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Points vs. Cash

Should you use the points, or pay cash?

Every points balance comes with the same question: redeem now, or save them for something better? Plug in the redemption you're staring at. I'll tell you what each point is actually worth and whether you're getting a deal.

Takes about 30 seconds to complete. No account needed.

1

Enter the redemption

Points program, number of points, and the cash price.

2

We calculate the honest value

What each point is worth on this redemption vs. baseline.

3

See if it's worth it

A clear answer — redeem, or save them for something better.

The redemption

28 programs — bank, US airlines, international airlines, and hotels.

Include taxes/fees you'd avoid by paying in points.

Usually just the $5.60-$50 phantom fees on awards.

Fill in your points balance and the cash price — we'll tell you if this is a good deal or a bad one.

How we got these numbers

Benchmark valuations are the median of three major sources published in 2026: The Points Guy monthly valuations, NerdWallet's annual airline mile valuations, and Frequent Miler's Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs). When sources disagree, we use the lower number so the "good redemption" bar stays honest.

See sources