Key Points

• Buy miles only when purchase cost is lower than redemption value, typically during 50-100% bonus promotions.
• Strategic top-ups of 5,000-15,000 points for specific bookings work best, not speculative bulk purchases.
• Standard prices (2-3.5¢ per point) exceed typical redemption values (1-1.5¢), making purchases without bonuses a bad deal.

Introduction

Should you buy airline miles or hotel points? Usually no—but specific situations make buying points the smart move. I'll show you exactly when purchasing makes sense, when it's a terrible idea, and how to do the math so you never overpay. You'll learn to spot real deals from marketing traps and make confident buying decisions.

Quick Answer: When Should You Buy Points?

Buy only when purchase price per point is lower than your redemption value, typically during 50-100% bonus sales. Best strategy: top off your account by 5,000-15,000 points for a specific booking you've already found, never speculate on future travel.

The Math Behind Buying Points

Every purchase decision is simple: Purchase Price Per Point < Redemption Value = Good Deal

Most programs charge 2-3.5¢ per mile but typical redemptions deliver 1-1.5¢ per point. That's why regular prices lose money. During 100% bonus sales, the math flips—you might pay 1.5¢ per point instead of 3¢.

Real Example:United offers 100% bonus (1.5¢ per mile with bonus). You need 10,000 miles to book a $3,500 business class ticket to Europe.

• Cost: $150 for 10,000 miles
• Cash saved: $3,350
• Effective value: 4.8¢ per purchased mile

This works because you had a specific redemption planned first.

When Buying Points Makes Sense

Strategic Top-Ups for Specific Bookings

You've found an amazing award, you're 5,000-15,000 points short, and a promotional sale is running.

The process:

1. Find your desired redemption first
2. Calculate exact shortfall
3. Check current promotion
4. Compare purchase cost vs. cash price
5. Buy only if math works

Last year I needed 12,000 Hyatt points for a $450/night redemption. During a 30% bonus promotion, I bought them for $180—a $900 stay (two nights) for $180.

Taking Advantage of Transfer Bonuses

Buying becomes worthwhile when you can transfer with a bonus. If Marriott runs a 50% transfer bonus to airlines plus a points sale, you might double-dip. Understanding Marriott's transfer partners helps evaluate these opportunities.

Preventing Award Space Loss

Award availability vanishes fast. If business class seats are limited and you're slightly short, buying points to lock space can work—if the math checks out.

When Buying Points Is a Bad Idea

Speculative Purchases Without a Plan

You see a sale and buy 50,000 miles thinking "these might be useful someday." Don't.

Why:

• Programs devalue without warning
• Travel plans change
• Points can expire
• Money could earn returns elsewhere
• The "deal" often isn't actually good

Buying at Standard Rates

Paying full price (2.5-3.5¢ per point) almost always loses money. Book with cash using a travel credit card that earns points instead.

Buying More Than You Need

Even during promotions, don't overbuy. Purchase exactly what you need, maybe with a small buffer. Buying 100,000 miles when you need 85,000 wastes money on 15,000 unused miles.

Program-by-Program Buying Analysis

United MileagePlus

Standard Price: ~3 cents per mileBest Sale Prices: 1.5-1.8 cents per mile (with 100% bonus)Sweet Spots: Partner business class to Europe (70,000 miles)Verdict: Only buy during 80-100% bonus promotions

United runs aggressive sales several times per year. If you're maximizing United miles, their purchase promotions can work for specific premium cabin redemptions.

American AAdvantage

Standard Price: ~2.95 cents per mileBest Sale Prices: 1.5-2 cents per mile (with bonuses)Sweet Spots: Off-peak awards, partner business classVerdict: Selective buying during major promotions only

American's miles can offer good value to Asia and South America through their partnerships. Consider a co-branded credit card instead of buying for regular needs.

Delta SkyMiles

Standard Price: ~3.5 cents per mileBest Sale Prices: ~2 cents per mileVerdict: Generally avoid—dynamic pricing makes value unpredictable

Delta's program changes have made buying miles less attractive. Their dynamic pricing means you can't reliably predict redemption values.

Marriott Bonvoy

Standard Price: ~1.25 cents per pointBest Sale Prices: 0.75-0.9 cents per point (with bonuses)Sweet Spots: Category 5-6 properties, fifth night free benefitVerdict: Can work for specific high-value properties during sales

Marriott runs frequent 50% sales. Combined with their fifth night free on award stays, the math can work for week-long trips to expensive properties. Marriott's program offers more predictable value than airline programs.

World of Hyatt

Standard Price: ~2.4 cents per pointBest Sale Prices: Rare—usually small bonusesVerdict: Generally don't buy—earn through credit cards instead

Hyatt points are valuable, but their purchase prices rarely justify buying. The World of Hyatt credit card offers much better value for earning points.

IHG One Rewards

Standard Price: ~1 cent per pointBest Sale Prices: 0.5-0.6 cents per point (with 100% bonus)Sweet Spots: Point Break promotions, premium propertiesVerdict: Can work during major sales for specific redemptions

IHG runs aggressive 100% bonus promotions. Their program can deliver outsized value at top-tier properties if you buy strategically.

