What are your points worth?
A useful reference for the miles and points in your wallet. Use the numbers as a starting point, then consider the trip, fees and flexibility that matter to you.
Cash or points?
Start with the same trip and a cash price you would really pay. The numbers below are a hypothetical example.
Match cabin or room, dates, and cancellation terms.
Meets or exceeds our reference value. Compare flexibility, routing and the cash alternative before booking.
Reference values are editorial estimates, not cash-out rates or guaranteed availability.
| Program | Reference value | Planning range | The perspective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ultimate RewardsTRANSFERABLE POINTS | 1.8¢ / point | 1.0–2.2¢ | Flexible travel planning estimate; account and redemption method matter. |
| Amex Membership RewardsTRANSFERABLE POINTS | 1.8¢ / point | 1.0–2.2¢ | Transfer-oriented estimate; fees and transfer terms can reduce practical value. |
| Capital One milesTRANSFERABLE POINTS | 1.6¢ / point | 1.0–2.0¢ | Planning estimate spanning simple travel uses and sensible partner redemptions. |
| Citi ThankYou PointsTRANSFERABLE POINTS | 1.6¢ / point | 1.0–2.0¢ | Flexible-points estimate; eligible transfer options depend on your account. |
| American AAdvantageAIRLINE MILES | 1.5¢ / point | 1.0–2.0¢ | Useful-trip estimate; scarce premium seats should not be treated as routine cash savings. |
| Air Canada AeroplanAIRLINE MILES | 1.5¢ / point | 1.0–2.0¢ | Booking-led estimate; itinerary, carrier and extra charges matter. |
| World of HyattHOTEL POINTS | 1.7¢ / point | 1.2–2.3¢ | Hotel-use estimate with current date-specific reward quotes required. |
| Hilton HonorsHOTEL POINTS | 0.5¢ / point | 0.3–0.7¢ | Standard reward planning estimate; eligible longer stays can improve the arithmetic. |
| Marriott BonvoyHOTEL POINTS | 0.7¢ / point | 0.5–0.9¢ | Hotel-use estimate; compare the full stay and any eligible fifth-night benefit. |
These are Boba Travel editorial estimates, not official issuer valuations, cash redemption rates or a promise of availability.
Good maths, better judgment.
The value of a point depends on what you redeem it for. We subtract award taxes and fees from the comparable cash price, then divide by the number of points required. Compare the same cabin, room type and cancellation terms, and use a cash price you would realistically pay.
A spectacular theoretical redemption may still be the wrong choice if it requires an inconvenient route, locks up your points or carries large surcharges. Keep a cash alternative in view before transferring rewards.
Our methodology & reference sources.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - Amex Membership Rewards official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - Capital One miles official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - Citi ThankYou Points official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - American AAdvantage official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - Air Canada Aeroplan official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - World of Hyatt official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - Hilton Honors official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated - Marriott Bonvoy official program
Editorial planning estimate, not an official exchange rate, cash-out floor, guarantee or live availability survey. Compare (realistic comparable cash cost minus award cash charges) / points used, adjusting for timing, convenience and forgone earnings. Ranges express different plausible uses, not statistical confidence intervals.
Updated