Chase to Avios March 2026: 20% transfer bonus across British Airways, Iberia & Aer Lingus

Last updated: March 1, 2026

Chase Ultimate Rewards cardholders can transfer points to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub at a 20% bonus through March 31, 2026. That means every 10,000 Chase points becomes 12,000 Avios in any of the three programs. The bonus is decent but not exceptional by historical standards, so the question isn’t just whether to transfer but which program to target and whether confirmed award space justifies moving points now.

This guide breaks down the mechanics, walks through the Avios interchangeability system, compares sweet spots across all three programs, and provides real CPP math for the routes that matter most this spring and summer.

Key Takeaways

• 20% bonus is active March 1–31, 2026, across all three Avios programs (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus)
• Bonus Avios appear separately in your airline account after the base transfer completes; they won’t show on the Chase side
• This is the lower end of historical bonuses: Chase offered 30% to the same programs in October 2025, and Bilt ran a 100% Avios bonus in December 2025
• All five Avios programs (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar, Finnair) allow free 1:1 transfers between accounts, so transferring to one program doesn’t lock you in
• Iberia Plus offers the best transatlantic business class pricing for East Coast–Madrid routes (34,000 Avios off-peak)
• Aer Lingus is the cheapest option for economy flights to Dublin from the US East Coast (13,000 Avios off-peak)
• Qatar Qsuites are accessible by transferring Chase → British Airways → Qatar Privilege Club
• BA awards are refundable (only ~$5.60 in taxes forfeited); Iberia awards are non-refundable once ticketed
• Don’t transfer speculatively unless you have confirmed availability and are ready to book

Quick Answer

Transfer Chase points to the Avios program that matches your target route. For JFK–MAD business class, send points to Iberia Plus (34,000 Avios off-peak = ~28,334 Chase points with the bonus). For BOS–DUB economy, use Aer Lingus AerClub (13,000 Avios off-peak = ~10,834 Chase points). If you need flexibility or want to access Qatar Qsuites, transfer to British Airways first and redistribute later. Always confirm award availability before transferring.

Chase’s March 2026 Avios Transfer Bonus: What You’re Getting

Chase is offering a flat 20% transfer bonus to all three Avios-based airline programs from 12:00 AM ET on March 1 through 11:59 PM ET on March 31, 2026. The bonus applies equally whether you transfer to British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, or Aer Lingus AerClub.

Key terms:

• Minimum transfer: 1,000 Chase points
• Transfer ratio: 1,000 Chase points → 1,200 Avios (with bonus)
• No maximum cap is mentioned in the offer terms
• Eligible cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Ink Business Preferred, and other cards that earn Ultimate Rewards transferable points

For context on how this fits within the broader Chase ecosystem, see the Chase Transfer Partners Guide 2026.

Is 20% a good bonus?

It’s acceptable but not outstanding. Chase offered a 30% bonus to these same three programs in October 2025, and competing programs have been more generous (Bilt’s December 2025 Rent Day featured a 100% Avios bonus). Meanwhile, Chase is offering a 40% bonus on Virgin Atlantic and a 50% bonus on Marriott Bonvoy as of early March 2026.

Rule of thumb: A 20% Avios bonus is worth acting on if you have a specific redemption in mind with confirmed availability. It’s generally not worth a speculative transfer.

For a deeper framework on when transfer bonuses justify moving points, read our Transfer Bonus Strategy guide.

How the 20% Bonus Works and When It Shows Up

The transfer itself is instant from Chase to all three Avios programs. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initiate transfer from the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal (desktop or app)
2. Base Avios (1:1 ratio) appear in your airline account within minutes
3. Bonus Avios (the extra 20%) are credited separately, typically within a few minutes to a few hours after the base transfer

The Chase portal will only show the base amount, leaving your account. If you transfer 50,000 Chase points, Chase debits 50,000 points. Your airline account receives 50,000 base Avios plus 10,000 bonus Avios = 60,000 total.

Important: Transfers to Avios programs are irreversible. Once points leave your Chase account, they cannot be returned.

Understanding Avios Interchangeability: Moving Points Between BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Qatar & Finnair

This is the single most valuable feature of the Avios ecosystem, and it’s where many cardholders get confused. All five Avios-collecting programs allow free, instant 1:1 transfers between linked accounts.

