Citi ThankYou to Turkish Miles&Smiles: A 40% Transfer Bonus Worth Your Points?

If you've got Citi ThankYou points sitting around, here's a solid reason to put them to work. Turkish Airlines has rolled out a 40% transfer bonus that runs through the end of August 2026. It's not the highest bonus we've seen—Citi has offered 50% before—but it's still a meaningful boost, especially if you're eyeing domestic United flights through Turkish's Miles&Smiles program.

What's the Deal?

Turkish Airlines is sweetening the pot for Citi ThankYou points holders. Transfer your points to Miles&Smiles and you'll get a 40% bonus on top. That means if you move 10,000 points, you'll end up with 14,000 miles in your Turkish account. The offer is live now and runs through August 31, 2026.

This isn't the first time Turkish has dangled a carrot like this. They've done 50% bonuses with Citi in the past, and even a 50% bonus with Rove Miles earlier this year. So 40% is a bit less generous, but still a solid reason to consider a transfer if you've been holding onto ThankYou points.

The Fine Print You Need to Know

Before you get trigger-happy with the transfer button, here are a few things to keep in mind. First, the bonus is capped at 50,000 miles. To hit that max, you'd need to transfer 125,000 Citi points. That's a hefty chunk, but if you've got a big balance, it's worth thinking about.

Second, the bonus miles won't show up right away. Turkish is running this promotion on their end, so you won't see the extra 40% when you're in your Citi account. The bonus will be credited after the campaign ends, which means you'll be waiting until at least September 1, 2026, to see those miles in your account.

Also, don't expect any status miles from this. The bonus is purely for regular miles, so if you're chasing elite status with Turkish, this won't help you there.

Is It Worth Your Points?

The short answer: it depends. Turkish Miles&Smiles is a popular program for booking domestic United flights, and the award rates are often quite good. However, Turkish devalued those awards late last year, so the value isn't what it used to be. A 40% bonus helps offset that devaluation, making it a more attractive proposition.

But here's the thing—you need to think about whether you'll actually use those miles. Transferring points is a one-way street; once they're in Miles&Smiles, you can't move them back. So if you're not sure you'll book a Star Alliance award in the near future, it might be smarter to hold onto your Citi points.

Also, consider the timing. The bonus miles won't land until September, so if you're planning a trip that requires immediate award booking, you'll have to work with just the base miles until then.

How to Get the Bonus

To take advantage of this offer, you'll need to initiate a transfer from your Citi ThankYou account to Turkish Miles&Smiles. The bonus is automatic, so you don't need to register or enter a promo code. Just make sure you complete the transfer before the August 31 deadline.

One thing to watch: the deadline is in Türkiye time, so if you're in the US, you'll have a bit of extra time on August 31, but don't cut it too close. Transfers can sometimes take a few hours to process, so it's best to do it a day or two in advance.

Bottom Line

• 40% transfer bonus from Citi ThankYou to Turkish Miles&Smiles until August 31, 2026.
• Bonus capped at 50,000 miles; transfer 125,000 points to hit the max.
• Bonus miles credited after the campaign ends, not immediately.
• No status miles earned from this bonus.
• Consider your award needs before transferring; points can't be transferred back.

Common Questions