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 several loyalty programs offering great deals on purchased points, most of which I’ve written about in the past several weeks. In this post I wanted to provide a consolidated rundown of the best deals currently available for buying points.
In order of promotion expiration dates:
- Through May 15, 2019, Marriott Bonvoy is offering up to a 25% discount on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.9375 cents each / more info here
- Through May 19, 2019, Alaska Mileage Plan is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased points / buy miles for as little as 1.97 cents each / more info here
- Through May 21, 2019, British Airways Executive Club is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased points / buy Avios for as little as 1.84 cents each / more info here
- Through May 28, 2019, 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 May 31, 2019, Etihad Guest is offering up to a 20% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.67 cents each / more info here
- Through May 31, 2019, American AAdvantage is offering up to a 40% discount on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.92 cents each / more info here
- Through June 11, 2019, World of Hyatt is offering up to a 40% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 1.71 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.
With the exception of buying American AAdvantage miles, all the other points purchases are 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 spend, or otherwise a credit card that maximizes your return on everyday spend, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or Citi® Double Cash Card.
In the case of American AAdvantage, points purchases are processed directly, so would qualify as airfare. 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 |
| American Express® Gold Card | 3x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 3x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent |
Are you taking advantage of any of the opportunities to buy points at the moment?
It’s a good thing to know travel $ gUaP $ is everywhere! 🙂
I did. I needed some AA miles to top off my balance for an Etihad award seat in biz. I took advantage of them showing on the AA site and jumped on it. Points cost 2.1 cents and I got a value of 4.3 cents with the booking. I’d say it’s a win! Thanks for the heads up.
@lucky
Can you use multiple Visa or Mastercard gift cards on Points.com?
This would give more points if bought at office supply or grocery store with card giving 3-4 points per $. And then using the gift cards on Points.com
@ david — You can only use one card per transaction, unfortunately.
The only thing that appeals to me is the 50% off AK miles. I have bought them for the past 3 years or so. May do so again.