Points Valuation Guide: What Are Your Points Really Worth?
Current Points Valuations (2026)
Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1.5-2.0 cents per point when transferred to travel partners, 1.25 cents through the Chase travel portal, 1 cent as cash back.
Amex Membership Rewards: 1.5-2.5 cents per point through transfer partners, 1 cent through the Amex travel portal, 0.6 cents as cash back. Capital One Miles: 1.0-1.5 cents per point through transfers, 1 cent as statement credit.
How We Calculate Values
We calculate point values by comparing the cash price of a booking to the points required. If a $300 hotel night costs 15,000 points, each point is worth 2.0 cents ($300 / 15,000 = $0.02).
Our valuations represent the average value most people can achieve with reasonable effort, not the theoretical maximum from rare sweet-spot redemptions.
Getting Above-Average Value
The easiest way to beat average valuations is to use transfer partners for international premium cabin flights or high-end hotel stays, where the cash prices are high relative to the points required.
Business and first class award flights often deliver 3-10 cents per point. A $5,000 business class flight for 70,000 points is worth 7.1 cents per point.
Pro Tips
- Never redeem flexible points for gift cards or merchandise (worst value)
- Transfer to hotel partners for luxury stays at budget prices
- Look for transfer bonuses to stretch your points further
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