8 Great Opportunities To Buy Points

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 September 22, 2019, Alaska Mileage Plan is offering up to a 40% bonus on purchased points / buy miles for as little as 2.11 cents each / more info here
• Through September 24, 2019, 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 September 24, 2019, British Airways Executive Club is offering up to a 30% bonus on purchased points / buy Avios for as little as 2.12 cents each / more info here
• Through September 30, 2019, American AAdvantage is offering up to a 35% discount on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 2.08 cents each / more info here
• Through October 2, 2019, Avianca LifeMiles is offering up to a 145% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.35 cents each / more info here
• Through October 18, 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
• Through October 18, 2019, Marriott Bonvoy is offering up to a 30% discount on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.875 cents each / more info here
• Through October 22, 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

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 LifeMiles one, as well as the hotel ones, are the best. We’ve seen better promotions from British Airways, Alaska, and American, so I’d pass on those promos if you can wait.

With the exception of buying American AAdvantage miles, British Airways Avios, and Avianca LifeMiles, 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 a 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, Avianca LifeMiles, and British Airways Executive Club, 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?