One of the questions people often ask us is: “How much does it cost to have a point or a mile?”
The real answer varies from point to point, and people vary. It also depends on your travel goals and your maximization of specific loyalty currency. Still, some credit card rewards are more valuable than others, and our goal is to give you an idea of how they stack up.
Historically, TPG values points and miles according to a combination of factors: the price we buy points or miles, the reward costs (available and cost) in the program, and our expertise in the internal operation of the program. However, we now use extensive data to provide better estimates for loyalty programs for the top seven airlines in the U.S. to estimate the value you should get from the rewards. Read the interpreter post about data-driven valuation for a complete method breakdown.
What are credit card points and mileage values?
What are air point and mileage values?
* Calculated using valuation methods supported by TPG launched in September 2023.
What are hotel points?
June’s Clippery and Mileage News
June is the last month you can convert American Express membership reward points into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
Although the Mileage Program is not a direct transfer partner for membership rewards, you can transfer the AMEX points to Hawaiian Airlines at a 1:1 ratio and then transfer the mileage from Hawaiian Mills to the Mileage Program at a 1:1 ratio. However, Hawaiian Mills will no longer be an AMEX transfer partner after June 30, so this indirect approach to converting AMEX points to Alaska Mills will end.
If you want to know why you care, know that Alaska mileage is the most valuable and difficult mile of any plan. With excellent partners and redemption options inside and outside the OneWorld Alliance, such as 4,500 miles of domestic flights, 45,000 miles of Lie-Flat flights to Europe, and just 55,000 miles of 787-9 suites from the new Boeing 787-9 suites from American Airlines, you may want to transfer Amex Points to Hawaii amex Points at the end of June.
We generally do not recommend transferring credit card points to partner airlines or hotel loyalty programs without a specific purpose. But this is a special case, and now is the time for anyone with an Amex point to consider Alaska mileage.
Related: Starlux and Japan Airlines for Business Class Flights: How I Make It Implemented with Alaska Airlines Mileage Program
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The highest quote for earning points and miles in June
If you are looking for a new travel reward card that earns transferable points or miles, this month is some of the best choices for the month.
Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card is a compelling option because of its high income rate and includes allowances. The card is currently welcome to 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of your account opening.
You will spend at least 2 miles on purchases and receive a variety of useful benefits, including $300 in annual booking credit through Capital One Travel, 10,000 miles per account anniversary, and free access to your Capital One Airport Lounges and Airport Lounges, up to two guests per visit. Check out our Capital One Venture X Rewards card reviews for more details.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards credit card offers 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 in the first three months after your account is opened.
The annual fee for the Capital One Venture card is $95, which is a reasonable amount with such a generous welcome offer. For more details, see our Capital One Venture Rewards card review.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Platinum card for American Express
With the current welcome offer from American Express’ PlatinumCard®, you’ll be buying $8,000 in the first six months of card membership, and you’ll earn 80,000 membership reward points. However, you might use its target for higher quotes via the CardMatch tool. (This offer may change at any time.)
Our valuation is based on the value you can earn when you use membership rewards to transfer partners, with a reward of $1,600 bonus points of $1,600. Amex Platinum is full of benefits, so read our Amex Platinum review for all the details. The annual fee for Amex Platinum is $695 (see rates and fees).
Official application link: American Express’s Platinum Card
American Express Gold Card
American Express® Gold is one of the most popular TPG employee cards, providing new cardholders with the ability to earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Based on our valuation, this welcome offer is worth $1200. Check the CardMatch tool to see if you are targeting higher quotes. (This offer may change at any time.)
Amex Gold is perfect for many daily purchases. You will spend 4 points per dollar (up to $25,000 per year for purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar for restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year for purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar). The card costs $325 annually (see rates and fees), so check out our Amex Gold Review to see if it makes sense.
Official application link: American Express Gold Card
American Express Business Platinum Card
The American Express business PlatinumCard® offers new cardholders the opportunity to spend $20,000 in the first three months of card membership on eligible purchases, with the opportunity to earn 150,000 bonus points. Additionally, new cardholders can earn $500 in declared credit on eligible flights booked directly with the airline or during the first three months of card membership. You can earn these two offers ending on June 30. Based on our valuation, this welcome offer, including a statement credit, is worth up to $3,500.
You will find many little-known AMEX business Platinum allowances similar (but slightly different) to the personal version. For more details, check out our AMEX Business Platinum Review. Then, read our comparison of Amex Platinum and Business Platinum to see which card is better for your wallet.
Official application link: American Express’s business platinum card
The preferred credit card for ink business
Ink BusinessPreferred® Credit Card (see Fees & Fees) offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 in the first three months after your card is open. Based on our current valuation of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, this welcome bonus is worth $1,845.
The top choice for the ink business may be a good option for business owners who want to benefit from a generous welcome bonus but may not meet the higher spending requirements of other cards. Business owners may also thank Ink Business Preferred for providing 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 combined trip; shipping and advertising (i.e., there are social media sites and search engines) purchases; and Internet, cable and telephone services for each account anniversary year. For more details, check out our preferred credit card review for the ink business.
Official application link: The preferred credit card for ink business
For Amex Platinum rates and fees, click here.
For Amex Gold rates and fees, click here.
