Methodology v1.0 · Updated Apr 25, 2026

How we value points.

We estimate what your points are worth when used thoughtfully, not the maximum value from a rare redemption. The default number in PointAtlas is the balanced value: realistic, useful, and intentionally not too optimistic.

1

We start with published baselines.

TPG, Frequent Miler, NerdWallet, and AwardFares give us a grounded view of what members commonly get.

2

We add realistic sweet-spot upside.

Great awards like Qatar Qsuite matter, but we cap the upside so one perfect booking does not distort your wallet.

3

Credit card points inherit partner value.

Amex, Chase, Bilt, Capital One, and Marriott are valued from the programs they can become, adjusted for transfer ratios.

Examples

Why balanced value sits between average and aspirational.

Qsuite awards are real.

A 70,000-Avios business-class seat can be worth far more than average, but availability is not guaranteed every day.

Transfer ratios matter.

Marriott can reach many airlines, but a 3:1 transfer means those airline sweet spots are heavily diluted.

Partner networks matter.

Bilt and Amex can reach strong programs, so their balanced value reflects more than a simple cash-out estimate.

How to judge a redemption

Below baselineUsually weak
Around balanced valueFair
Above balanced valueGood
2x balanced valueExcellent

Transferable currencies

Balanced value for transferable currencies is derived from reachable partners in our graph.

ProgramBaselineBalanced value
Amex Membership RewardsTPG2¢2.03¢
Bilt RewardsTPG2.2¢2.2¢
Capital One MilesTPG1.85¢1.96¢
Chase Ultimate RewardsTPG2.05¢2.05¢

Airline programs

ProgramBaselineBalanced value
Aer Lingus AerClubTPG1.4¢1.95¢
Aeromexico RewardsTPG0.8¢0.85¢
Air Canada AeroplanTPG1.4¢2.1¢
Air France-KLM Flying BlueTPG1.3¢1.55¢
Air New Zealand AirPointNerdWallet/10x0.6¢0.65¢
American Airlines AAdvantageTPG1.6¢2.1¢
ANA Mileage ClubTPG1.4¢2.15¢
Atmos RewardsTPG1.4¢2.1¢
Avianca LifeMilesTPG1.4¢1.95¢
British Airways ClubTPG1.4¢1.8¢
Cathay Pacific Asia MilesTPG1.3¢1.65¢
Delta SkyMilesTPG1.2¢1.3¢
Emirates SkywardsTPG1.2¢1.3¢
Etihad GuestTPG1.2¢1.45¢
EVA Air Infinity MileageLandsAwardFares-derived1.4¢2.1¢
Finnair PlusTPG1.4¢1.8¢
Iberia PlusTPG1.4¢2.1¢
Japan Airlines JAL Mileage BankNerdWallet/Alessia1.5¢2.3¢
JetBlue TrueBlueTPG1.35¢1.4¢
Qantas Frequent FlyerTPG1.3¢1.7¢
Qatar Airways Privilege ClubTPG1.4¢2.3¢
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerTPG1.3¢1.8¢
Southwest Rapid RewardsTPG1.25¢1.3¢
Spirit Free SpiritTPG1.1¢1.15¢
TAP Miles&GoThe Points Analyst1¢1.15¢
Turkish Airlines Miles&SmilesTPG1.1¢1.65¢
United MileagePlusTPG1.35¢1.6¢
Virgin Atlantic Flying ClubTPG1.3¢1.95¢
Virgin RedLinked to Flying Club1.3¢1.8¢
Vueling ClubTPG1.4¢1.55¢

Hotel programs

ProgramBaselineBalanced value
Accor Live LimitlessTPG2¢2¢
Choice PrivilegesTPG0.6¢0.7¢
Hilton HonorsTPG0.4¢0.45¢
I Prefer Hotel RewardsFrequent Miler0.5¢0.6¢
IHG One RewardsTPG0.6¢0.65¢
Marriott BonvoyTPG0.75¢0.75¢
World of HyattTPG1.7¢2.2¢
Wyndham RewardsTPG0.65¢0.85¢