Skip to main content

Max Miles 2026 update: The Road to 50

An update on Max Miles: new direct transfer options, bonus campaigns, and what's changing as we build toward 50+ partners by 2027.

Written by Max


A year ago, we set out to build the best travel rewards program in the world. Today, we're at 20+ direct transfer partners, with 10 more on the way and a goal of 50+ by the end of 2027.

Here's what's new, what's changing, and what it means for you.

What's new

New Direct Transfer partners coming

More partners are joining Direct Transfer through 2026, with a goal of reaching 50+ airline and hotel partners by the end of 2027. The upcoming partners include:

  • EVA AIR - transitioning from Cash-for-Miles to Direct Transfer

  • Philippine Airlines - new addition

  • Radisson Hotel Group - transitioning from Cash-for-Miles to Direct Transfer

We're working to bring more programs onto Direct Transfer over time. Check the app regularly for new partner additions.

What you get with Direct Transfer

  • Instant transfers: move your Max Miles the moment an award seat opens.

  • Seamless process: no virtual cards, no manual purchases, no waiting on receipts.

Direct Transfer has always been part of HeyMax, and it's the redemption path we're investing in going forward. All redemption options can be found under the Redeem tab in the HeyMax app.

Direct Transfer partners

  • Airlines: AirAsia, Air Arabia, Air Astana, Air France-KLM, Air India, Cathay, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA AIR*, Garuda Indonesia, Philippine Airlines*, Qatar Airways, SAS, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Airlines

  • Hotels & Lifestyle: ALL Accor, IHG, Luxury Escapes, Radisson Hotel Group*, Shangri-La, Wyndham, yuu

*Onboarding by Q3 2026

Current and upcoming bonus campaigns

A series of bonus campaigns with airline partners is rolling out over the next few weeks:

  • 20% bonus on Cathay Asia Miles (ongoing)

  • 25% bonus Flying Blue Miles for 10 days, exclusive to HeyMax (coming soon)

Check the app regularly for live campaigns and exact dates.


What's going away

Cash-for-Miles is our name for the manual transfer flow used with certain partners. We issue a single-use virtual Visa debit card so you can purchase miles or points yourself through the loyalty program's portal.

Why is Cash-for-Miles being retired?

Direct Transfer is the redemption path we're investing in. It's faster, automated, and the foundation of the partner network we're building. Retiring Cash-for-Miles lets us focus our energy on adding more direct transfer partners, faster.

When does this happen?

1 June 2026: Cash-for-Miles will be removed from the HeyMax app. Submit any redemptions before then.

Which partners will no longer be available after 1 June?

The following programs are currently available through Cash-for-Miles and will no longer be available after 1 June 2026:

  • Airlines: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, EVA AIR**, Frontier Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Qantas, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Australia

  • Hotels: Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson Hotel Group

Good news: a few partners previously available through Cash-for-Miles, including EVA AIR and Radisson Hotel Group, are transitioning to Direct Transfer rather than going away.

**Transfers paused from 18th May as it’ll be landing soon.


What this means for you

Until 31 May 2026

All current redemption options remain available, including Cash-for-Miles, with one exception. EVA AIR is briefly paused while we complete its move to Direct Transfer. If you've been holding Max Miles for any of the other partners listed above, this is the time to redeem.

From 1 June 2026 onwards

  • FlyAnywhere stays available for using your Max Miles to book any flight directly through the HeyMax app.

  • More Direct Transfer partners are landing throughout 2026.

  • Your Max Miles balance and expiry stay exactly as they are.

Do I need to do anything before 1 June?

If you plan to use Cash-for-Miles for one of the partners listed above, submit your redemption request before 1 June 2026. Your Max Miles balance requires no action: it carries over and can be used with all Direct Transfer partners and FlyAnywhere.

What if I have a Cash-for-Miles redemption already in progress?

Any redemption submitted before 1 June will be processed as normal. If you have an open request, you can contact HeyMax support for a status update, and our team will reach out if we need anything from you.

Does this affect how I earn Max Miles?

No. Earning through Shop & Earn and Pay & Earn is completely unaffected. This change only applies to how you redeem your miles.

Do my Max Miles expire because of this change?

No. Your balance and expiry remain exactly as before. Nothing changes to your balance as a result of this update.


Common questions

What is FlyAnywhere?

FlyAnywhere lets you use your Max Miles to book any flight directly through the HeyMax app, with no partner loyalty program required. It's a flexible alternative if your preferred airline isn't a Direct Transfer partner.

What's the difference between Cash-for-Miles and Direct Transfer?

Cash-for-Miles required us to issue a virtual Visa debit card so you could buy miles or points yourself through a partner's portal. Direct Transfer moves your Max Miles directly into your partner loyalty account, with no card, no manual steps, and a much shorter wait. Both have existed alongside each other on HeyMax. Going forward, Direct Transfer is the redemption path we're investing in.

Why are transfers to EVA AIR paused?

EVA AIR is in the final stretch of its move to Direct Transfer. Transfers are briefly paused while we complete the integration, and EVA AIR will return as a Direct Transfer partner shortly, expected by June.

When will EVA AIR, Philippine Airlines, and Radisson Hotel Group be live on Direct Transfer?

We're working to bring EVA AIR back as quickly as possible, with the launch expected by June.

Philippine Airlines and Radisson Hotel Group will have their go-live dates announced in the app as each is ready.

What's coming next on Direct Transfer?

10 more transfer partners are already in the works for 2026, with a goal of 50+ airline and hotel partners by the end of 2027. Specific partners and timing will be announced in the app as they go live.

I was looking forward to redeeming with one of the removed partners. What can I do?

  • Redeem with them through Cash-for-Miles up until 31 May 2026

  • Hold your Max Miles (no expiry) for future Direct Transfer partner additions

  • Use FlyAnywhere to book any flight on any airline at 1.8 cents per mile

Will any of the removed programs come back as Direct Transfer partners?

We're actively working to add more programs to Direct Transfer. We can't confirm which specific programs will be added or when, but we'll announce new partner additions in the app. Check the Redeem tab regularly for the latest list.

When do the upcoming bonus campaigns start?

Each bonus campaign has its own window. Our 20% bonus on Cathay Asia Miles is ongoing, and the 25% Flying Blue bonus runs for 10 days starting soon. Specific dates and additional campaigns will be posted in the Redeem tab as they go live.


Have questions we haven't covered? Reach out via the chat in the HeyMax app.

We're here to help you make the most of your Max Miles, and we're just getting started on the road to 50.

Did this answer your question?