Blog

One of the questions people often ask us is, “How much is a point or mile worth?”

The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how well you can maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards credit cards are clearly worth more than others, and our goal is to give you a sense of how they stack up.

Historically, TPG has valued points and miles based on a combination of the price at which we would purchase the miles, award costs in the program (factoring in availability and fees) and our own expertise in the inner workings of the programs.

However, we now use extensive data for the top six U.S. airline loyalty programs to better estimate the value you should aim to get from your rewards (you can read our full breakdown of this methodology in our explainer post).

For another month, our model again shows consistency with these numbers — though we’ll be sure to update in future months when they do change.

Looking for a convenient way to see all of your points and miles in one place? Download the free TPG app!

Note: These valuations are not provided by card issuers.

What are credit card points and miles worth?

What are airline points and miles worth?

*Calculated using TPG’s revamped, data-backed valuations methodology launched in September 2023.

What are hotel points worth?

Points and miles news

The biggest mover of the last few weeks has been Marriott Bonvoy. First, it implemented changes to the perk formerly known as Suite Upgrade Awards (now Nightly Upgrade Awards). These can be selected as part of the Choice Benefits program for Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members. While they can now be used at five additional brands — including The Ritz-Carlton and Edition — they’ll now only be confirmed within three days of arrival (previously five).

Additionally, Marriott announced more details about its forthcoming partnership with MGM, and while we don’t yet have a date, it will bring some solid status match opportunities for MGM Rewards members along with value-added perks for Marriott elite members when visiting an MGM property.

Of course, the new year is a good time to consider your elite status goals and whether your current loyalty program suits your needs in this ever-changing industry, and we’ve seen some news in recent weeks along these lines.

Several major airline loyalty programs have already announced significant changes to how you earn status in 2024. Delta was the first, with increases to Medallion Qualification Dollar requirements for 2025 status. These angered so many SkyMiles members that they were quickly (though only partially) rolled back. However, the revised metrics are now in effect.

American Airlines announced 10 changes to the AAdvantage program, which were well received by TPG staffer (and AAdvantage Executive Platinum status holder) Clint Henderson, in part due to a lack of increases to earning requirements for top-tier status. Some of the latest changes include a handful of additional perks for those with status.

Alaska has also shifted toward a single metric to count status: Elite Qualifying Miles.

This trend highlights a shift toward earning status primarily through spending versus miles flown. You can potentially earn elite status in some airline programs without ever stepping onto a plane, a far cry from the days when road warriors earned status solely through weekly commutes.

The change can be viewed as positive for those spending big on cobranded credit cards or purchasing expensive tickets, particularly in premium cabins. For those who have earned status through creative routings and sale fares, it may now be much more difficult to earn elite status in some airline programs.

For anyone holding existing elite status, January could be a time to make a “New Year, New Loyalty Program” resolution. Instead of sacrificing those elite benefits to start from scratch in a competing program, consider a status match. You might be surprised at how eager another airline is to win your business. Most matches currently being offered are only granted for a short period (usually three or four months) but can be extended to 12 months or longer when you reach a set number of miles flown or points earned.

Travel credit card offers

Beyond these developments, there is no shortage of great welcome bonuses on many popular cards. Here are a few of our favorites this month.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per TPG’s valuation, that’s worth $1,230 when you leverage transfer partners or $750 if you redeem through the Chase travel portal at 1.25 cents per point.

The card comes with a manageable $95 annual fee, along with a variety of travel protections and additional perks — like a $50 annual hotel credit for reservations made through the Chase travel portal and a 10% anniversary points bonus based on your previous year’s spending.

Of course, you may want to spring for the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead. While the card has a hefty $550 annual fee, it includes perks like Priority Pass lounge access, an annual $300 travel credit and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, among other benefits. Plus, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel and dining expenses, so you can quickly rack up rewards for your next big trip.

For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

On the higher end of the spectrum is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, one of the most exciting travel credit cards on the market, thanks to great earning rates and included perks.

The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth $1,388, according to our valuations, thanks to Capital One’s excellent airline and hotel transfer partners.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The standard Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is currently offering the same welcome bonus as the Venture X. You can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Like the Venture X, the Venture card earns 2 miles per dollar spent on everything you purchase.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

With the current welcome offer on the Amex Platinum, you’ll earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership — though you may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

American Express® Gold Card

One of the most popular cards with TPG staffers, the Amex Gold offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on our valuations — but be sure to check the CardMatch tool to see if you’re targeted for an even higher offer (offer subject to change at any time).

The card is great for many everyday purchases. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.

Official application link: American Express Gold Card