the CPP is below 1.2 cents, availability is uncertain, or you have upcoming premium cabin awards that would use those miles more effectively.

When I Prefer Hotel Rewards Transfers Make Sense

Not every I Prefer redemption justifies a transfer. Here are the scenarios where it tends to work well:

Strong Use Cases

• High-value boutique properties in expensive markets. Cities like Paris, London, Tokyo, or New York, where independent luxury hotels charge $300–$600/night but may price award stays at 30,000–50,000 I Prefer points.
• Special occasions at unique properties. Anniversary trips, honeymoons, or milestone celebrations at distinctive hotels that aren’t available through chain loyalty programs.
• When cash rates spike. During peak season or events, cash prices may jump, while I Prefer award pricing remains fixed (I Prefer uses a modified award chart, not fully dynamic pricing for all properties).
• Small transfers to top off a balance. If you already have I Prefer points from paid stays and just need a few thousand more, a small Capital One transfer can close the gap efficiently.

Weak Use Cases

• Budget or mid-range properties. If the cash rate is under $150/night, the CPP math rarely works in the guest’s favor.
• Properties with limited award inventory. Some I Prefer hotels technically participate in the program but rarely release point-bookable rooms. Check before transferring.
• When you need elite-level perks. I Prefer doesn’t offer the same tiered elite benefits (guaranteed upgrades, lounge access, breakfast) that programs like World of Hyatt provide. If those perks matter, a chain program may deliver more total value.

Common Pitfalls When Transferring Points to I Prefer

1. Transferring Before Checking Availability

This is the most frequent and most costly mistake. I Prefer’s award inventory is genuinely limited. Some properties in the Preferred Hotels network don’t participate in point redemptions at all, and those that do may only release a small number of rooms. Always search and confirm availability before moving any points.

2. Ignoring the Opportunity Cost of Capital One Miles

Capital One miles have strong airline partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, and Emirates Skywards. A Business Class redemption on one of these partners could deliver 2–5+ CPP. Sending miles to I Prefer at 1.2 CPP when you could have booked a premium cabin award at 3 CPP is a significant loss.

3. Assuming All Preferred Hotels Properties Accept Points

The Preferred Hotels & Resorts collection includes over 700 properties, but not all of them participate equally in the I Prefer rewards program for point redemptions. Some properties are bookable only with cash. Verify directly on the I Prefer website or call the property.

4. Overlooking Taxes and Fees on Award Stays

Some I Prefer award stays still require payment of local taxes, resort fees, or service charges. These aren’t always disclosed upfront during the points booking process. Ask before you commit.

5. Not Comparing Against Booking Through Capital One Travel Portal

Capital One cardholders can also book hotels through the Capital One Travel portal, often at a fixed rate of 1 cent per mile (or better with the Venture X card’s credits). For lower-value I Prefer properties, booking through the portal might actually deliver comparable value without the risk of an irreversible transfer.

How Does I Prefer Compare to Other Hotel Loyalty Programs?

For context, here’s how I Prefer stacks up against the major hotel programs that are also transfer partners of various credit card currencies:

Key takeaway: I Prefer fills a niche for boutique and independent hotel lovers, but it doesn’t match the breadth, consistency, or elite benefits of major chain programs. World of Hyatt, accessible through Chase Ultimate Rewards, generally offers stronger and more predictable value per point.

I Prefer Hotel Rewards Program Rules Worth Knowing

Before committing points, understand these program-specific details:

• Points expiration: I Prefer points typically expire after 24 months of account inactivity. A qualifying stay or transfer resets the clock.
• No award chart published per property: Unlike Hyatt’s clear category system, I Prefer’s point pricing per property isn’t always easy to find in advance. You may need to search specific dates to see pricing.
• Earning rate on paid stays: Members earn 10 points per $1 spent on eligible room rates. This means a $200/night stay earns 2,000 I Prefer points—modest compared to chain programs.
• Cancellation policies on award stays: These vary by property since each hotel is independently managed. Confirm the cancellation policy before booking.
• New properties added regularly: Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 21 new properties in Q4 2025, with bonus points available at these hotels through June 30, 2026. The portfolio continues to expand.

Should You Prioritize Earning I Prefer Points?

For most points-and-miles travelers, I Prefer should be a secondary or opportunistic program rather than a primary earning target. Here’s why:

The math on earning through stays is slow. At 10 points per $1, you’d need $1,500 in qualifying spend to earn 15,000 points—the minimum for the cheapest award night. That’s a lot of paid stays for one free night.

The transfer path is narrow. With only Capital One as a direct transfer partner, you can’t pool points from multiple credit card programs the way you can with Hyatt (Chase + Bilt) or Flying Blue (Amex + Chase + Citi + Bilt + Capital One).

The best strategy: Earn I Prefer points passively through paid stays at Preferred Hotels properties, and supplement with targeted Capital One transfers when a specific high-value redemption presents itself. Don’t hoard Capital One miles specifically for I Prefer when those miles have strong airline transfer partners that may deliver better CPP.

