Quick Points: Maximize your points and miles with TPG's calculator
At TPG, we oftentimes are asked by readers how to decide to use points and miles or cash when booking travel. Recognizing that every traveler's situation is different and that the value of points and miles varies significantly throughout the various programs, we understand how difficult it can be when deciding whether you should be using hard-earned cash or your equally hard-earned points and miles.
With this in mind, we'd like to remind you of another tool to help guide you when navigating these decisions — TPG's points and miles calculator. The calculator is powered by our data-driven valuations, which are updated monthly, so you are never left in the dark.
Related: TPG releases brand-new points calculator to make award bookings easier
Why you should use the points and miles calculator
The purpose of the calculator is to provide a valuation basis for you to understand how much your points and miles are worth. We want you to be able to maximize your rewards, and that starts with knowing their approximate value. With the points and miles calculator, you are in the captain's seat and can decide what's best for you— using your rewards now or saving them for a future trip.
How to use the points and miles calculator
Using the calculator is easy. Select whether you would like to calculate the value of airline miles or hotel points and then choose a program. Make sure to enter the fields completely, especially the fees column as some airlines have hefty fuel surcharges.
Here's an example of using 60,000 United miles for a business class award from the continental U.S. to Europe.
Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program
In this case, 60,000 United miles are worth $678 according to our valuations. As the one-way cash price of this flight is $3,467, your 60,000 miles save you $2,783, which is a steal of a deal. You are getting roughly 5.8 cents per mile, which is more than five times our current valuation.
Verdict: (Definitely) book with miles.
Bottom line
The points and miles calculator allows you to see how much your rewards are worth, which lets you make informed, confident decisions when making travel arrangements. We also advise that you run calculations before transferring points to an airline or hotel program.
Start getting the most from your rewards with our points and miles calculator today.
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at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app