
Last updated: February 2026
Only two major U.S. transferable points programs send miles directly to TAP Air Portugal’s Miles&Go program: Capital One and Bilt Rewards. Both transfer at a 1:1 ratio with processing times typically under 48 hours. If you hold Chase, Amex, or Citi points, there is no direct path to TAP Miles&Go from those currencies.
That limited roster matters because TAP Miles&Go can unlock solid value on Star Alliance flights to Europe, Brazil, and Africa, particularly when award availability on TAP’s own metal is strong. This guide covers exactly which programs transfer, the ratios and timing involved, when TAP miles are worth targeting, and the common mistakes that waste points on irreversible transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Two direct transfer partners for U.S. cardholders: Capital One Miles (1:1) and Bilt Rewards (1:1). No other major bank program transfers directly to TAP Miles&Go.
- Marriott Bonvoy is a secondary option at a 3:1 ratio (with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred), but transfer times can stretch to weeks.
- TAP is a Star Alliance member, so Miles&Go miles can be redeemed on 24+ partner airlines, including United, Lufthansa, ANA, Swiss, and Air Canada.
- Transfers are irreversible. Always confirm award availability before moving points to TAP.
- Best use cases center on TAP-operated flights to Portugal, Brazil, and select African destinations where TAP releases decent award inventory on its own planes.
Quick Answer: Which Programs Transfer to TAP Miles&Go?
Capital One Miles and Bilt Rewards are the only two major U.S. credit card points programs that transfer directly to TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go. Both use a 1:1 transfer ratio and typically process within minutes to 48 hours. Marriott Bonvoy also transfers to TAP at 3:1 (with a bonus structure), but it’s a hotel loyalty program rather than a credit card points currency.
Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Wells Fargo Rewards do not transfer to TAP Miles&Go. If you primarily earn those currencies, you’ll need to consider alternative Star Alliance programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or ANA Mileage Club for booking TAP flights with partner awards.
What Is TAP Miles&Go?
TAP Miles&Go is the frequent flyer program of TAP Air Portugal, the flag carrier of Portugal and a member of the Star Alliance. The program allows members to earn and redeem miles on TAP-operated flights, Star Alliance partner airlines, and several non-alliance partners, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, GOL, and Azores Airlines.
TAP operates an extensive network connecting North America, Europe, South America (especially Brazil), and Africa. Lisbon serves as a natural hub for connections between these regions, and TAP has been expanding aggressively into Brazilian markets, with new routes like São Luís launching in late 2026.
Key program characteristics:
- Alliance: Star Alliance (24+ member airlines)
- Award chart: TAP uses a zone-based award chart for flights on its own metal and partner airlines
- Fuel surcharges: TAP does impose carrier surcharges on some award tickets, which can be significant on long-haul flights
- Miles expiration: Miles expire after 36 months of inactivity (no earning or redeeming)
- Non-alliance partners: Emirates, Etihad (partnership launched May 2025), Azul, GOL, Azores Airlines
For a broader view of how TAP fits within the Star Alliance ecosystem, see the Star Alliance Award Booking Guide.
Direct TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go Transfer Partners: Full Table
Here is the complete picture for U.S.-based points collectors. The table below covers every major transferable points currency and its relationship (or lack thereof) with TAP Miles&Go.
| Points Program | Transfers to TAP Miles&Go? | Transfer Ratio | Typical Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Miles | ✅ Yes | 1:1 | Instant to 48 hours |
| Bilt Rewards | ✅ Yes | 1:1 | Instant to 48 hours |
| Marriott Bonvoy | ✅ Yes (hotel program) | 3:1 + 5,000 bonus per 60K transferred | Up to several weeks |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | ❌ No direct transfer | N/A | N/A |
| Amex Membership Rewards | ❌ No direct transfer | N/A | N/A |
| Citi ThankYou Points | ❌ No direct transfer | N/A | N/A |
| Wells Fargo Rewards | ❌ No direct transfer | N/A | N/A |
| Rove Miles | ❌ No direct transfer | N/A | N/A |
Decision rule: If you hold Capital One or Bilt points and need Star Alliance miles for TAP routes, Miles&Go is a direct option. If you hold Chase, Amex, or Citi points, transfer to a different Star Alliance program instead (Aeroplan, ANA, or United MileagePlus, depending on the booking).