Alternatives to I Prefer for Boutique Hotel Redemptions

If boutique and independent hotels are your priority but I Prefer’s limitations give you pause, consider these alternatives:

• Hyatt’s Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) partnership. World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem points at 100+ SLH properties. Chase points transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, and availability tends to be more reliable than I Prefer.
• Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR). Not a points transfer, but Amex Platinum cardholders get guaranteed perks (room upgrade, late checkout, property credit, breakfast) when booking through FHR at luxury independents. You pay cash but receive significant added value.
• Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts. Hilton’s luxury collection includes boutique-style properties bookable with Hilton Honors points. Amex transfers to Hilton at 1:2.
• Booking through Capital One Travel or Chase Travel portals. Both portals include independent hotels, and you can apply points at a fixed rate without an irreversible transfer.

For travelers focused on premium cabin flights rather than hotels, the same Capital One miles often deliver stronger value through airline partners. See the Bank Transfer Partners overview for a full comparison of where each currency goes.

FAQ: I Prefer Hotel Rewards Transfer Partners

Q: Which credit card programs transfer to I Prefer Hotel Rewards? A: Only Capital One Miles transfers directly to I Prefer, at a 1:2 ratio (1 Capital One mile = 2 I Prefer points). Chase, Amex, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo, and Rove do not have direct transfers per the ATH table.

Q: What is the Capital One to I Prefer transfer ratio? A: 1:2. For every 1 Capital One mile you transfer, you receive 2 I Prefer points. So 10,000 Capital One miles becomes 20,000 I Prefer points.

Q: How long does a Capital One to I Prefer transfer take? A: Transfers are instant in most cases. Points typically appear in your I Prefer account within minutes.

Q: Can I transfer I Prefer points back to Capital One? A: No. All transfers to I Prefer are one-way and irreversible. Once points leave your Capital One account, they cannot be returned.

Q: How many I Prefer points do I need for a free night? A: Award nights start at 15,000 I Prefer points for entry-level properties and can exceed 150,000 points at luxury hotels. Pricing varies by property and date.

Q: Do I Prefer points expire? A: Yes. I Prefer points expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying activity (stay, transfer, or earning) resets the expiration clock.

Q: Can I use I Prefer points at any Preferred Hotels property? A: Not necessarily. While there are 700+ properties in the network, not all participate in point redemptions. Always verify availability on the I Prefer website or by contacting the hotel directly.

Q: Is transferring to I Prefer a good use of Capital One miles? A: It depends on the specific redemption. If you’re getting 1.7+ CPP on your Capital One miles and have confirmed availability, it can be worthwhile. For many travelers, Capital One miles deliver stronger value through airline partners for Premium Cabin awards.

Q: Does I Prefer have elite status tiers? A: I Prefer doesn’t have traditional elite tiers like Hyatt Globalist or Marriott Titanium. All members receive baseline benefits, including welcome amenities and Wi-Fi. Some properties offer upgrades at check-in, but these aren’t guaranteed.

Q: Are there resort fees or taxes on I Prefer award stays? A: Potentially, yes. Each property is independently managed, and some may charge local taxes, resort fees, or service charges on award bookings. Confirm all costs before booking.

Q: Can I earn I Prefer points on award stays? A: Generally, no. Award stays typically do not earn additional I Prefer points, similar to most hotel loyalty programs.

Q: How does I Prefer compare to World of Hyatt for point value? A: World of Hyatt generally offers stronger and more consistent point value (estimated 1.7–2.0 CPP), broader award availability, and meaningful elite status benefits. I Prefer’s value is more variable and depends heavily on the specific property and dates.

Conclusion and Next Steps

I Prefer Hotel Rewards occupies a specific niche in the points-and-miles landscape: it’s the loyalty program for travelers who love independent and boutique hotels and want a way to redeem transferable points at properties outside the major chains. Capital One Miles is the only direct transfer partner, and the 1:2 ratio means your points go further numerically on the I Prefer side.

That said, this is a program best used opportunistically rather than as a primary redemption strategy. Award availability is inconsistent, the property network—while growing—is smaller than any major chain, and Capital One miles often deliver stronger CPP through airline partners for Business Class deals and First Class redemptions.

Here’s what to do next:

1. If you have Capital One miles and a specific Preferred Hotels property in mind, search for award availability on the I Prefer website first. Confirm the points price and any additional fees.
2. Run the CPP math using the Award Travel Hub calculators to compare the value against alternative uses of your Capital One miles.
3. If the value exceeds ~1.7 CPP and you’ve confirmed availability, the transfer is likely worthwhile. Initiate the instant transfer through your Capital One account.
4. If you’re still building your strategy, review the complete transfer partners guide to understand all your options across airlines and hotels before committing points to any single program.

For most readers, I Prefer will be a “nice to have” option rather than a core part of a booking strategy—but when the right property at the right price appears, having Capital One miles ready to transfer at 1:2 is a genuinely useful tool.

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