See one baseline value, in cents per point, for every major points and miles currency, based on realistic redemptions rather than best-case examples.
This index gives one baseline value for every major points and miles currency, in cents per point, based on realistic redemptions rather than best-case fantasies. Transferable bank points (Chase, Amex) and World of Hyatt are the most valuable at roughly 2 cents each; most airline miles land near 1.2 to 1.5 cents; hotel points from Hilton and Marriott are worth the least. Values are as of 2026 and updated as programs change.
How we value points
A point is only worth what you can reliably redeem it for. We set each baseline at what a typical, achievable redemption returns, not the one-off aspirational booking that inflates the number. Transferable currencies are valued at their best everyday transfer, and co-branded currencies at their normal award chart. Use these as a floor: a great sweet spot can beat them, and a poor redemption will fall below.
The points value index
| Currency | Type | Baseline value | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | Hotel | 2.3 cents | Category 1 to 4 free nights and top-tier redemptions |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | Transferable | 2.0 cents | Transfer to Hyatt and airline partners |
| Amex Membership Rewards | Transferable | 2.0 cents | Transfer to ANA, Air France KLM, and hotels |
| Bilt Rewards | Transferable | 1.8 cents | Transfer to Hyatt and airline partners |
| Capital One miles | Transferable | 1.7 cents | Transfer to airline partners |
| Citi ThankYou | Transferable | 1.7 cents | Transfer to airline partners |
| Alaska Mileage Plan | Airline | 1.5 cents | Partner business class sweet spots |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Airline | 1.5 cents | Star Alliance partner awards |
| American AAdvantage | Airline | 1.4 cents | Off-peak and partner premium cabins |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | Airline | 1.4 cents | Cash-based value, plus the Companion Pass |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Airline | 1.4 cents | ANA and Delta partner sweet spots |
| United MileagePlus | Airline | 1.3 cents | Partner awards and Excursionist Perk |
| Avios (British Airways, Iberia) | Airline | 1.3 cents | Short-haul distance-based awards |
| Delta SkyMiles | Airline | 1.2 cents | Flash sales and partner awards |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Hotel | 0.7 cents | Off-peak nights and the fifth-night-free perk |
| Hilton Honors | Hotel | 0.5 cents | Premium resorts and the fifth-night-free perk |
How to use these numbers
Multiply your balance by the baseline to see roughly what it is worth, then decide if a specific redemption beats it. If a booking returns less than the baseline, pay cash and keep the points. If it beats the baseline, that is a redemption worth making. For where the biggest gaps show up, see award sweet spots, and for how to move bank points to these programs, see Chase and Amex transfer partners.
Related guides
Baseline valuations are the site’s own estimates for realistic redemptions, as of 2026, and are updated as award charts and transfer options change.