When people think of point redemption, they usually imagine European lounge chairs or luxury resorts that can enjoy the views directly from travel magazines. Of course, these redemptions are incredible when they make sense.
But the more I use the points, the more I realize that sometimes the best point is to make your life easier, even if they aren’t the postcard perfect person.
If you’ve been sitting on points waiting for that dream trip or a top-notch upgrade, then this is a sign of considering more practical uses. Let’s explore why some of the most satisfying redemptions are daily redemptions and provide a wise way to make the point of work.
Related: How to Earn Over 300,000 Points in 2025
I don’t regret the actual redemption
After three unforgettable speeds (but physically exhausted), I boarded a train in Lucerne to Zurich Airport (ZRH) while hiking in the Swiss Alps. The next morning, I flew to Slovenia early and I didn’t emphasize logistics.
The inner peace comes from the decision I made a few weeks ago while drawing the trip.
Rather than risking a tight train connection or morning scramble, I used the chase ultimate reward point Chase Sapphire Priority® Card (See Fees and Fees) Book one night at Hyatt Regency Surrich Airport.
This is not the most gorgeous redemption I have ever had, but it is easy to be one of the smartest ones. The hotel is directly connected to the airport so I could jump off the train and board the plane directly. I drank a hot shower, had a night of sleep, didn’t even have time to have breakfast, and then strolled to my gate the next morning. No pressure. Don’t worry. No out-of-pocket fees.
Of course, I Can Crush out more value by saving these points on business-grade flights or luxury resorts. However, sometimes the best use is to make your travel experience smoother, calmer and more enjoyable viewpoints, especially when you need it most.
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The best practical, non-reckless way to redeem your point of view
As I learned in the regular redemption in Zurich, not every redemption needs to be optimized for every cent or involves a luxury experience.
Sometimes the best point redemption is to solve real-life problems, whether it is covering unexpected trips, helping those who come up or reducing your daily expenses. These redemptions may not be worth Instagram-worthy, but they offer realistic value in important ways.
Here are some of the best non-fan but satisfying ways to deliver on the point.
Redemption in real life
Using points to show up the people you care about has something valuable – even if the flight choice is bad or the redemption rate is not ideal.
“I almost always fly home on holidays,” said TPG executive editor Madison Blancaflor. “The redemption rate is never great, always staying on CLT or DFW – I’m always on a drab regional jet like the CRJ-900. There’s no failure, it’s my least charming redemption every year. But it’s always worth it, it’s always worth it, it’s two weeks I’m with my family and I can’t see it, otherwise, I can see my money.
Jamie Page, senior vice president of content at TPG, shared a powerful example of helping a loved one when needed: “My sister’s mother-in-law died and I used my Southwest points to send her and her son to the funeral. They will not be able to attend otherwise.
For TPG creative director Olivia French, points were the only way she could attend a friend’s wedding. “This is not the best redemption, but it is priceless there.”
When TPG writer Rachel Craft’s husband needs to graduate home on holiday weekends, the cash price is outrageous. “He used United Mileage One-way and paid another payment to take advantage of the credit line on his UnitedQuest℠ card – $200 in United Credit and 5,000 miles of bonus flight discount* – Reduce sting. ” she said.
*No longer available. You can now get a 10,000-mile bonus flight discount on each card anniversary.
Practical redemption can also help soften the blow of expensive connections. TPG credit card editor Daisy Hernandez recently transferred the American Express membership rewards index to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, bringing her mom to Hawaii.
“If there are no transferable points, my mom went from New York to Seattle (where we would meet and go to Hawaii together) and then Seattle arrived on Oahu, which would cost me hundreds of out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, a few thousand points made it possible for us to spend a mother-daughter weekend in heaven.”
Related: Travel in 2025? These 12 apps and websites make rewards easier to find
Airport Hotel: Unsung Heroes Practicing Redemption
Airport hotels are usually not material for bucket lists, but as I know when redeeming from Zurich Airport Hotels, they can be lifeguards when you travel long distances or deal with unexpected delays and can use points very wisely.