Direct transfer rules

British Airways is the central hub. Qatar and Finnair can only transfer Avios to/from British Airways, not directly to Iberia or Aer Lingus. So if you want to move Avios from Qatar to Iberia, you’d route them: Qatar → British Airways → Iberia.

This means transferring Chase points to British Airways gives you the most flexibility to redistribute later. But if you already know your target program, transfer directly to avoid an extra step.

For a detailed comparison of how each Avios program prices awards differently, see our breakdown of BA vs Qatar vs Iberia.

Account linking requirements

To transfer Avios between programs, your accounts must share identical personal information: full name, date of birth, email address, and home address. Mismatches—even minor ones like “Street” vs. “St.”—will block the transfer. Set up your accounts consistently before you need to move points under time pressure.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Avios Between Programs Using Avios.com

1. Create accounts in each Avios program you might use (BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus at minimum; Qatar and Finnair if relevant)
2. Ensure matching details across all accounts (name, DOB, email, address)
3. Go to Avios.com and log in with your British Airways Executive Club credentials
4. Navigate to “Combine my Avios” (or similar link in the account management section)
5. Link your other Avios accounts by entering your membership numbers
6. Select the transfer direction and amount
7. Confirm the transfer—it processes instantly at a 1:1 ratio with no fee

Common error scenarios:

• “Account details do not match”: Check for spelling differences, middle name inclusion/exclusion, or address formatting mismatches between programs
• Transfer not appearing: Qatar and Finnair transfers must route through British Airways. You cannot transfer directly from Finnair to Iberia
• Account locked after failed attempts: Contact the relevant airline’s customer service; repeated failed linking attempts can trigger security holds

You can also initiate transfers through individual airline portals (e.g., ba.com), but Avios.com provides a centralized dashboard for managing balances across programs.

For more on the British Airways program and Aer Lingus AerClub, see our dedicated partner guides.

British Airways vs Iberia vs Aer Lingus: Which Program Has the Best Sweet Spots

Each program prices the same routes differently. The right choice depends on your origin city, destination, cabin class, and whether you’re traveling during peak or off-peak periods.

Program-by-program strengths

Iberia Plus — Best for: East Coast to Madrid business class

• JFK/MIA/ORD–MAD in business class: 34,000 Avios off-peak, 50,000 peak
• Lowest fuel surcharges of the three programs on Iberia-operated flights
• Non-refundable award tickets (significant downside)

Aer Lingus AerClub — Best for: US to Dublin economy

• BOS/JFK/EWR–DUB in economy: 13,000 Avios off-peak, 20,000 peak
• BOS/JFK–DUB in business class: 50,000 Avios off-peak
• Low taxes/fees on Aer Lingus metal
• Refundable awards (fees apply)

British Airways Executive Club — Best for: Short-haul flights, flexibility, and partner access

• Intra-Europe economy: 7,500–13,000 Avios depending on distance
• Transatlantic business class: 50,000+ Avios (often more expensive than Iberia for comparable routes)
• Higher fuel surcharges on BA-operated flights
• Gateway to Qatar and Finnair redemptions

Head-to-head comparison: Key routes

Top Transatlantic Redemptions with the Chase to Avios Transfer Bonus March 2026 (With Real CPP Math)

Here’s where the 20% bonus changes the math. For each redemption below, we calculate the effective cents per point (CPP) based on estimated cash fares for spring/summer 2026 travel. For a refresher on evaluating redemption value, see our Cents-Per-Point guide.

1. JFK–MAD Business Class on Iberia (Off-Peak)

• Avios required: 34,000
• Chase points without bonus: 34,000
• Chase points with 20% bonus: ~28,334
• Taxes/fees: ~$90
• Estimated cash fare: $2,800–$3,500 one-way
• Effective CPP: 9.6–12.0 cents per Chase point

This is the single best use of this transfer bonus for most East Coast travelers. Iberia’s off-peak Business Class fares to Madrid are among the best transatlantic Avios sweet spots.

2. BOS–DUB Economy on Aer Lingus (Off-Peak)

• Avios required: 13,000
• Chase points without bonus: 13,000
• Chase points with 20% bonus: ~10,834
• Taxes/fees: ~$60
• Estimated cash fare: $450–$600
• Effective CPP: 3.6–5.0 cents per Chase point

Solid value for a quick transatlantic hop. Off-peak dates include much of the shoulder season (early spring, late fall).