For the full list of which bank programs transfer to which banks, check the complete credit card transfer partners guide.
Capital One Miles to TAP Miles&Go: What to Know
Capital One is the most accessible direct transfer partner for TAP Miles&Go among U.S. credit card programs. The 1:1 ratio means 10,000 Capital One miles become 10,000 TAP Miles&Go miles with no conversion loss.
Key details:
- Ratio: 1,000 Capital One miles → 1,000 TAP Miles&Go miles
- Minimum transfer: 1,000 miles
- Transfer increments: 1,000-mile increments
- Processing time: Usually instant; can take up to 48 hours in some cases
- Eligible cards: Capital One Venture, Venture X, Spark Miles, and other cards earning Capital One miles
Common mistake: Transferring Capital One miles to TAP without first checking whether a different Capital One transfer partner offers better value for the same route. For example, if you’re flying to Europe in Business Class, Avianca LifeMiles (also a Capital One partner at 1:1) may price the same Star Alliance flight at fewer miles with lower surcharges. Always compare before transferring.
For a full breakdown of all Capital One transfer options, see the Capital One Miles Transfer Partners Guide.
Bilt Rewards to TAP Miles&Go: What to Know
Bilt Rewards also transfers to TAP Miles&Go at a 1:1 ratio, making it the second direct credit card points pathway. Bilt is particularly notable because it’s one of the few programs that lets you earn points on rent payments, which can build a meaningful balance over time.
Key details:
- Ratio: 1,000 Bilt points → 1,000 TAP Miles&Go miles
- Minimum transfer: Varies; check current Bilt app terms
- Processing time: Typically instant; may take up to 48 hours
- Eligible cards: Bilt Mastercard (all tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
Practical tip: Bilt runs periodic transfer bonuses to select partners. While TAP hasn’t been a frequent bonus target, it’s worth checking the Bilt app on Rent Day (the first of each month) for any active promotions before committing to a transfer. A 25% or 50% transfer bonus can dramatically change the math on a redemption.
For more on Bilt’s full partner roster, visit the Bilt Transfer Partners Guide.
What About Marriott Bonvoy Transfers to TAP?
Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to TAP Miles&Go, but this is a hotel loyalty program transfer, not a credit card points transfer. The distinction matters because the ratio is much less favorable.
How it works:
- Base ratio: 3 Marriott Bonvoy points → 1 TAP Miles&Go mile
- Bonus structure: Transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at once and receive 25,000 TAP miles (20,000 from the base ratio + 5,000 bonus miles)
- Transfer time: Can take days to weeks; some reports indicate waits of 5-7 business days or longer
Is it worth it? Rarely. At the 3:1 base ratio, you’re getting roughly 0.33 TAP miles per Marriott point. Even with the 5,000-mile bonus at the 60K threshold, the effective ratio improves to about 2.4:1, which still represents poor value compared to using Marriott points for hotel stays (where you can often extract 0.7-1.0+ cents per point). This path makes sense only if you have a specific high-value TAP redemption locked in and no other way to top off your Miles&Go balance.
Programs That Do NOT Transfer to TAP Miles&Go
This is just as important as knowing which programs do transfer. Sending points to the wrong program is a common pitfall, and transfers are one-way and irreversible.
Chase Ultimate Rewards — No direct transfer to TAP. Chase’s Star Alliance partners include United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Singapore KrisFlyer. For TAP-operated flights, book through one of those programs instead. See the Chase Transfer Partners Guide for details.
Amex Membership Rewards — No direct transfer to TAP. Amex offers several Star Alliance options, including Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, and Singapore KrisFlyer. Review the Amex Transfer Partners Guide for the full list.
Citi ThankYou Points — No direct transfer to TAP. Citi’s Star Alliance coverage is limited; check the Citi Transfer Partners Guide for alternatives.
Wells Fargo Rewards — No direct transfer to TAP.
