Transferable Points Are More Valuable Than Airline Miles

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Leverage Letter, where we dive into the world of travel rewards and show you how to make your points work harder for you. 

Today, we’re talking about transferable points—and why they’re much more valuable than airline miles.

By the end of this letter, you’ll understand how to leverage these points to gain greater travel flexibility and maximize their value. 

Let’s break it down into three easy-to-follow sections.

Why Transferable Points Are the Smart Choice

When it comes to travel rewards, not all points are created equal. Transferable points, like those earned from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points, are far more flexible than traditional airline miles. 

Here’s why they should be at the top of your list:

A. Flexibility Across Multiple Programs

With transferable points, you have the freedom to transfer them to different airlines or hotel programs. This flexibility lets you choose the best option at the time of booking, instead of being locked into one program.

• Example: Instead of being stuck with just Delta SkyMiles, you can transfer American Express Membership Rewards to Air France, Singapore Airlines, or Delta—whichever offers the best value for your trip.

B. Protection Against Devaluation

Airlines regularly devalue their miles, meaning the same flight could suddenly cost more miles to book. With transferable points, you have a safety net. If one airline devalues, you can move your points to another program where your points still hold their value.

• Example: If United devalues its MileagePlus program, simply transfer your points to Air Canada or Hyatt to maintain maximum value.

C. More Award Availability

More partners mean more opportunities to find flights or hotels. Transferable points give you access to several programs, increasing your chances of finding availability for award seats when you need them.

• Example: Can’t find award seats with American Airlines? No problem. Transferable points give you access to other airlines and programs, like British Airways or Alaska Airlines, making it easier to secure the flights you want.

Transferable Points in Action: A Real Success Story

Let’s take a real-life example of how transferable points can transform your travel experience. Here’s how one of our clients at Freemium Traveler used transferable points to upgrade their vacation and save big.

A. The Problem: Stuck with Airline Miles

Our client had saved up 300,000 Delta SkyMiles, but when they tried to book a business class flight to Asia, they ran into a roadblock. Delta required far more miles than they had for a one-way ticket. They felt limited and frustrated by their options.

B. The Solution: Transferable Points to the Rescue

Luckily, the client had also been earning American Express Membership Rewards points. We advised them to transfer those points to Virgin Atlantic’s rewards program, which had availability for direct business class flights at a much lower point cost than Delta.

Where you book matters, how you book matters

C. The Result: First Class Experience

By using their Amex points and booking through Virgin, the client flew from Boston to Seoul in business class, saving thousands of dollars and miles. The flexibility and savings they experienced are the exact reasons why transferable points are so much more valuable than airline miles alone.

How to Maximize Your Transferable Points

Now that you understand the power of transferable points, here are three quick tips to help you start getting the most out of your rewards.

A. Choose the Right Credit Card

Not all credit cards offer transferable points, so be sure to pick one that does. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and Citi Premier are great options.

• If you’re new to transferable points, start with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It offers generous bonus points and easy-to-use transfer partners like Hyatt and United.

B. Take Advantage of Transfer Bonuses

Sometimes, credit card companies offer transfer bonuses of 20-50% when moving your points to certain travel partners. This can significantly increase the value of your points.

Current transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards program:

• Keep an eye on transfer bonuses with programs like American Express. Tools like CardPointers can help track and add these opportunities so you can make your points go further.

C. Use Travel Portals for Backup Options

If you can’t find award seats with an airline, use your points through the credit card’s travel portal. While this might not always offer the highest value per point, you’ll still get a solid return—usually between 1 to 1.5 cents per point—especially for hotels or car rentals.

• Use the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to book hotels or rental cars if flight awards aren’t available. It’s a great way to ensure your points never go to waste.

Examples:

New York: Andaz 5th Ave

London: Park Hyatt London

Paris: Park Hyatt Paris - Vendome

Transferable Points: Your Travel Superpower

In summary, transferable points are the ultimate tool for maximizing your travel rewards. They give you flexibility, protect against devaluation, and increase your chances of finding award seats or deals that match your travel goals. Whether you’re just starting out or already earning points, focusing on transferable rewards will give you more control over your travel plans.

At Freemium Traveler, we specialize in helping you make the most of your transferable points, ensuring you get the best value for your hard-earned rewards.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your travel rewards? Consult Freemium Traveler today, and let us help you maximize your points for premium travel experiences. 

Your dream trip is just one transfer away – Travel Better!

Thank you, 

Ade O

The Leverage Letter 

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