Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles has a long-standing reputation among points enthusiasts as a sweet-spot program — a Star Alliance chart that can price out international business class awards below what United, Air Canada, or other Star Alliance currencies would charge. Search live pricing from Istanbul below.
As a Star Alliance member, Miles&Smiles can book United, Singapore, ANA, and other Star Alliance carriers — sometimes at a meaningfully lower points cost than booking through the operating airline's own program.
Amex, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt all transfer at 1:1 — see the Capital One transfer partners explorer.
Historically it has required calling to book rather than online redemption for partner awards, and phone fees can apply — factor that friction into your decision alongside the points savings.
See how it stacks up with the Cheapest Business Class Awards Finder.