While flying and staying at hotels are common methods to earn points and miles, purchasing them directly from loyalty programs is also an option—albeit at a high cost. This strategy is only advisable during promotional offers or discounts, and even then, it should be approached with caution and strategy.
This article will provide an overview of current promotions for buying airline miles and hotel points, along with insights into when it is advantageous to consider such purchases.
Is Buying Points and Miles Worth It?
Before diving into the details of promotions, it’s essential to evaluate whether purchasing points and miles aligns with your travel goals.
Buying points directly, even during sales, may not always yield a good deal. The cost per point often surpasses the value you can derive from them. To make informed decisions, calculating the cost per point or mile and comparing it to existing valuations is crucial. Generally, obtaining points through flights, hotel stays, or travel rewards credit cards is the most cost-effective approach.
Nevertheless, purchasing points or miles may be prudent under certain circumstances. For travelers who have exhausted credit card earning potential or need just a few additional points for a specific redemption, making a strategic purchase can prove beneficial, especially if it saves significant money. However, stockpiling loyalty rewards is not advisable, as devaluations by programs can unexpectedly alter the worth of your holdings.
Now, let’s explore some current promotions for buying points and miles, with our analysis of their potential value, keeping in mind that the prices listed do not include applicable taxes.
Airline Points and Miles Promotions
Air Canada Aeroplan (Targeted)
Current promotion: Up to a 30% discount
Purchase rate: As low as 1.86 cents per point
End date: November 19
Air Canada’s Aeroplan is offering a tiered discount on point purchases to targeted customers. Discounts can reach up to 30% on purchases of 40,000 points or more, reducing the price to roughly 1.86 cents per point. However, this is notably higher than the current value assigned to Aeroplan points, advising most to consider alternatives.
American Airlines AAdvantage
Current promotion: 10% to 40% discount
Purchase rate: As low as 2.25 cents per mile
End date: Unknown
American Airlines AAdvantage is running a promotion offering up to 40% off miles, contingent on the quantity purchased. While the best offer drops the cost to 2.25 cents per mile, this is still above the valuation for AAdvantage miles, making it a less attractive option unless specifically required for a high-end award.
Lufthansa Miles & More
Current promotion: 50% bonus
Purchase rate: As low as 1.41 cents per mile
End date: November 30
Lufthansa’s Miles & More program has a promotion where purchasing miles in bundles grants a 50% bonus, leading to a purchase rate as low as 1.41 cents per mile. This can be a reasonable deal if you have a clear redemption in mind to maximize value.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards (Targeted)
Southwest is offering targeted members potential discounts when acquiring Rapid Rewards points. While some users have reported discounts of up to 45%, the effective price remains 1.65 cents per point—greater than the current valuation. This offer makes more sense if you plan a redemption shortly.
United Airlines MileagePlus (Targeted)
Current promotion: 100% bonus
Purchase rate: 1.75 cents per mile
End date: November 25
United’s latest deal features a 100% bonus on miles purchased. However, even with this incentive, the cost remains above the assessed value of these miles, which means purchasing should be reserved for times when you’re just short of the miles required for a specific redemption.
Hotel Points Promotions
Choice Privileges
Current promotion: Up to 40% bonus points
Purchase rate: Approximately 0.74 cents per point
Choice Privileges is offering a tiered promotion where purchasing larger quantities of points earns escalating bonuses of up to 40%. The lowest price per point is around 0.74 cents. While this is higher than their valuation, it may make sense if you require just a few points for a redemption.
Hilton Honors (Targeted)
Current promotion: Up to 100% bonus points
Purchase rate: As low as 0.5 cents per point
End date: November 21
Hilton Honors members can take advantage of a promotion offering up to 100% bonus points on purchases, which effectively brings the price down to 0.5 cents per point. This aligns with the program’s valuation, allowing for potentially advantageous purchases for specific redemptions.
Marriott Bonvoy (Targeted)
Current promotion: 30% to 35% bonus points
Purchase rate: As low as 0.93 cents per point
End date: December 7
The Marriott Bonvoy promotion features bonuses ranging from 30% to 35%. However, even with the bonuses, prices can reach 0.93 cents per point, higher than our estimated value of 0.7 cents. Therefore, purchasing may not be advisable unless you have immediate plans for their use.
World of Hyatt (Targeted)
Current promotion: 20% discount
Purchase rate: 2.1 cents per point
The World of Hyatt program has a modest promotion that yields only a 20% discount on point purchases, leading to a purchase price of 2.1 cents per point. This price surpasses their assessed value, and it’s only worth considering if you are on the brink of a rewarding redemption.
Best Credit Cards for Purchasing Points and Miles
Most promotions are processed via Points.com, which means using travel rewards cards often won’t yield bonus rewards for these transactions. Instead, opt for an everyday card that offers solid returns on general spending.
Notably, American Airlines purchases may categorize as airfare, allowing you to maximize rewards using a card that offers bonuses for airfare spending. Additionally, if you’re working on meeting a spending requirement for a new card’s welcome bonus, utilizing that card during the purchase might be beneficial.
It’s also important to be mindful of potential foreign transaction fees that may be applicable when acquiring points from international programs. As a solution, consider using a card that waives these fees.
Conclusion
Purchasing points and miles can be a viable strategy for savvy travelers, particularly during promotional windows. Yet, it is vital to have a clear redemption goal and ensure award availability before committing to any purchases. By carefully analyzing each situation and considering current valuations, you can make more informed decisions regarding your loyalty rewards and travel plans.