Rove Miles — No direct transfer to TAP.
Bottom line: If TAP Miles&Go is your target and you don’t hold Capital One or Bilt points, the workaround is to book TAP flights using a different Star Alliance program’s miles (like Aeroplan or United) rather than trying to get miles into TAP’s program.
Best Uses of TAP Miles&Go Miles
TAP Miles&Go miles aren’t the most versatile Star Alliance currency, but they have specific sweet spots worth knowing about.
TAP-Operated Flights to Portugal and Europe
The strongest use case is booking TAP’s own flights from the U.S. to Lisbon, Porto, or connecting beyond to other European cities. TAP operates nonstop flights from Newark (EWR), New York JFK, Boston, Miami, Washington Dulles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to Lisbon. Award availability on TAP metal tends to be reasonable outside of peak summer months (late June through August).
Flights to Brazil
TAP has one of the largest networks connecting Europe to Brazil, serving cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Belém, Porto Alegre, Fortaleza, Natal, Salvador, and the newly added São Luís. For travelers routing through Lisbon to Brazil, TAP miles can work well, especially in business class, where TAP’s product is competitive on these routes.
Star Alliance Partner Awards
Because TAP is a Star Alliance member, Miles&Go miles can be redeemed on any Star Alliance carrier. This opens up possibilities on Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and others. However, be aware that TAP’s award chart pricing for partner flights isn’t always competitive compared to programs like Aeroplan or ANA Mileage Club. Always compare costs across programs before transferring.
Where TAP Miles&Go Is NOT the Best Choice
- Intra-Asia flights: Programs like ANA Mileage Club or Singapore KrisFlyer generally offer better pricing and availability.
- Domestic U.S. flights: United MileagePlus or Aeroplan will almost always be more practical.
- Routes with high fuel surcharges: TAP does pass through carrier surcharges on some itineraries. Check the total out-of-pocket cost (taxes + fees) before committing.
Calculator Example: Transferring Capital One Miles to TAP for a Business Class Flight
Here’s a concrete example to illustrate the transfer math.
Scenario: You want to book a TAP business class award ticket from Newark (EWR) to Lisbon (LIS) one-way.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | EWR → LIS (nonstop, TAP-operated) |
| Cabin | Business class |
| Award cost (estimate) | 55,000 TAP Miles&Go miles one-way |
| Taxes and fees (estimate) | ~$200-350 (varies; includes carrier surcharges) |
| Cash price comparison | ~$2,500-4,000 one-way in business class |
| Capital One miles needed | 55,000 (at 1:1 transfer ratio) |
Value calculation:
If the cash ticket costs $3,000 and you redeem 55,000 miles + $275 in fees:
- Value received: $3,000 – $275 = $2,725 in flight value from miles
- Cents per point (CPP): $2,725 ÷ 55,000 = ~4.95 CPP
That’s a strong redemption. For comparison, Capital One miles used through the Capital One travel portal yield a fixed 1.0 CPP (Venture) or 1.25 CPP (Venture X on flights). Transferring to TAP in this scenario delivers roughly 4-5x more value.
Important caveats:
- This assumes saver-level award availability, which isn’t guaranteed
- Taxes and fees vary; check the actual booking screen before transferring
- Compare the same flight’s cost in Aeroplan or United miles, as those programs may price it lower or with fewer surcharges
For more tools to run these calculations, visit our Award Travel calculators.
Surcharges, Fees, and Hidden Costs on TAP Awards
TAP Air Portugal does impose carrier surcharges (sometimes called fuel surcharges or YQ fees) on award tickets. This is a meaningful consideration because surcharges can add $100-400+ to a long-haul award ticket, significantly reducing the value of your miles.
What to watch for:
- TAP-operated flights typically carry moderate surcharges on transatlantic routes. The exact amount varies by route, cabin, and booking date.
- Partner airline flights booked with TAP miles may or may not carry surcharges, depending on the operating carrier. Some Star Alliance partners (like United) don’t impose fuel surcharges on award tickets, while others (like Lufthansa) do.
- Taxes are separate. Government taxes, airport fees, and security charges apply on top of any carrier surcharges.
