Michaela Krajanova
The value of points and miles varies depending on the loyalty program and the booking details. Points can be earned through credit cards, airline miles, and hotel stays. Credit card rewards programs typically offer more value and flexibility than airline and hotel rewards programs. The best way to redeem points is to transfer them to a travel partner, but it's important to calculate the value of your points before redemption to ensure you're getting a good deal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airline miles values | Vary depending on the airline and the cabin class |
| Credit card point values | More flexible and valuable than airline and hotel points |
| Hotel points values | Vary depending on the hotel |
What You'll Learn
Airline miles values
The value of airline miles also depends on the airline. In 2025, the most valuable airline miles were from Alaska Airlines, with a value of 1.6 cents each, followed by American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue, all valued at 1.5 cents.
Airline miles are also more valuable when used for international business or first-class seats. For example, you can fly round-trip in first class from the west coast to Japan on ANA for as little as 110,000 Virgin Atlantic points, which would cost over $15,000 in cash, giving you a value of more than 13 cents per point.
Additionally, the value of airline miles can change over time. Overall, the value of airline miles has increased in recent years, with more airlines offering miles worth 1.5 cents or more.
When it comes to redeeming airline miles, it is generally best to use them for flights rather than other options, as you will get a poor value if you use them for hotels, rental cars, or merchandise.
In summary, the value of airline miles varies but can be significant if used wisely. By collecting miles through loyalty programs, credit cards, or other means, you can redeem them for valuable rewards and save money on your travels.
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Credit card point values
Credit card points can be redeemed in a variety of ways, but one of the most valuable ways to redeem them is through travel. The value of credit card points varies depending on the card issuer and the transfer partners available. Here are some examples of credit card point values:
American Express Membership Rewards
The American Express Membership Rewards program offers a baseline value when using points to book travel directly through their portal. However, the value can be increased by transferring points to one of their many transfer partners. The value of American Express Membership Rewards points is estimated to be around 1.2 cents per point.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase travel portal, with a value of 1.25 cents per point. Additionally, these points can be transferred to various hotel and airline partners, increasing their value. For example, transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt can result in a value of over 2.3 cents per point.
Citi ThankYou Points
Citi ThankYou Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or even purchases through Amazon.com or PayPal. The value of these points depends on the redemption method and the specific Citi card. The Citi Premier® Card offers higher point values than the basic ThankYou points.
Bank of America Travel Rewards
Bank of America travel rewards points can be redeemed for travel statement credits, with a baseline value of 1 cent per point. However, the value may vary depending on the specific redemption method.
Capital One Venture Rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards points can be redeemed for travel bookings through Capital One Travel or transferred to various travel partners. The value of these points depends on the redemption method and the specific Capital One card.
When evaluating credit card point values, it is important to consider the redemption options, transfer partners, and the potential value per point. Different cards offer different values, so it is essential to compare and choose the one that aligns best with your travel goals and preferences.
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How to calculate award redemption value
Calculating the redemption value of your points or miles can help you decide whether to use your points or miles or to pay for a travel booking.
To calculate the value of your points or miles, divide the cash value of the booking by the number of points needed for the booking, then multiply by 100.
For example, if a hotel stay costs $250 or 20,000 points, you would divide $250 by 20,000, which equals 0.0125. Multiplying this by 100 gives you a value of 1.25 cents per point.
You can then compare this value to the average value of points or miles for that specific loyalty program. If the value you calculated is higher, it's a good idea to book the award. If it's lower, you're better off paying for the booking.
It's important to note that the value of points and miles can vary depending on the program and booking details, such as the type of fare or hotel tier. Additionally, credit card rewards programs often offer more flexibility and dependable value than airline or hotel rewards programs.
When deciding whether to use your points or miles, it's also worth considering any taxes, fees, and other expenses associated with the booking.
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How to earn American Express Membership Rewards
Earning American Express Membership Rewards points is easy, and there are many ways to do so. Membership Rewards points are the points currency of American Express, and they are considered some of the most valuable and flexible credit card points you can earn.
Ways to Earn Membership Rewards Points
- Credit Cards: The easiest way to earn Membership Rewards points is by applying for an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points. Amex offers a range of cards, from premium cards with generous benefits and high annual fees to no-annual-fee cards that reward daily spending. The welcome offers, bonus category structures, annual fees, and benefits vary for each card.
- Rakuten: Rakuten is an online shopping portal that offers cash back or Membership Rewards points to its members. You can sign up for an account and enjoy a one-time bonus of $30 when you spend at least $30 within 90 days of becoming a member.
- Everyday Spending: If you have an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points, you will earn them for everyday spending, just as you would earn airline miles with an airline-branded card or hotel points with a hotel-branded card. Depending on your card, you can also earn bonus points in certain spending categories.
Maximizing Membership Rewards Points
- Transfer to Airline and Hotel Partners: With 18 airline and three hotel loyalty program partners, transferring your Membership Rewards points to these partners is one of the best ways to maximize their value. Amex's partners include Aeromexico Club Premier, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, All Nippon Airways Mileage Club, and British Airways Executive Club, among others.
- Amex Travel: You can use your Membership Rewards points to book hotels (including vacation rentals), car rentals, cruises, and flights through Amex Travel.
- Statement Credits and Gift Cards: You can also redeem your points for statement credits, gift cards, or by using Pay with Points at checkout with select online merchants. However, these options generally offer lower value than transferring to partners or booking through Amex Travel.
Important Things to Know
- No Expiration: Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as you keep at least one card that earns Membership Rewards points open. If you cancel all Membership Rewards Amex cards, you must redeem or transfer your points before closing the last card, or you will forfeit them.
- Point Value: The value of Membership Rewards points varies depending on how you choose to redeem them. According to TPG's August 2024 valuations, Amex points are valued at 2 cents per point.
- Eligible Charges: You can view a list of eligible charges that can be covered by your points from your current online statement.
By leveraging credit cards, Rakuten, and everyday spending, you can easily earn American Express Membership Rewards points. Remember to maximize the value of your points by transferring them to airline and hotel partners or booking travel through Amex.
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How to redeem American Express Membership Rewards points
American Express Membership Rewards points can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including:
- Gift cards for retailers such as Fanatics, Target, and Pottery Barn
- Statement credit to cover eligible charges
- Deposits into an American Express checking account
- Travel bookings, including flights, cruises, and hotels, through AmexTravel.com
- Transferring points to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Paying with points at checkout with select brands
The value of Membership Rewards points varies depending on how they are redeemed. To learn more about the value of Membership Rewards points, visit membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo.
To redeem points, cardholders can log in to their account on the American Express website or call the phone number provided on the back of their card. It is important to note that the card and all linked cards must be in good standing, with no past due payments, in order to be eligible for redemption.
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Frequently asked questions
To calculate the value of your points, divide the cash value of the booking by the number of points needed, then multiply by 100. This will give you the value of each point in cents.
The value of points varies, but they are generally considered to be worth around 1 cent each. However, the value can be higher or lower depending on the specific programme and redemption options.
It is generally recommended to use points for things that you would be willing to pay cash for, such as a hotel room or an economy flight. For more expensive items, such as first or business class flights, it may be better to pay cash and save your points for other redemptions.
To get the most value from your points, consider transferring them to a partner airline or hotel loyalty programme. By doing so, you can often get a higher redemption value than if you were to book directly through a credit card rewards portal.
