Capital One is adding a new 1:1 mileage transfer partner “in the coming weeks.” Virgin Red.

Chase, American Express, Citi and Bilt all transfer to Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Red is the multibrand Virgin loyalty currency that includes Virgin Atlantic. So this gives Capital One Virgin, too, while also allowing them to say they’re “the first US credit card issuer to partner with Virgin Red.”

Capital One miles can be used directly against paid travel, or transferred to other loyalty programs, which I find to be more valuable. And Capital One improved their transfer ratios so that now nearly all at 1:1.

• Star Alliance: Air Canada Aeroplan, Singapore Airlines Krisflyer, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, Avianca LifeMiles, TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go
  
• oneworld: British Airways Executive Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Finnair Plus, Qantas Frequent Flyer
  
• SkyTeam: Air France KLM Flying Blue, Aeromexico Club Premier
  
• Non-alliance: Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Virgin Red
  
• Hotels: Wyndham Rewards, Choice Privileges

Capital One miles also transfer at 2-to-1.5 into EVA Air Infinity MileageLands. And they transfer 2-to-1 into ALL Accor Live Limitless.

Here are the best uses of Virgin Atlantic miles and of course premium cabin redemptions on ANA (while they last) are my favorite sweet spot – especially as Japan re-opens. Being able to pool points more more card partners to redeem for these is a real plus.

Virgin Red promises earn and burn not just with Virgin Atlantic but also Virgin Voyages cruises and Virgin Limited Edition, and potentially Virgin Hotels will offer redemptions and not just earning in the future as well.

This should mean expanded access to Virgin Limited Edition, which includes Necker Island and Moskito Island where I stayed last fall.