A few weeks back, in late May 2025, points transfers from all major transferable points currencies to Emirates Skywards were suspended. There’s now a positive update, as this functionality is back across the board.
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Emirates Skywards restores points transfers
Emirates Skywards is a useful frequent flyer program, specifically for premium cabin redemptions on Emirates. If you want to redeem for Emirates first or business class, Skywards is generally the best option, despite the relatively high award costs and carrier imposed surcharges (keep in mind you now need Skywards elite status to redeem for first class, but that’s easy enough to earn).
With that in mind, in late May 2025, we saw Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou, all suspend points transfers to Emirates Skywards for a limited time.
There’s now a positive update, as transfers from all major transferable points currencies to Skywards are “live” again, so you should be able to resume making these transfers as before.
Why were Emirates Skywards transfers suspended?
Why did all these programs suspend points transfers to Emirates Skywards? It’s my understanding that Emirates was migrating its internal loyalty management system, and that included the system that processes points transfers. This reportedly required a new buildout by partners, and that took some time.
I’m happy to see that this all went about as smoothly as it could have, and that these transfers have been restored as of the earliest promised date.
However, do keep in mind the bad news when it comes to Emirates Skywards transfers, which is separate from this. Citi ThankYou is devaluing its Emirates Skywards points transfer ratio. Historically, points have transfered at a 1:1 ratio, while as of July 27, 2025, transfers will be at a 5:4 ratio.
Bottom line
We’ve just seen Emirates Skywards restore points transfers from all major transferable points currencies, including Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, and Citi. The transfers were down for a few weeks so that Emirates could upgrade its tech. Fortunately that all went smoothly, and points transfers are once again live.
Any OMAAT readers have any Skywards transfers to make?
Notably, Citibank to Emirates points transfer is now back to 1000:1000 ratio
Just a note: The 1:1 ratio continues into July. That's when the 1:0.8 ratio commences.