We frequently see loyalty programs sell points at a discount, and for many this is an opportunity to buy points at a cost that makes sense, especially for aspirational redemptions.
At the moment we’re seeing many loyalty programs offer promotions when buying points, so in this post I wanted to provide a recap of that, since it can be tough to keep track of the various deals out there. Many of these are among the best-ever deals we’ve seen from programs, which is fitting when you consider the circumstances.
Here are 14 of the best deals right now, in order of promotion expiration dates:
- Through November 27, 2020, IHG Rewards Club is offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.5 cents each / more info here
- Through November 27, 2020, United MileagePlus is offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.75 cents each / more info here
- Through November 29, 2020, Air Canada Aeroplan is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.53 cents each / more info here
- Through November 30, 2020, Southwest Rapid Rewards is offering up to a 45% discount on purchased points / buy points for as little as 1.51 cents each / more info here
- Through November 30, 2020, American AAdvantage is offering up to a 50% discount on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.75 cents each / more info here
- Through November 30, 2020, British Airways Executive Club is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased Avios / buy Avios for as little as 1.84 cents each / more info here
- Through November 30, 2020, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 1.8 cents each / more info here
- Through December 1, 2020, Choice Privileges is offering up to a 40% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.71 cents each / more info here
- Through December 2, 2020, Radisson Rewards is offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.35 cents each / more info here
- Through December 3, 2020, Avianca LifeMiles is offering up to a 200% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.1 cents each / more info here
- Through December 22, 2020, Marriott Bonvoy is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.83 cents each / more info here
- Through December 23, 2020, Alaska Mileage Plan is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.83 cents each / more info here
- Through December 31, 2020, Hilton Honors is offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.5 cents each / more info here
- Through December 31, 2020, Air France-KLM Flying Blue is offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.61 cents each / more info here
In each of the above cases, I linked to a post that talks about when it does and doesn’t make sense to buy points from those programs, so check that out. Don’t necessarily assume that a 100% bonus in one program is a better deal than a 50% bonus in another program, since different programs have different value propositions to begin with.
Of the above offers, I tend to think the Alaska Mileage Plan, Avianca LifeMiles, Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club, and Radisson Rewards deals are best.
American AAdvantage and Avianca LifeMiles mileage purchases are processed directly. That means those purchases should qualify as airfare, and therefore I’d recommend using one of the following cards:
| Card | Points earned on airfare spend |
|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Citi Prestige Card | 5x ThankYou points per dollar spent |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 3x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent |
| American Express® Gold Card | 3x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent |
| American Express® Green Card | 3x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent |
Other points purchases should be facilitated by points.com. Those purchases don’t qualify as airfare or hotel purchases, which should impact the credit card you use.
For points.com purchases I’d recommend using a card on which you’re trying to reach minimum spending, or otherwise a credit card that maximizes your return on everyday spending, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (review) or Citi® Double Cash Card (review).
However, keep in mind those two cards have foreign transaction fees, so you wouldn’t want to use them for any points purchases in foreign currencies. For purchases from foreign programs, use a card with no foreign transaction fees.
Are you taking advantage of any of the opportunities to buy points at the moment?
The temporary suspension of the frequent flyer mile tax is huge, but has barely been mentioned on any blogs.