AMEX vs Miles & More: Why You Need BOTH (2026)
AMEX points CANNOT be converted directly into Miles & More! Why you still need BOTH systems and how the combination of AMEX MR + M&M miles works.
By David Lesnik Status:
Quick answer: AMEX Membership Rewards and Miles & More are two completely separate points systems. A direct transfer between them is NOT possible, and the detour via PAYBACK (3 MR = 1 mile) isn’t worth it. The best strategy: use both in parallel — AMEX MR for flexibility (9 airline partners) and Miles & More for Lufthansa/Star Alliance flights.
The question almost every miles beginner asks: should I collect Miles & More miles or AMEX Membership Rewards? The answer surprises many: they are two completely different systems.
The fundamental difference
Before we go into detail, the most important thing:
AMEX points CANNOT be transferred directly to Miles & More.
This is the most common beginner mistake. Many think they can simply send their AMEX points to Miles & More. That’s not possible directly — Miles & More is not an AMEX transfer partner. The only detour runs via PAYBACK (3 MR = 1 PAYBACK point = 1 mile) and costs two thirds of the value.
Miles & More at a glance
Miles & More is the frequent flyer program of the Lufthansa Group. It includes:
- Lufthansa
- Swiss
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Eurowings (partially)
How you collect Miles & More miles
- Through flights — automatically as a program member
- Miles & More credit cards — 1 mile per €2 spent (personal cards) or 1 mile per euro (business cards)
- Partner activities — hotels, rental cars, online shopping
What you can use M&M miles for
- Award flights with Lufthansa and Star Alliance partners
- Upgrades from Economy to Business/First
- Hotel rewards (less recommended)
The most important numbers (as of 2026)
Since June 2025 there are two systems: dynamic pricing for the Lufthansa Group and fixed pricing for partners.
Business Class (round trip):
| Route | LH dynamic | Partner Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Europe short-haul | 15,000-50,000 | - |
| Europe ↔ USA | 90,000-140,000 | 125,000 |
| Europe ↔ Asia | 110,000-180,000 | 160,000-200,000 |
First Class (round trip):
| Route | LH dynamic | Partner Chart |
|---|---|---|
| Europe ↔ USA | 200,000-360,000 | 215,000 |
| Europe ↔ Asia | 240,000-400,000 | 260,000 |
Fare classes: Basic (cheap, no refund), Basic Plus (+10%), Flex (flexible, +25%)
Money-saving tip: Departing from elsewhere in Europe (Oslo, Prague, Sofia) is often 30-50% cheaper!
Best M&M card? The Miles & More Gold Business* offers a 50,000 miles + 4 lounge vouchers + 40 points welcome bonus (apply by 30 November 2026, only without an existing frequent flyer status; the Gold Private gets 20,000 miles). The Blue promotion with 12 months of no card fee expired on 30 September 2026. More on this: Miles & More welcome bonus
AMEX Membership Rewards at a glance
Membership Rewards is the bonus program from American Express. Unlike Miles & More, MR points are not airline miles but a currency of their own.
How you collect MR points
- AMEX credit cards — 1-1.5 points per euro spent
- Welcome bonuses — up to 200,000 points with the Platinum Business
What you can use MR points for
- Transfer to airlines — British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Flying Blue and more
- Transfer to hotels — Hilton, Marriott (less recommended)
- Direct travel bookings — via the AMEX travel portal
Transfer partner overview (as of 2026)
Best options (ratio 5:4, i.e. 20% loss):
- British Airways (Oneworld) ⭐
- Iberia (Oneworld) ⭐
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue (SkyTeam) ⭐
- SAS EuroBonus (SkyTeam) ⭐
Recommended with limits (worsened to 3:2 since August 2025, i.e. 33% loss):
- Singapore Airlines (Star Alliance), Cathay Pacific, Delta, Qatar
- Emirates (now a 2:1 ratio, 50% loss — not recommended!)
Best AMEX MR card? The AMEX Platinum Business* offers a 200,000 MR welcome bonus — enough for several Business Class flights. More on this: Redeeming AMEX MR — the complete guide
Can you convert AMEX Membership Rewards into Miles & More?
Not directly. The detour via PAYBACK (3 MR = 1 point = 1 mile) is technically possible, but at a 3:1 ratio it destroys value. There is no direct partnership between the two programs.
AMEX MR can instead be transferred to these airline partners:
- British Airways Avios (Oneworld, 5:4) — ideal for short-haul awards
- Flying Blue (SkyTeam, 5:4) — good for promo awards
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (Star Alliance, 3:2) — top choice for Asia flights
For Lufthansa flights you need Miles & More miles — either directly via an M&M credit card or through a PAYBACK to M&M transfer.
You’ll learn how to redeem AMEX points optimally in the AMEX points redemption guide.
The direct comparison
| Criterion | Miles & More | AMEX MR |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Airline miles | Flexible points |
| Collected through | Flights + credit card | Credit card only |
| Redeemable at | Lufthansa Group + Star Alliance | Many airlines (via transfer) |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Expiry | No expiry with an M&M credit card* | No expiry with an active card |
| Transfer possible | No | Yes (to partners) |
Why the combination makes sense
The smart strategy is to know both systems and use them depending on the situation:
Miles & More for:
- Flights with Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian
- When you fly a lot with Star Alliance anyway
- Senator status (additional benefits)
AMEX MR for:
- Maximum flexibility
- Higher welcome bonuses (up to 200,000 MR vs. 20,000-50,000 M&M miles)
- Access to other alliances (Oneworld, SkyTeam)
The optimal card combination depends on your personal situation: How much do you spend? Do you fly often with Lufthansa? Are you self-employed? In the Premium Handbook we show you the best combination for your profile — including a cost-benefit analysis and the order in which to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer AMEX points to Miles & More?
Not directly. Miles & More is not an AMEX transfer partner; only the detour via PAYBACK (3 MR = 1 mile) is possible, and it practically never pays off.
Which system is better?
Neither is objectively “better.” Miles & More is specialized in Lufthansa, AMEX MR is more flexible.
Do I need both?
Not necessarily, but the combination opens up more possibilities.
Do my points/miles expire?
AMEX MR: No, as long as you have an active MR card and your card account is in good standing. After an ordinary cancellation, the MR terms only let you redeem the points for another 12 months, and then only by phone for vouchers, e-codes or merchandise, no longer via transfer — so transfer them to partners beforehand!
Miles & More: Each mile is valid for 36 months from crediting and then expires at the end of the respective quarter — further activity does not extend the deadline. Protected are status members (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle) and holders of a Miles & More credit card* (even the cheap Blue starting at €5.50/month): with the card, all miles remain valid indefinitely from the moment it is issued, regardless of card spend.
Conclusion
Miles & More and AMEX Membership Rewards are two different tools with different strengths:
- Miles & More for Lufthansa loyalty and Star Alliance flights
- AMEX MR for flexibility and high welcome bonuses
The key takeaway: they are separate systems — the detour via PAYBACK (3:1) isn’t worth it. Use both in parallel.
How to best use your points for premium flights: Booking Business Class with miles: how it works
Which card combination is optimal for you, you’ll learn in the Premium Handbook — with a personal strategy based on your budget and travel behavior.
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David Lesnik · Founder of MEILENKÖNIG
Expert for miles, points, and credit card strategies. Helps travelers fly business & first class for a fraction of the price.