Esfera allows point and cash transfers

Members of the Esfera loyalty program, managed by Banco Santander, can transfer their accumulated points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. According to Passageiro de Primeira, these members can also utilize a specific 'Points + Money' mechanic to complete transfers when their current point balance is insufficient for a desired redemption.

Partner programs and transfer rules

The Esfera program maintains a wide range of partnerships to facilitate travel-related redions. These include major airline loyalty schemes as well as hotel networks. Specifically, the list of partner programs comprises Aeromexico Rewards, Azul Fidelidade, ConnectMiles, Etihad Guest, Flying Blue, Iberia Club, LATAM Pass, Smiles, TAP Miles&Go, Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles, ALL - Accor Live Limitless, and IHG One Rewards.

ring is not always a one-to-one exchange. Each partner operates with its own specific parity, which can reach as high as 3.5 points for every 1 point sent. Additionally, each program sets its own minimum transfer requirements and varying processing times for the points to appear in the account.

The Points + Money mechanic

To execute a transfer, users must visit the Esfera program website, select the destination partner program, and choose the quantity of points to send. The user then selects between a standard or express shipping method before finalizing the transaction. Once the process is complete, the member must wait for the points to be received.

The 'Points + Money' feature is designed for members who aim for a specific balance in a partner program but lack enough Esfera points. In this scenario, the member sends a minimum amount of points and covers the remaining balance with cash. For example, the report notes a case where 100,000 Esfera points were transferred to Smiles using only 1,000 points plus a payment of R$ 2,623.50.

Bonus offers and strategy

Esfera and its partners frequently launch bonus campaigns to increase the total balance received by the member. These campaigns offer additional points on top of the base transfer. Passageiro de Primeira suggests that members not in a rush should wait for these promotional windows to maximize their balance.

Recent promotional examples included: