Giving Tuesday: Donate Points & Miles To Those in Need
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
We often get emails at TPG asking about using points and miles for things other than travel. If you don't plan on using your points for flights or hotels, donating them is a great way to pay it forward. To help you narrow down some options, TPG Contributor Lori Zaino has mapped out some information for donating by airline, hotel or charity.
Keep in mind that point and mile donations are not considered tax-deductible, as the IRS recognizes award points and miles as a gift from a corporation or to the individual. However, if you plan to donate large amounts, you can always contact a tax professional to check out your options.
DONATION INFORMATION BY AIRLINE
Alaska only allows donations to a handful of charities. Donate your miles to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Foundation, a biomedical research institution, or Medical Teams International, which funds disaster relief. Note: Miles expire in 24 months.
Donation options include giving miles to kids in need (focusing on medical, educational and social services issues); donating miles to those who serve and organizations that work to support veterans, military members and their families; and Miles of Hope, which supports food, clothing, shelter, health, education and employment for those in need.
An alternative option is giving cash donations to Miles for the Cure. You'll be awarded AAdvantage miles for every dollar you contribute to Susan G. Komen. Note: AA Miles expire after 18 months, and minimum donations of 1,000 are required for most charities.
Delta SkyMiles never expire, but donating them to charity is still an option. Delta has a myriad of options for donating and each associated charity has its own miles minimum for donations. TPG favorites include AMFAR, the foundation for AIDS research, and Canine Assistance, which trains service dogs that help those with special needs. Note: You can donate to up to five charities in one transaction. If you're located in Europe, Latin America or Asia, there are specific European-based charities that you can donate your SkyMiles to as well.
As with Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue points don't expire. Still, the carrier has a fairly long list of causes you can contribute your rewards to, spread out over three different categories: youth & education, community and environment. The New York Restoration project helps create beautiful spaces in the city; KaBoom creates playgrounds and spaces for children; and First Book provides education resources for children. Note: Minimum donation is 500 TrueBlue points.
United offers an option to simply donate your miles to Airlink, a company that links charity organizations with airlines that can offer free or discounted passenger and cargo space.United also works with several more local charity organizations such as Cleveland Clinic and Community Kitchens of Birmingham, allowing people to donate miles a little bit closer to where they may reside. Note: Minimum donations start at 500 miles.
Non-US Airlines
Airline programs outside the US also have opportunities for donating, so if you have points and miles balances with Lufthansa, Emirates or Aeroplan you can offer those up to charity. Virgin Atlantic also has a partnership with Free the Children where you can donate your Flying Club miles.
DONATION INFORMATION BY HOTEL PROGRAM
Hilton operates its points donations through Point Worthy. You link your Hilton HHonors account to Point Worthy and from there you can transfer your points to the cause of your choice. The categories are environment, arts & culture and education, allowing you to donate your points to a huge variety of organizations such as the Smithsonian, animal rescue societies or universities such as Yale. Note: For every HHonors Point you donate, Hilton will submit an equivalent cash donation on your behalf to the organization and/or cause of your choice. Minimum donations are 4,000 points.
You can donate Hyatt Gold Passport points in increments of 5,000 to Mercy Corps to help those affected by natural disasters. For each 5,000-point donation, $50 will be given to Mercy Corps. Note: To donate, call 1-800-228-3360 in the US and Canada or +1-402-593-8615 from everywhere else.
Marriott's donation program isn't extensive, but you can still donate points to two charities: Hotels for Heroes, which helps provide hotel rooms for family members of wounded military service members, and the Red Cross.
You have the option Starpoints to three charities: Unicef, Red Cross and Clean the World, which is dedicated to improving hygiene around the world by recycling hotel soap, among other things.
You can also use your IHG Reward points toward Shelter in a Storm. Donating 2,500 points buys a mattress for someone who has been displaced due to a natural disaster; 5,000 points buys a solar-powered lamp; and 10,000 points buys a tool kit.
DONATION INFORMATION BY CHARITY
We highly recommend doing some research on your selected charity before donating, and Charity Navigator is a great resource. Please note that TPG is not affiliated with any of the below charities; these are simply some options that accept points and miles.
Fisher House is an organization where veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. The charity operates the Hero Miles program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program which uses donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. It accepts miles and points from several different airlines and hotels. Minimums for each airline program, along with information on how to donate, is listed on the Fisher House website.
Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. The organization accepts points and miles donations from airlines like American, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest and United. Minimums vary by airline and range from 500 to 2,000.
If you want to be sure your miles get properly used, you can consider contributing to an organization such as Women of Hope International, which assists women with disabilities in West Africa. The organizations works with you to help bring field staff to the US for training programs or get staff to conferences. Your miles could be used to book a staff member a ticket, or you could give the charity access to your loyalty program account in order to them to book the ticket, ensuring your miles are really used for the greater good.
CREDIT CARD DONATIONS
You can also donate points earned through credit cards through various issuers:
- American Express: Members Give
- Capital One: The No Hassle Giving Site
- Barclaycard: Freedom Rewards
- Citi: PointWorthy
Also note that if you'd prefer to donate money to a charity rather than points, consider putting your transactions on the U.S. Bank FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature Card, which always offers triple points on charitable donations, assuming the organization is properly categorized.
Finally, we have to mention one of TPG's favorite charities, PeaceJam. This wonderful organization uses the resources and wisdom of 13 Nobel Laureates — from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to the Dalai Lama — and inspires today’s youth to become leaders and create positive change on a global level. Get involved by joining the One Billion Acts of Peace movement, where you can create and share acts of peace on social media. Check out Episode 2 of TPGtv to learn more about TPG’s involvement with PeaceJam and how you can help.
Share your favorite charities to donate to — with points and miles or otherwise — in the comments below.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.