Find the best redemption value for credit card points and miles. Compare Chase, Amex, Citi, Delta, United, and Marriott programs. Free points calculator, no signup.
Approximate value per point (cents): Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1–2.05¢ (2.05¢ when transferred to airline/hotel partners). Amex Membership Rewards: 1–2¢ (best via airline transfers). Capital One Miles: 1–1.8¢. Citi ThankYou Points: 1–1.7¢. Bank of America points: 1¢ cash/1.5¢ with Preferred Rewards. Our calculator uses current valuations.
Best redemptions for airline miles: First/business class international flights (often 1.5–3¢ per mile vs 0.7¢ for cash tickets). Star Alliance partners through United, Oneworld through British Airways Avios, or SkyTeam through Flying Blue. Domestic flights typically give 1.3–1.7¢/mile. Merchandise and gift card redemptions are the worst value (0.5–0.7¢).
Cash back: guaranteed 1¢/point — simple and reliable. Transfer to partners: can yield 2–3¢+/point for premium cabin international travel — but requires flexibility, research, and advance booking. Rule: if you don't travel internationally in business/first class, cash back simplicity usually wins. If you do travel premium, transfer partners are the key to luxury for less.
Chase UR best transfers: Hyatt (best hotel CPP value), United MileagePlus, Southwest, Air France/KLM Flying Blue. Amex MR best transfers: ANA (phenomenal first class), Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, Singapore KrisFlyer. Capital One best transfer: Avianca LifeMiles, Wyndham (good CPP for budget hotels).
Most airline miles expire after 18–24 months of account inactivity. Keep miles active: make any purchase, flight, transfer, or shopping portal transaction to reset the clock. Hotel points (Hilton, Marriott) also expire with inactivity — set a calendar reminder to make a small transaction every 12 months on accounts you're building.
Top travel cards in 2026: Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x travel/dining, $300 travel credit, Priority Pass lounges, best transfer partners), Amex Platinum (5x flights, $200 airline credit, Centurion lounges, Delta/Hilton status), Capital One Venture X (2x everything, $300 travel credit, Priority Pass). Best for beginners: Chase Sapphire Preferred.