3. BOS–DUB Business Class on Aer Lingus (Off-Peak)

• Avios required: 50,000
• Chase points without bonus: 50,000
• Chase points with 20% bonus: ~41,667
• Taxes/fees: ~$100
• Estimated cash fare: $3,000–$4,000
• Effective CPP: 7.0–9.4 cents per Chase point

4. LHR–CDG Economy on British Airways

• Avios required: 7,500
• Chase points without bonus: 7,500
• Chase points with 20% bonus: ~6,250
• Taxes/fees: ~$30–50
• Estimated cash fare: $150–$250
• Effective CPP: 1.6–3.2 cents per Chase point

Short-haul BA redemptions are convenient positioning flights but don’t always deliver exceptional CPP. Factor this into your overall trip math.

5. JFK–LHR Business Class on British Airways

• Avios required: 60,000
• Chase points without bonus: 60,000
• Chase points with 20% bonus: 50,000
• Taxes/fees: ~$600+ (BA’s notorious fuel surcharges)
• Estimated cash fare: $4,000–$6,000
• Effective CPP: 6.8–10.8 cents per Chase point

The high surcharges significantly reduce the value of this redemption. Consider Iberia or Virgin Atlantic as alternatives for transatlantic business class with lower fees. Our Virgin Atlantic Chase transfer bonus guide covers the current 40% bonus, which may be a better option for travelers bound for London.

Using the Chase to Avios Transfer Bonus March 2026 to Access Qatar Airways Qsuites and Other Premium Partners

One of the most compelling reasons to transfer Chase points to Avios is indirect access to Qatar Airways Privilege Club, which lets you book Qsuites—widely considered the best business class product in the sky.

The transfer path

Chase → British Airways → Qatar Privilege Club → Book Qsuites

Example: JFK–DOH in Qatar Qsuites

• Qatar Privilege Club pricing: ~78,000 Avios + ~$50 in taxes
• Chase points needed with 20% bonus: ~65,000
• Chase points without bonus: 78,000
• Estimated cash fare: $5,000–$8,000 one-way
• Effective CPP: 7.6–12.2 cents per Chase point

That’s a savings of 13,000 Chase points compared to transferring without the bonus—meaningful for a premium cabin redemption.

Example: JFK–JFK via JetBlue Mint (transcon or transatlantic)

Qatar Privilege Club can also book JetBlue Mint awards using Avios. A transatlantic JetBlue Mint flight (when available) can be priced at approximately 40,000–60,000 Avios depending on the route, offering another creative use of this transfer path.

Important caveat: Qatar Privilege Club award availability for partner bookings can be limited. Search on Qatar’s website or use award search tools before transferring any points. Also see our Qatar Privilege Club transfer partners guide for additional details.

Should You Transfer Speculatively or Wait for Confirmed Award Space?

Short answer: Wait for confirmed availability in almost all cases.

A 20% bonus sounds appealing, but Avios sitting in an airline account loses the flexibility of Chase Ultimate Rewards, which can transfer to 11+ airline and hotel partners. Once transferred, those points are locked into the Avios ecosystem.

When speculative transfers might make sense

• You have a very large Chase balance (200,000+), and transferring a portion still leaves ample flexibility
• You regularly book Avios redemptions and will use the points within 3–6 months, regardless
• You’ve identified a specific route and travel dates, but availability hasn’t opened yet (e.g., waiting for the Summer 2026 schedule release)

When to avoid speculative transfers

• You don’t have a specific trip in mind
• You’re hoping for a better bonus later (30–40% bonuses have appeared historically)
• Your Chase balance is under 100,000 points, and you may need them for hotel transfers or other partners

For a deeper dive into this decision, see our guide on how to use transfer bonuses strategically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring to Avios Programs

1. Transferring to the wrong program. BA, Iberia, and Aer Lingus price the same routes differently. Always compare before choosing a destination program

   
   

2. Ignoring fuel surcharges. British Airways adds substantial surcharges on BA-operated flights (sometimes $500+ in business class). Iberia and Aer Lingus are generally much cheaper on their own metal.

3. Forgetting Iberia’s non-refundable policy. Unlike BA, Iberia Plus awards cannot be canceled for a refund. Only transfer to Iberia when you’re certain about your booking.

