How Much Are Credit Card Reward Points and Miles Worth? A Guide To Loyalty Program Value
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Credit card rewards programs offer consumers an enticing opportunity to maximize their everyday spending by earning points, miles, or cashback that can be redeemed for various rewards. Whether purchasing groceries, dining out, or paying utility bills, these programs turn routine transactions into potential savings and travel opportunities.
The allure of earning free travel, upgrades, and exclusive access to sales or events encourages cardholders to strategically use their cards for purchases they would be making anyway. With a well-chosen rewards card, consumers can reduce travel costs and enjoy premium benefits that enhance their spending power and lifestyle.
But how much are these points and miles worth? Credit card reward points, miles, and hotel loyalty points can have different values for different programs, and understanding value can be challenging unless you know a lot about the program.
We will outline the 13 most popular rewards programs, offer a potential value estimate for members who spend a reasonable effort trying to maximize their rewards, and then show you what we think is the best credit card available to earn rewards for that program.
Credit Card Rewards Program Point Value
| Credit Card Rewards Program | Cash or Statement Credit Value* | Potential Value* |
| American Express Membership Rewards | 0.60 | 2.00 |
| Capital One | 0.50 | 1.75 |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1.00 | 2.15 |
| Citi Thank You Rewards | 1.00 | 1.75 |
American Express Membership Rewards
The American Express Membership Rewards Program is a versatile and expansive loyalty platform for holders of select American Express cards. Depending on the card, members earn points for every dollar spent, with opportunities to accrue points at accelerated rates in categories like travel, dining, and business expenses.
The points earned are extraordinarily flexible; they can be redeemed for various options, including travel bookings directly through the American Express Travel website, gift cards, shopping, and statement credits. One of the most valuable features of the program is the ability to transfer points to a plethora of airline and hotel partners, typically on a 1:1 basis, maximizing potential travel benefits.
The program occasionally offers transfer bonuses, which enhance the value of points when moved to partner programs. American Express also provides exclusive access to ticket presales and premium events, adding a layer of luxury to its benefits. This wealth of options and the potential for high-value redemptions make the Membership Rewards Program particularly appealing to those who seek to maximize the returns on their credit card spending.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our Rating: 4.5
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Est. Value
Up to $1,600
Annual Fee
$695
APR
See Pay Over Time APR Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: When booking travel directly with American Express, cardholders will earn 5x membership reward points for every dollar spent.
Capital One
The Capital One Rewards Program is a flexible and straightforward rewards system designed for Capital One credit card holders. This program allows users to earn unlimited rewards on every purchase, with no expiration on the points as long as the account remains open.
The rewards can be redeemed in several ways, including for travel bookings via Capital One Travel, where users may find significant value, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits against previous purchases. Cardholders can also transfer points to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, often enhancing the value of these points for frequent travelers.
Some Capital One cards also offer tiered rewards categories, allowing cardholders to earn extra points on dining, entertainment, and grocery purchases. The program’s simplicity and lack of restrictive conditions make it an attractive option for consumers looking for flexible and easy-to-use rewards without the hassle of navigating complex rules.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.5
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer
75,000 Miles
Est. Value
Up to $750
Annual Fee
$95
APR
19.99% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on other purchases.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
The Chase Ultimate Rewards Program is a highly acclaimed rewards platform for holders of select Chase credit cards. This program allows cardholders to earn points on every purchase, with enhanced rates in categories such as travel, dining, and grocery shopping, depending on the card.
Points can be redeemed for various options, including travel bookings through Chase’s dedicated portal, where they can be worth more, gift cards, cash back, and even purchases made through partners like Amazon and Apple. Like others, one of the benefits of the Ultimate Rewards program is its flexibility in points transfer; members can transfer their points at a 1:1 ratio to numerous leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Additionally, the program often runs promotions that provide extra incentives and bonuses, boosting point accumulation and offering even greater value to consumers. This makes the Chase Ultimate Rewards Program particularly attractive to those looking for versatile and lucrative rewards options in their financial toolkit.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our Rating: 4.9
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Offer
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points
Est. Value
Up to $1,050
Annual Fee
$95
APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM). 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). 2x points on other travel. 1x points on other purchases.
Citi ThankYou Rewards
The Citi ThankYou Rewards Program is a versatile and comprehensive loyalty scheme that Citibank offers its credit card users. Participants earn ThankYou Points through credit card purchases, which can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and cash equivalents like statement credits.
The program is particularly noted for its flexibility in point usage; points can be transferred to airline loyalty programs. Additionally, cardholders can use points directly to book flights, hotels, and more through Citi’s travel portal, sometimes with added benefits like discounted travel rates. Certain Citi cards offer enhanced earning rates in categories such as dining, travel, and supermarkets, making accumulation faster and more tailored to individual spending patterns.
The program also periodically offers promotional bonuses that allow additional points earnings or savings on redemptions, providing savvy consumers with opportunities to maximize their rewards efficiently.