Practical advice: Before transferring points to TAP, search for the award on TAP’s website and proceed to the pricing page to see the full breakdown of miles + cash required. If the cash component is uncomfortably high, consider booking the same flight through a different Star Alliance program that may impose lower fees.
How to Transfer Points to TAP Miles&Go: Step-by-Step
From Capital One
- Log in to your Capital One account (web or app)
- Navigate to “Rewards” → “Transfer Miles”
- Select TAP Miles&Go from the partner list
- Enter the number of miles to transfer (minimum 1,000, in 1,000-mile increments)
- Confirm your TAP Miles&Go member number (double-check this; errors can delay or lose miles)
- Submit the transfer
- Miles typically appear in your TAP account within minutes to 48 hours
From Bilt Rewards
- Open the Bilt app or log in at biltrewards.com
- Go to “Transfer Points”
- Select TAP Miles&Go
- Enter the transfer amount
- Confirm your Miles&Go membership number
- Submit
- Expect miles to post within minutes to 48 hours
Critical Pre-Transfer Checklist
Before you hit “confirm” on any transfer, run through this checklist:
- Confirmed award availability on TAP’s website or through a Star Alliance partner search tool
- Noted the exact miles required plus taxes/fees
- Verified your Miles&Go member number is correct (a single digit error can send miles to someone else’s account, and recovery is difficult)
- Compared the cost in at least one other Star Alliance program (Aeroplan, United, ANA)
- Checked for active transfer bonuses from Capital One or Bilt
- Understood this is irreversible — once transferred, you cannot move miles back to your bank program
Common Mistakes to Avoid with TAP Miles&Go Transfers
1. Transferring before confirming availability. This is the single most common and costly mistake. TAP miles sitting in your account with no available award seat are wasted points. Always search first, transfer second.
2. Ignoring surcharges. A “cheap” award in miles can become expensive when $300+ in surcharges are added. Factor in the total out-of-pocket cost when calculating value.
3. Not comparing across Star Alliance programs. TAP’s award chart isn’t always the cheapest option for a given route. A flight from the U.S. to Europe might cost 55,000 TAP miles but only 45,000 Aeroplan points. Spend five minutes comparing.
4. Entering the wrong loyalty number. Transfers to an incorrect member number are extremely difficult to reverse. Triple-check before confirming.
5. Assuming Chase or Amex transfers to TAP. They don’t. If you’ve been accumulating Chase or Amex points with TAP in mind, you’ll need to pivot to a different Star Alliance partner program.
6. Forgetting about miles expiration. TAP Miles&Go miles expire after 36 months of account inactivity. If you transfer miles and don’t use them promptly, set a reminder to keep the account active through a small earn or redemption activity.
TAP Miles&Go and the IAG Ownership Question
As of 2026, International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, has been in negotiations with the Portuguese government for full ownership of TAP. This is worth monitoring because changes in airline ownership can affect loyalty programs.
Potential impacts if IAG completes the acquisition:
- TAP could eventually leave Star Alliance and join Oneworld (IAG’s alliance), which would fundamentally change redemption options
- The Miles&Go program could be merged into or replaced by Avios (IAG’s shared loyalty currency)
- Transfer partnerships with Capital One and Bilt could change or end
What to do now: Don’t stockpile TAP miles speculatively. Transfer only when you have a specific booking in mind. The devaluation risk from a potential program overhaul is real, even if the timeline is uncertain. This is a “transfer and book immediately” program, not a “hoard for later” one.
For context on how IAG’s other programs work, see the British Airways Transfer Partners Guide and the Iberia Plus Transfer Partners Guide.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use TAP Miles&Go
Best for:
- Travelers with Capital One or Bilt points who fly between the U.S. and Portugal/Brazil regularly
- Bookings on TAP-operated flights where award availability is confirmed
- Connecting through Lisbon to destinations in Europe, Brazil, or Africa
- Situations where TAP’s award pricing beats other Star Alliance programs for a specific route
Not ideal for:
- Travelers who primarily earn Chase, Amex, or Citi points (no direct transfer path)
- Speculative transfers without confirmed availability
- Routes where other Star Alliance programs offer lower pricing or fewer surcharges
- Long-term miles accumulation (expiration risk + potential program changes from IAG acquisition)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to TAP Miles&Go?
