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 so many loyalty programs offering great deals on purchased points, and a few day ago I published a post with the programs that are currently selling miles at a discount.
Well, in the past few days we’ve seen even more programs offer bonuses on purchased miles, so I thought it made sense to update this post with what I consider the best offers to be:
- Through December 21, 2018, 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 December 18, 2018, 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 November 30, 2018, 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, 2018, 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
- Through November 26, 2018, American AAdvantage is offering up to a 67% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.77 cents each / more info here
- Through November 26, 2018, Avianca LifeMiles is offering up to a 145% bonus on purchased miles (registration required) / buy miles for as little as 1.35 cents each / more info here
- Through November 24, 2018, Aegean Miles + Bonus is offering up to a 100% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.43 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 Aegean Miles + Bonus and American AAdvantage miles, all the other points purchases are facilitated by points.com.
If buying through points.com, purchases wouldn’t count as an airline or hotel purchase for the purpose of your credit card. Therefore you’ll want to use a credit card on which you’re trying to reach minimum spend, and then use a card that maximizes your return on everyday, non-bonused spend, like The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, etc.
In the case of Aegean Miles + Bonus and American AAdvantage, mileage 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 |
| 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?
Any news on lifemiles Thanksgiving sale?
At 1.97 CPM, Alaska miles are maybe okay but not a great deal. This is especially true with their quirky award search engine and Partner Award Booking Fee, Taxes and other fees which can add up to $400+ per ticket.
@Kalboz highlights the degradation of Alaska’s MP scheme. Rather than devalue their miles they are improving their bottom line through the back door with new fees and other increases. Once the #1 miles program, it has slipped off that perch to sit with the also-rans. With these extra costs, loss of partners (how careless!), no worthwhile new partners, some stratospheric redemption rates (Emirates), unknowledgable though generally well-meaning call centre people, Alaska MP is no longer my ‘go-to’ scheme for redemptions.
It’s never a good idea to pay money to buy points unless you have good redemption opportunity within next 6 months.
I wonder if Marriott is ever going to sell points at a discount, like SPG did.
How soon are we going to a significant devaluation of points?
@Lucky,
I was getting ready to whip up my new Amex Gold Card to buy LifeMiles so I can earn xtra points (and maybe take advantage of the $100 airline credit for 2018 calendar year) till I read this post. From previous purchases, I thought LifeMiles purchases are handled directly by Avianca, not anymore?
Be very careful. I just purchased the Aviana miles (US$6,600 for 480k miles) only to find that there are basically no seats available to redeem on decent airlines. I’m from NZ and live in Dubai. I cannot find 1 available flight in business class on Singapore airlines…