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, with several offers expiring soon. 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.
Here are 10 deals on buying points right now, in order of promotion expiration dates:
- Through August 23, 2021, Alaska Mileage Plan is offering up to a 60% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.85 cents each / more info here
- Through August 25, 2021, World of Hyatt is offering up to a 25% discount on purchased points / buy points for as little as 1.8 cents each / more info here
- Through August 25, 2021, Wyndham Rewards is offering up to a 25% discount on purchased points / buy points as little as 0.98 cents each / more info here
- Through August 26, 2021, Southwest Rapid Rewards is offering up to a 65% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 1.67 cents each / more info here
- Through August 27, 2021, Etihad Guest is offering up to a 75% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.25 cents each / more info here
- Through August 30, 2021, British Airways Executive Club is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased Avios / buy points for as little as 1.49 cents each / more info here
- Through August 31, 2021, Choice Privileges is offering up to a 25% discount on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.74 cents each / more info here
- Through August 31, 2021, American AAdvantage is offering up to a 75% bonus on purchased miles / buy miles for as little as 1.84 cents each / more info here
- Through September 25, 2021, Marriott Bonvoy is offering up to a 50% bonus on purchased points / buy points for as little as 0.86 cents each / more info here
- Through September 30, 2021, 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 best offers are those from Alaska Mileage Plan, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt.
Some loyalty programs process points purchases directly (including American AAdvantage). In those cases, mileage purchases qualify as airfare spending, in which case you’d want to use one of the following cards:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express® Gold Card
Points purchases from other programs 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 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?
Please publish a chart showing cost per mile for all airlines at the normal rate. Thanks.
Very useful
Thank You OMAT