No. Chase does not have a direct transfer partnership with TAP Miles&Go. To book TAP flights with Chase points, transfer to a Star Alliance partner like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus and book TAP as a partner airline award.
Can I transfer Amex Membership Rewards to TAP Miles&Go?
No. Amex does not transfer directly to TAP. Consider transferring Amex points to Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, or Singapore KrisFlyer for Star Alliance award bookings that include TAP flights.
What is the transfer ratio from Capital One to TAP?
The ratio is 1:1. Every 1,000 Capital One miles converts to 1,000 TAP Miles&Go miles with no conversion loss.
How long does a transfer from Bilt to TAP take?
Transfers from Bilt Rewards to TAP Miles&Go typically process instantly, but may take up to 48 hours in some cases.
Can I reverse a transfer to TAP Miles&Go?
No. Transfers from Capital One, Bilt, or Marriott to TAP Miles&Go are permanent and cannot be reversed. Always confirm award availability before transferring.
Does TAP charge fuel surcharges on award tickets?
Yes. TAP imposes carrier surcharges on many award tickets, particularly on long-haul flights. The amount varies by route and cabin. Check the full cost (miles + taxes/fees) on TAP’s booking page before committing.
Can I use TAP Miles&Go on other airlines?
Yes. As a Star Alliance member, TAP Miles&Go miles can be redeemed on 24+ Star Alliance carriers, including United, Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, and others. TAP also has non-alliance partnerships with Emirates, Etihad, Azul, GOL, and Azores Airlines.
Do TAP Miles&Go miles expire?
Yes. Miles expire after 36 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying earn or redemption activity resets the clock.
Is there a transfer bonus from Capital One or Bilt to TAP?
Transfer bonuses are occasional and not guaranteed. Neither Capital One nor Bilt maintains a permanent bonus to TAP. Check both platforms before transferring, as even a 20-30% bonus can meaningfully improve your redemption value.
Will TAP leave Star Alliance if IAG buys the airline?
It’s possible, but not confirmed. If IAG (parent of British Airways and Iberia) completes its acquisition of TAP, the airline could eventually move to Oneworld. No timeline has been announced, but this is a real risk for anyone who accumulates TAP miles long-term.
Can I transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to TAP?
Yes, at a 3:1 ratio. If you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at once, you receive 25,000 TAP miles (20,000 base + 5,000 bonus). Transfer times can be significantly longer than credit card transfers, sometimes taking a week or more.
How do I find TAP award availability?
Search directly on the TAP Air Portugal website (flytap.com) using the “Book with Miles” option. You can also search for TAP-operated flights through other Star Alliance programs’ search tools, such as Aeroplan or United, to compare pricing across programs.
Conclusion and Next Steps
TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go has a narrow but functional set of transfer partners for U.S.-based points collectors. Capital One Miles and Bilt Rewards are the two direct credit card pathways, both at a clean 1:1 ratio with fast processing. Marriott Bonvoy offers a secondary route at a much less efficient 3:1 ratio.
The program’s value centers on TAP-operated flights between North America and Portugal, Brazil, and Africa, as well as the broader Star Alliance network. But the limited transfer partner roster, carrier surcharges, and uncertainty around the IAG ownership situation all argue for a “transfer and book immediately” approach rather than speculative accumulation.
Your next steps:
- If you have Capital One or Bilt points: Search for TAP award availability on flytap.com for your desired route. Compare pricing against Aeroplan and United for the same flights.
- If you have Chase, Amex, or Citi points: Skip TAP Miles&Go and book TAP flights through Air Canada Aeroplan or another Star Alliance partner program.
- Before any transfer: Confirm availability, check total fees, verify your member number, and look for active transfer bonuses.
- Stay informed: Monitor TAP’s program for updates on the IAG acquisition. Bookmark the Award Travel Hub transfer partners page for the latest updates on which programs transfer to which destinations.


