Hotel point transfers to BA Avios account - do I need to have at least 1 Avios point in it to accept transfers?

I want to transfer points from SPG to BA Avios. I have an old account with BA Exec Club but it has a nil balance. I was told by a BA rep that the BA account must have atleast 1 Avios point in it to accept transfers in. I understood this to apply only for direct purchases but not for hotel transfers.
Does anyone know of this rule for transfers or experience in transferring into a nil account?

Hi,

Apologies for the late response.

I find that the 1 avios condition is for direct transfer too. Not entirely sure about hotel transfers.

If the minimum transfer amount is not large, you can always try transferring. Worst thing that could happen is the transfer is not allowed?