4. Mismatched account details. Name, DOB, email, and address must be identical across all Avios programs for inter-program transfers. Set this up before you need to move points urgently.

5. Transferring before confirming availability. Avios transfers from Chase are instant and irreversible. Search for award space first, then transfer.

6. Overlooking the Qatar/Finnair routing requirement. These programs only connect directly to British Airways. If you transferred to Aer Lingus and want to book Qatar, you’ll need to move Avios: Aer Lingus → BA → Qatar (two steps).

Action Plan: Maximizing the March 2026 Chase to Avios Transfer Bonus Before March 31

Follow this decision framework:

Step 1: Identify your target trip

• Where are you flying? When? What cabin?
• Check award availability on BA.com, Iberia.com, and AerLingus.com

Step 2: Compare pricing across programs

• Use the comparison table above as a starting point
• Factor in taxes, fees, and surcharges (not just Avios cost)

Step 3: Choose the right program

• East Coast → Madrid business: Iberia Plus
• US → Dublin economy or business: Aer Lingus AerClub
• Short-haul Europe, partner flights, or Qatar access: British Airways Executive Club
• Need maximum flexibility: British Airways (central hub for redistribution)

Step 4: Calculate your transfer amount

• Divide your target Avios by 1.2 to find the Chase points needed
• Example: 34,000 Avios ÷ 1.2 = 28,334 Chase points

Step 5: Transfer and book

• Transfer from Chase → chosen Avios program
• Wait for both base and bonus Avios to appear
• Complete the booking immediately

Step 6: If plans change

• BA awards: Cancel for a full Avios refund (lose ~$5.60 in taxes)
• Iberia awards: Non-refundable—no recourse
• Unused Avios: Move between programs via Avios.com for future use

Conclusion

The Chase to Avios transfer bonus in March 2026 at 20% is a useful but modest promotion. It’s best suited for travelers who already have a specific Avios redemption in mind—particularly Iberia business class to Madrid, Aer Lingus flights to Dublin, or Qatar Qsuites via the BA transfer path. The savings are real (roughly 13,000 fewer Chase points for a Qsuites booking, or ~5,700 fewer for Iberia off-peak business class), but they don’t justify speculative transfers for most cardholders.

Next steps:

• Search award availability now on ba.com, iberia.com, and aerlingus.com
• Compare pricing across all three programs for your target route
• Review our comparison of Chase vs Amex vs Citi vs Capital One transfer partners to confirm Chase is the best source for your Avios
• Transfer only after confirming availability, and book immediately after points post
• Deadline: March 31, 2026, 11:59 PM ET

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 20% bonus apply equally across all three Avios programs? Yes. British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, and Aer Lingus AerClub all receive the same 20% bonus on Chase transfers through March 31, 2026.

How long does the transfer take? Chase to Avios transfers are typically instant. Base Avios appear within minutes, and the 20% bonus Avios follow shortly after as a separate credit.

Can I transfer Avios from Iberia to Qatar Airways directly? No. Qatar Privilege Club only connects directly to British Airways. To move Avios from Iberia to Qatar, transfer Iberia → British Airways → Qatar.

Is this bonus worth a speculative transfer? For most cardholders, no. A 20% bonus is on the lower end historically, and Chase points retain more flexibility in your Ultimate Rewards account. Transfer only with confirmed award space.

Which program has the lowest surcharges? Iberia Plus generally has the lowest surcharges on Iberia-operated flights. Aer Lingus is also reasonable. British Airways charges the highest fuel surcharges, particularly on transatlantic routes.

Can I combine Avios from different programs for a single booking? Not directly in a single transaction. But you can transfer Avios between programs (for free, at 1:1) to consolidate them into one account before booking.

What happens if my account details don’t match between programs? The inter-program transfer will fail. You’ll need to contact customer service for each program to update your details so they match exactly (name, DOB, email, address).

Are Iberia award tickets refundable? No. Iberia Plus awards are non-refundable once ticketed. British Airways awards are refundable with only ~$5.60 in taxes forfeited.

How do I calculate Chase points needed with the 20% bonus? Divide the Avios cost by 1.2. For example, 50,000 Avios ÷ 1.2 = 41,667 Chase points.

Can I use Bilt or Amex points for this bonus? No. This is a Chase-specific promotion. Bilt and Amex have their own separate transfer relationships with Avios programs, sometimes with their own bonuses.

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