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Our Rating: 4.7
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Welcome Offer
For a limited time: Earn 75,000 bonus points
Est. Value
$750
Annual Fee
$95
APR
20.74% – 28.74% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good 670 – 739, Excellent 740 – 850
Rewards: Earn 10x points on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi through June 30, 2024. 3x points at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, air travel, and U.S. supermarkets. 1x points on all other purchases.
Airline Rewards Program Mile Value
| Airline Rewards Program | Potential Value* | Member Benefits & Tier Levels |
| Jet Blue TrueBlue | 1.50 | True Blue Details |
| Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | 1.40 | Rapid Rewards Details |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 1.40 | MileagePlus Details |
| Delta Skymiles | 1.25 | SkyMiles Details |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 1.50 | AAdvantage Details |
Jet Blue TrueBlue
The JetBlue TrueBlue Rewards Program is designed to offer frequent flyers a user-friendly and rewarding experience. Members earn points based on the dollar amount spent on flights and the fare type, with no blackout dates on any JetBlue-operated flight. Points are also accumulated through purchases with program partners, including hotels, car rentals, and everyday shopping.
One of TrueBlue’s best features is pooling points with family and friends. Members can redeem their points for flights, upgrades to ‘Even More Space’ seating, or vacation packages without worrying about expiration dates, as TrueBlue points do not expire.
The program includes Mosaic status, which is reached through either point accumulation or flying a set number of segments. Mosaic status offers additional benefits such as expedited security, early boarding, and waived cancellation fees, making it particularly attractive for frequent travelers who value simplicity and efficiency in their loyalty rewards.
JetBlue Business Card
Our Rating: 4.0
JetBlue Business Card
Welcome Offer
Earn up to 60,000 bonus points
Est. Value
Up to $900
Annual Fee
$99
APR
20.74% to 29.74% variable Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: 6x points on eligible JetBlue, 2x points at office supply stores and at restaurants, and 1x points on all other purchases.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Program is a straightforward and flexible loyalty program catering to casual and frequent flyers. Members earn points based on the price of their flights rather than the distance flown, with additional points accrued for purchasing higher fare classes such as Business Select.
These points never expire and can be redeemed for free flights on any Southwest flight without blackout dates or seat restrictions, offering exceptional flexibility. The program also includes tier levels—A-List and A-List Preferred—providing additional benefits such as priority boarding, check-in, and accelerated points earning. A-List Preferred members also enjoy free in-flight WiFi.
One of Rapid Rewards’ coolest features is the Companion Pass, which allows a member to choose one person to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) for the duration of the pass after meeting specific criteria. This feature, combined with the program’s ease of use and generous redemption options, makes Rapid Rewards highly appealing to those who value simplicity and practical benefits in their travel loyalty programs.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.4
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 points
Est. Value
Up to $930
Annual Fee
$99
APR
20.99% – 27.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, and on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
United Airline MileagePlus
The United Airlines MileagePlus Rewards Program is tailored to frequent flyers. It offers many opportunities to earn miles through flights on United, United Express, and its airline partners and through everyday activities linked to its broad network of retail, hotel, and car rental partners.
Members can redeem their accumulated miles for airline tickets, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals, providing various options for using points. The program is structured with multiple membership levels: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K, each providing enhanced benefits that improve with status. These benefits include priority boarding, free checked baggage, reduced fees, and increased earning potential for more miles per dollar spent. For those reaching the highest tier, perks extend to guaranteed seating on oversold flights and exclusive airport lounges.
MileagePlus is renowned for its generous award availability and the ability to use miles for experiences such as exclusive dining and unique travel adventures, making it a favored choice for travelers looking to maximize their loyalty rewards.
United℠ Business Card
Our Rating: 4.5
United℠ Business Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Est. Value
Up to $1,050
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
APR
21.99% – 28.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn 2x miles per dollar spent on dining, gas, at supply stores, and on all United purchases.
Delta SkyMiles
The Delta SkyMiles Rewards Program is Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyer program. It allows travelers to earn miles through flights and everyday activities such as dining, shopping, and partnered services like car rentals and hotels. Members accumulate miles that do not expire, providing flexibility in planning and redeeming for future travels. These miles can be redeemed for flight tickets, seat upgrades, and more across Delta’s extensive global network and airline partners.
The program includes membership tiers—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion—each offering increasing benefits like priority boarding, free baggage check, and exclusive airport lounges. The higher tiers enhance the travel experience with complimentary upgrades and increased earning rates for miles. SkyMiles can also be used for experiences such as VIP concerts and exclusive culinary events, making it a versatile option for both leisure and business travelers.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Our Rating: 4.5
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles
Est. Value
Up to $1,250
Annual Fee
$650
APR
20.49% – 29.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Three miles per dollar spent are earned on Delta purchases and one mile per dollar spent is earned on everything else.
American Airlines AAdvantage
The American Airlines AAdvantage Rewards Program is a comprehensive loyalty program designed to benefit travelers. It allows them to earn miles through American Airlines flights, partner airline services, and daily transactions with program affiliates, such as hotel bookings and car rentals.
Members earn miles that can be redeemed for flights to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide, upgrades, vacation packages, and car rentals, among other rewards. The program features several tiers of membership—Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum—that provide progressively better benefits. These include priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to preferred seating. Higher tiers offer additional perks such as complimentary upgrades, increased bonus miles on flights, and access to exclusive lounges.
