Understand rewards
What points and miles are worth
The value you get from your points and miles depends on how you decide to use them. Each redemption scenario yields a different value, or number of cents per point.
Valuing your points and miles
To figure out the value you’re getting from a specific redemption, take the cash value of what you’re booking and divide it by the number of points or miles you’re using.
Cost of flight$500÷Cost in points50,000=Your points value1¢ per point
To help you estimate how much your rewards are worth, TPG publishes valuations for many major airline, hotel and credit card issuer loyalty programs every month.
Use this cents-per-point valuation when you’re considering a redemption—if your points value is more than our valuation, you’re probably getting a great deal. If your points value is less than our valuation, it may not be a good time to redeem.
Calculate
What are your points or miles worth?
- TPG valuation
- 2.05¢
- Estimated value
- $615
These valuations are estimates calculated by TPG and are not provided or reviewed by card issuers.
Points vs. cash
Whether you should use points or cash to book travel depends on which you’d rather spend at that time. If you want to maximize your points and miles and the redemption value is less than our valuation, you may opt to spend cash. On the flip side, if you want to save on out-of-pocket expenses, you might choose to spend your rewards even if you’re not getting the highest redemption value.
To compare the cost of booking with points vs. cash, check out our award vs. cash calculator to find out which option is the better deal for your hotel stay or flight.
See it in action
Cost of flight
$500
vs.
Cost in points
25,000 points
25,000 x 1.5¢ valuation =$375 value
Calculate your points value
$500 cost of flight ÷ 25,000 points = 2¢ per point, more than our 1.5¢ valuation.
Book with points—this is a great deal!
You’re getting a $500 flight for the value of $375 in points.
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Editorial disclaimer: Editorial content is not influenced by nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to or after publication.
