Points & Miles Redemption Value Optimizer

Decide whether to spend cash or loyalty currency by quantifying the redemption value. Factor in transfer bonuses, rebates, and required copays so you only burn points when the cents-per-point beats your personal target.

Total cost if you paid entirely in cash.
Taxes, fees, or surcharges payable alongside points.
Total loyalty currency deducted for the booking.
Optional. Defaults to 0% bonus on converted bank points.
Optional. Defaults to 0% rebate from credit cards or loyalty promos.

Examples

  • $900 fare, $65 in taxes, 60,000 miles, no bonus or rebate ⇒ 1.39 ¢/point
  • $1,250 hotel stay, 220,000 points, 20% rebate promotion ⇒ 0.71 ¢/point

FAQ

What value should I aim for?

Compare the output to your personal or published valuations—redeem when the cents-per-point is higher than what you could get by saving them.

How do I include upgrade certificates?

Subtract the cash value of certificates from the cash fare before running the comparison so the result reflects the real savings.

Can this handle cash-and-points awards?

Yes. Enter the hybrid award's cash component under cash due on redemption and adjust points required accordingly.

Additional Information

  • The calculator nets out taxes or surcharges you still pay in cash to show the true savings per point.
  • Transfer bonuses reduce the effective points spent because bank currencies stretch further when converted during promotions.
  • Rebate percentage accounts for credit card givebacks or fifth-night-free offers that return a portion of the points.

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