“I booked an airport hotel during one period loooong Rachel Craft said: “I made a reservation at 9,500 on my way to Africa. I booked this last minute – unexpectedly booked the wrong airport hotel and ended up saving $295 and earned 3.1 cents per point. If I did that, I would feel worse value because it was my honeymoon and I was determined to come to Africa with points entirely.”
TPG senior writer Ben Smithson responded to this view in the last story, sharing that the basic airport hotel is actually one of his favorite Hyatt Redemptions. While it may not be charming, it brings comfort and convenience when it needs it most, and it usually has great value.
Related: Why My favorite use of Hyatt Point is a category 1 airport hotel
Redeem budget every day
Points and rewards don’t have to fund big trips. For many, they provide daily relief – help offset ride stocks, mask small splurges or relieve holiday spending.
“I saved cash rewards for ‘entertainment money’ – there were few luxury purchases, and it was more fun when they were available,” said TPG social media manager Annie Black. “I also used Capital a mile to automatically pay back Lyfts and Uber in the app, just because of how easy it is.”
TPG’s technical project manager Taylor Stephenson shares a budgeting tip that brings value every December: “I save my Amazon rewards points throughout the year and use them at the end of the year to make Christmas shopping on my bank account easier.”
Although they are not staying in Maldives for 5 nights, these daily related redemptions are Totally worth it By making daily life more affordable. Hopefully these tips provide you with some inspiration on how to redeem your perspective for everyday victory.
Related: How to Redeem Cash Rewards from Credit Cards
Why shouldn’t you feel intimate about actual redemption
Not every redemption requires unlocking a top-notch flight or luxury suite. Chasing the best value can lead to decision fatigue – or worse yet, never use your perspective.
Some of the most valuable redemptions aren’t headlines, but they do make life easier, less stressful or more meaningful. This is the real value.
To use points
I like to see my point of view as a flexible resource, not a trophy on the shelf. While saving a lot of redemption may be clever, using points to visit family members, covering a last-minute hotel or a sleek travel day can also make sense.
If it brings peace of mind or problem solving, it is worth the redemption.
Redefine “good value”
At TPG, we often talk about cents per point, because getting strong value for your reward can have a big impact, especially when it comes to large redemptions. But sometimes, a lot of use is more than math.
The best points redemption might be the one that takes you home when the flight is expensive, which can help you show up important people or just help you pay for your daily expenses.
It may not provide the strongest redemption rate, but if it saves you money, time or stress, it is still a win.
Related: What are the key points and mileage? TPG’s monthly valuation for August 2025
How to make the most of actual redemption
If you are willing to use points to achieve something that is unpowdered (but useful), there are several ways to keep this strategy smart:
- Booking: Create a small piece of flexibility.
- Research: Know which plans have strong hotel transfer partners. Hyatt, for example, often offers great value on low-category attributes.
- Rewards and rebates: Check your card for a declared credit or mileage discount to further expand redemption.
- Strategic redemption: When cash prices rise, use key points such as airport hotels or domestic flights.
This strategy will ensure you maintain a constant small amount of points while navigating unforeseen circumstances, traveling snafus and daily expenses.
Related: Start your trip with points, miles and credit cards
Use their important points to you
Luxury redemption is fun and the ideal trip may be deeply realized. But don’t let the pursuit of “maximum value” block your point of view in a way that actually helps you.
Some of the best redemptions are:
- Take you home
- Save you while traveling sideways
- Let you show up
- Cover daily expenses such as ride sharing or holiday gifts
- Put a lot of pressure
If you are debating whether the redemption is “worthy”, consider its value you – Now.
Bottom line
Five-star hotel and lounge seating have a time and place. If you are trying to redeem this ideal, do it.
But don’t let the pursuit of “perfect value” stop you from using perspectives when you can now make your life easier. Whether it’s a last-minute airport hotel, visiting family during the holidays or paying for consumption, these redemptions are also important.
Ultimately, the key point is tools. Use them for things that matter to you, not just things that look good on paper.
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