The value of credit card points and miles can be a complex and often misunderstood topic. One of the most common questions people ask is, "How much is a point or mile worth?" The answer varies greatly from person to person, depending on individual travel goals and how effectively a particular loyalty currency can be maximized.
Historically, points and miles have been valued based on a combination of factors, including the price at which they would be purchased, award costs in the program, and the expertise of the valuer in the program's inner workings. However, a new approach is being taken, utilizing extensive data from nine U.S. airline loyalty programs and six hotel loyalty programs to provide a more accurate estimate of the value that individuals should aim to achieve from their rewards.
The latest valuations for various loyalty programs are as follows:
American Express Membership Rewards: 2.0 cents per point
Capital One: 1.85 cents per point
Chase Ultimate Rewards: 2.05 cents per point
Citi ThankYou Rewards: 1.9 cents per point
Wells Fargo Rewards: 1.75 cents per point
Bilt Points: 2.2 cents per point
A new valuation system is also being used to determine the value of airline points and miles, with the following programs included:
Aeromexico Rewards: 0.8 cents per mile
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards: 1.55 cents per mile
Alaska Airlines: 1.55 cents per mile
American Airlines AAdvantage: 1.4 cents per mile
ANA Mileage Club: 1.4 cents per mile
Avianca Lifemiles: 1.45 cents per mile
Avios: 1.4 cents per mile
Cathay Asia Miles: 1.3 cents per mile
Delta SkyMiles: 1.2 cents per mile
Emirates Skywards: 1.2 cents per mile
Etihad Guest: 1.2 cents per mile
Flying Blue: 1.55 cents per mile
Frontier Miles: 1.3 cents per mile
JetBlue TrueBlue: 1.35 cents per mile
Qantas Frequent Flyer: 1.3 cents per mile
Singapore KrisFlyer: 1.3 cents per mile
Southwest Rapid Rewards: 1.25 cents per mile
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: 1.1 cents per mile
United MileagePlus: 1.3 cents per mile
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 1.5 cents per mile
The value of hotel points is also being reevaluated, with the following programs included:
Accor Live Limitless: 2.0 cents per point
Best Western Rewards: 0.6 cents per point
Choice Privileges: 0.7 cents per point
Hilton Honors: 0.4 cents per point
IHG One Rewards: 0.6 cents per point
Marriott Bonvoy: 0.8 cents per point
World of Hyatt: 1.6 cents per point
Wyndham Rewards: 0.7 cents per point
The latest news from the points and miles world includes a major refresh of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which has introduced new bonus categories and doubled the annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit. However, the popular transfer ratio from Ultimate Rewards to World of Hyatt is changing for Sapphire Preferred cardholders, with applicants approved on or after June 15, 2026, seeing the lower ratio immediately.
Top offers for earning points and miles in July include the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, which offers up to 125,000 bonus miles, and the American Express Platinum Card, which offers as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $12,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is also offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, making it an attractive option for those seeking a premium travel rewards card.
Opinions on the value of credit card points and miles can vary greatly, and it's essential to consider individual travel goals and how effectively a particular loyalty currency can be maximized when determining their value.
