The 7 things on my points-and-miles wish list for 2020
I can't believe it's already December. It feels like the year's flown by (it literally has — I've already flown north of 200,000 miles). While some people will spend this month buying holiday gifts and others making New Year's resolutions, I've compiled a wish list of things I'd love to see in the points-and-miles world come true in 2020.
Instead of focusing on one airline or hotel points program, I've narrowed my list to some major trends in the space, as well as credit card points programs.
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Using Amex Membership Rewards for hotels
I've long been a fan of American Express Membership Rewards. Amex has done a great job building out a robust network of airline transfer partners for people looking to redeem their Membership Rewards points most efficiently. They've also been good about offering transfer bonuses, so I've been able to consistently get 2 cents or more of value per Amex point.
However, while Amex has 16 airline transfer partners, they only have three hotel partners. Aside from the limited selection of hotel transfer partners, the points transfer ratio to those hotels is pretty bad. Amex points transfer 1:1 to Choice Privileges and Marriott Bonvoy, and 1:2 to Hilton Honors. While you may think that a 1:1 or 1:2 transfer ratio seems quite fair (especially considering that Amex points generally transfer 1:1 to airline miles), the issue is that Choice, Marriott and Hilton points are worth far less than most airline miles -- 0.6, 0.8 and 0.6 cents per point, respectively.
When transferring Amex points to hotel chains, you're losing a ton of value considering that you could've transferred those points to an airline whose points are worth far more. So, my wish for 2020 is that Amex improves the transfer ratio to hotel chains to closely mirror the value that you can get from airline transfers.
Related: How to choose the best American Express card for you
Capital One improves transfer ratios
Along similar lines, Capital One has made significant improvements to their miles with the introduction of points transfers. However, the biggest drawback to the points transfer option is the transfer ratios. You can transfer Capital One miles to airlines at a 2:1.5 ratio (some airlines have an even worse 2:1 ratio). While Amex, Chase and Citi mostly offer 1:1 transfers, unfortunately Capital One hasn't matched those ratios.
Unless you're a points maximization pro, it can make sense to redeem your Capital One miles as a statement credit towards any qualifying travel expense. Each Capital One mile equates to one cent in statement credit, so be sure to calculate the trade off if you're considering sending Capital One miles to an airline.
If Capital One wanted to get more competitive in 2020, I'd love to see them increase the points transfer ratio to better mirror Amex, Chase and Citi. Until then, it may make sense to just redeem your miles toward statement credits.
Related: The best ways to redeem 300,000 Capital One miles
Upgrade and award availability returns
The economy is doing well, and airlines are having no trouble filling seats. However, there are still some flights that just don't sell out. In general, airlines are pretty good about releasing award seats when the booking schedule opens, but I've been noticing a pattern where the airlines have gotten much stingier about releasing close-in upgrade and award space.
In my opinion, the trickiest case is American Airlines. You often won't find a single upgrade or award seat on flights that have plenty of business-class seats for sale on the day of departure (pro tip: make sure to try searching with the new search tool, too). Finding upgrade or saver-award availability on AA metal has literally turned into a game of finding a needle in a haystack.
It's not just American Airlines, though. I've seen the same trend with airlines that used to be great about releasing close-in award space — ANA, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa and United, just to name a few. Let's hope that airlines do a better job at releasing last-minute upgrade and award space in 2020 — and not because we've entered an economic recession.
Related: The ultimate guide to upgrades on American Airlines
Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer bonuses
While Amex, Citi and Capital One all offer points transfer bonuses with some regularity, Chase just started dipping its toes in the game earlier this year. For the first time ever, Chase offered a 30% transfer bonus to British Airways Avios back in April. As I mentioned before, transfer bonuses are the best way to increase the value of your transferable points.
While Chase Ultimate Rewards points are generally quite valuable, it'd be great if they continued offering transfer bonuses in 2020.
Related: Maximize your wallet with the perfect quartet of Chase cards
Instant transfers across the board
It's almost 2020. All points transfers should be instant. There's nothing worse than spending hours searching for award space, only to see it disappear when your credit card points finally show up in a partner account.
Of the transferable credit card points currencies, Chase has done the best job at implementing a user-friendly navigation experience for those looking to transfer points. Additionally, save for Marriott and Singapore, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer instantly to their partners. Amex definitely deserves second place though, as almost all of their Membership Rewards points transfers are instantaneous.
Citi and Capital One aren't nearly as user friendly as Amex or Chase. I've found both of their websites to be a bit clunky, but more importantly, a majority of their points transfers aren't instantaneous. 2020 needs to be the year that this changes.
Notice for devaluations
Loyalty programs need to foster trust between the the program and its members. Without a trusting relationship, what's the incentive for a member to fly with a particular airline or stay with a particular hotel?
We've seen lots of points devaluations throughout the last few years. While devaluations ultimately suck, there are two ways to handle them. The first is to just make changes without giving notice to your members. The latest loyalty program to go down this road is Aegean. They increased award costs across the board, without any notice at all.
On the other hand, take United. Earlier this year, United announced that they'd be eliminating award charts for flights on United aircraft and instead price awards dynamically. As much as I dislike this change, I've got to give United credit for providing over seven months of advance notice.
I'm sure we'll see more points devaluations come 2020 (like Hyatt's recent introduction of peak and off-peak pricing), but the least we can hope for is ample notice for these changes.
Bonus: search all award availability in one place
Wouldn't it be nice to search award availability all on one site or through a single mobile app? That'll be a reality in 2020.
If you're not a points whiz, the current process of finding award availability can be too daunting or time consuming to even consider redeeming points. It takes me anywhere from one to ten (or more) browser tabs to figure out award availability for a given flight — and I'm supposedly a "points and miles expert."
ExpertFlyer's done a great job at collecting lots of award and upgrade-availability data, but I still find myself searching directly on airline's websites more often than not. I can't wait for the 2020 release of the TPG app, which promises to revolutionize the way we book travel.
Related: Sign up for news about the TPG App here!
Bottom line
There's lots to get excited about in the next decade. As a points and miles aficionado, there are a bunch of changes I'd like to see in the new year, from instant points transfers to more last-minute award and upgrade space.
My hope is that at least some of my wishes come true — and if not, I'll just republish this post next year.
I'd love to hear what's on your points-and-miles wish list for next year. Sound off in the comments section!
TPG featured card
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.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.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.