In 2026, the transfer of points from American Express Membership Rewards to British Airways Avios is typically instant. For the vast majority of users, once you hit the "Transfer" button on the Amex website or app, the points will appear in your Executive Club account within seconds. However, there are a few "2026 caveats" to keep in mind. If this is the first time you are linking your Amex and British Airways accounts, the verification process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours (and in rare cases up to 3 working days) before the accounts are successfully paired. Additionally, during major 2026 promotions—such as the "25% Transfer Bonus" events—the high volume of traffic can sometimes cause a delay of up to several hours. To ensure a smooth transfer, make sure the name on your Amex account exactly matches the name on your British Airways account, and always try to link your accounts at least a few days before you intend to book a "Reward Flight" to avoid missing out on limited seat availability.