The AAdvantage program is strongest for its extensive network of airline and business partners, making it easy for members to accumulate miles quickly and maximize the benefits of their travel and spending activities.
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
Our Rating: 4.5
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®
Welcome Offer
Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles
Est. Value
Up to $1,000
Annual Fee
$99, waived for first 12 months
APR
21.24% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent 740 – 850
Rewards: Earn 2x AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, at gas stations, car rental merchants, telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers and 1x miles on other purchases.
Hotel Rewards Program Point Value
| Hotel Rewards Program | Potential Value* | Member Benefits & Tier Levels |
| Hilton Honors | 0.60 | Honors Details |
| IHG Hotels One | 0.55 | Hotels One Details |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 0.80 | Bonvoy Details |
| World of Hyatt | 1.60 | Hyatt Details |
Hilton Honors
The Hilton Honors Hotel Rewards Program is a comprehensive loyalty venture that benefits frequent travelers who prefer Hilton’s vast properties. Members earn points for each stay at any of Hilton’s hotels, which include brands ranging from luxury options like Waldorf Astoria to more budget-friendly choices like Hampton by Hilton. These points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other exclusive experiences such as unique travel adventures and dining experiences.
The program features several tiers—Member, Silver, Gold, and Diamond—each offering incremental benefits that enhance the guest’s experience. Higher tiers provide complimentary breakfast, late checkouts, and bonus earning potential on stays. Hilton Honors members can also take advantage of various travel partners, converting points to airline miles and vice versa.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Our Rating: 4.3
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
Up to $875
Annual Fee
$195
APR
20.49% – 29.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 12x points at Hilton hotels and resorts, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, gas stations, wireless service providers, shipping, flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex travel, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies. Earn 3x points on other eligible purchases.
IHG Hotels One
The IHG Hotels One Rewards Program is a dynamic loyalty system catering to guests of IHG’s extensive network of hotels, including popular brands like InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza. This program allows members to earn points for hotel stays, dining, and other eligible expenses at IHG properties worldwide. Points can be redeemed for hotel stays, upgrades, and various other rewards, including flights and car rentals through partner programs.
The One Rewards Program features multiple membership levels: Club, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, and Diamond Elite. Each tier offers progressively richer benefits, such as complimentary room upgrades, late checkouts, and bonus points on every stay. Higher tiers provide access to exclusive services like dedicated customer support and guaranteed room availability.
Whenever traveling to visit my parents, the kids and I stay in an IHG hotel because I own two IHG credit cards. I can’t escape the Holiday Inn Express free breakfast (the cinnamon buns are delicious).
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.6
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Est. Value
Up to $770
Annual Fee
$99
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn up to 26x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts, 5x points at gas stations, restaurants, travel and select advertising, and 3x points on other purchases.
Marriott Bonvoy
The Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program is Marriott International’s loyalty program. It is designed to reward frequent travelers at its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts, including brands like Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Courtyard. Members of the Bonvoy program earn points for room bookings and spending on food, beverages, and other qualifying services at participating properties.
These points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and experiences such as culinary tours and spa sessions, among other options. The program includes several membership levels—Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite—offering incremental benefits such as late checkouts, bonus points earning capabilities, and complimentary room upgrades.
Elite status provides additional perks, including lounge access and special welcome gifts. Moreover, Marriott Bonvoy points can be converted into airline miles with numerous global carriers, enhancing its appeal to business and leisure travelers.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Our Rating: 4.4
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
Earn 5 Free Night Awards, (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
5 Free Night Awards
Annual Fee
$125
APR
20.49% – 29.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 6x points at participating hotels, 4x points at U.S. gas stations, restaurants worldwide, U.S. wireless telephone services, and U.S. shipping, and 2x points on other eligible purchases.
World of Hyatt
The World of Hyatt Rewards Program offers various benefits and rewards across its global network of hotels, including Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt, and Andaz. Members earn points for stays, dining, and spa services at participating locations, which can then be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and other unique experiences like culinary classes and guided local tours.
The program features membership tiers: Member, Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist, each providing progressively enhanced benefits. For example, higher tiers offer complimentary room upgrades, access to exclusive lounges, guaranteed room availability, and waived resort fees. Additionally, World of Hyatt points can be converted to airline miles with several airline partners.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.6
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Welcome Offer
60,000 Bonus Points
Est. Value
Up to $1,020
Annual Fee
$199
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 9x points at Hyatt hotels, 2x points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter, and 2x points on fitness club and gym memberships.
Final Thought on the Value of Credit Card Reward Points and Loyalty Programs
Credit card, airline, and hotel rewards programs present a smart way to leverage spending into tangible benefits. These programs are designed to reward consumer loyalty and enhance the overall value of the money spent by offering perks that can significantly improve everyday and travel experiences.
By carefully selecting and utilizing these programs, savvy consumers can transform routine expenditures into rewards, including free travel, luxury upgrades, and exclusive services. As such, engaging actively with these reward schemes is a strategic choice that can yield continuous returns, making every dollar spent work harder for you.