Hilton Honors

Standard Price: ~1 cent per pointBest Sale Prices: 0.5 cents per point (with 100% bonus)Sweet Spots: Premium properties where you'd use points anywayVerdict: Only during 100% bonus sales for planned stays

Hilton points are easy to earn through their co-branded credit cards, making purchases less necessary. But 100% bonus sales can work for specific bookings.

How to Calculate If a Purchase Makes Sense

Step 1: Find Your Redemption First

Never buy before identifying specific use. Confirm award availability, acceptable rate, and dates work.

Step 2: Calculate Cash Equivalent

What would cash cost? Use incognito mode for real prices.

Step 3: Determine Purchase Cost

Check current promotion:

• Base points needed minus current balance
• Cost with bonus applied
• Any fees or taxes

Step 4: Compare Values

Purchase Value Per Point = Total Cost ÷ Points NeededRedemption Value Per Point = Cash Price ÷ Points Required

If redemption exceeds purchase by 1.5x minimum, consider buying.

Step 5: Consider Alternatives

Could you:

• Use flexible points programs?
• Earn missing points through credit card bonus?
• Wait for better sale?
• Find similar value with fewer points?

Promotional Cycles Worth Tracking

United: Major sales every 2-3 months, 70-100% bonusesAmerican: Quarterly promotions, 40-60% bonusesMarriott: Near-monthly 50% bonusesIHG: Frequent 100% bonusesHilton: Regular 100% sales

Set calendar reminders. When you find a redemption, check if a sale is coming before buying.

Payment Methods

Use a cash back credit card or travel rewards card to add a small rebate, reducing your per-point cost.

Consider:

• Citi Double Cash for 2% back
• Cards earning flexible points that transfer to the same program

Avoid debit cards—you lose purchase protection and earn nothing.

Risks to Know

Program Devaluations: Airlines and hotels change award charts without notice. Speculative purchases risk losing value overnight.

Expiration Policies:

• United: 18 months inactivity
• American: 18 months inactivity
• Delta: No expiration
• Marriott: 24 months inactivity
• Hyatt: 24 months inactivity

Purchase Limits:

• United: 200,000 miles/year
• American: 150,000 miles/year
• Marriott: 100,000 points/year
• Hilton: 80,000 points/year

Better Alternatives to Buying

Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

One welcome bonus delivers 50,000-100,000+ points for meeting spending requirements. Almost always better than buying.

Check current best bonuses first.

Strategic Credit Card Spending

• Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2-5x on travel and dining
• Amex Gold earns 4x at restaurants and supermarkets

Understanding flexible points shows how to build transferable currencies.

Pooling Points with Family

Many programs let household members pool points. Transfer between accounts instead of buying.

Flexible Point Transfers

Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards can fill gaps without buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy airline miles as a gift?

Yes, most programs allow gifting purchased miles, though fees apply. United charges a processing fee, American has similar costs. Gifting during promotional sales can work for topping off someone else's account, but regular-price gifts rarely make financial sense.

Do purchased miles count toward elite status?

No. Purchased miles don't count as qualifying miles for elite status in any major program. Only miles earned through flying, credit card spend on co-branded cards, or specific promotions count toward status.

Can you return purchased points if you change your mind?

Generally no. Most programs consider miles purchases final. Some offer a short refund window (24-48 hours), but don't count on it. This is another reason to only buy when you have a confirmed redemption planned.

Is it better to buy miles or pay cash for flights?

Run the math for each situation. Sometimes buying miles at sale prices to book premium cabin awards delivers better value than paying cash. Other times, especially for economy flights, paying cash with a travel credit card works better.

How often do airlines run miles sales?

United and American typically run promotions every 2-3 months. Marriott has near-monthly sales. IHG and Hilton run frequent 100% bonuses. Sign up for program emails to track sales, but don't buy just because there's a promotion—only buy when you have a specific redemption planned.

Can you buy miles with a credit card?

Yes, all major programs accept credit cards for miles purchases. Use a card that earns rewards on all purchases to offset some cost. Avoid debit cards—you lose purchase protection and earn nothing back on the transaction.

Real Examples: Good vs. Bad Purchases

Good: Business Class to Europe

Found United business class to Paris for 70,000 miles. Had 55,000 miles. United offering 100% bonus.

• Needed: 15,000 miles
• Cost: $225 (1.5¢/mile with bonus)
• Cash price: $3,800
• Saved: $3,575

Good: Luxury Hotel Top-Up

Park Hyatt Maldives (30,000 points/night, 5 nights). Had 140,000 points, needed 150,000.

• Needed: 10,000 points
• Cost: $240 (2.4¢/point, no bonus)
• Cash rate: $6,000 total
• Effective value: 25¢ per purchased point

Even without a sale, exceptional property value made math work.

Bad: Speculative Buying

American 60% bonus sale. Bought 100,000 miles "just in case" without specific plan.

• Cost: $1,875 (1.875¢/mile)
• Typical value: 1.2-1.5¢/mile
• Overpaid: $500-800

Bad: Ignoring Credit Cards

Bought 50,000 Marriott points for $625 during 50% sale instead of opening Marriott credit card with 100,000-point bonus.

• Lost: $625 + missed 50,000 additional points

Conclusion

Buying airline miles and hotel points works when the math clearly favors you and you have a specific redemption identified. Never buy speculatively, always wait for promotional sales, and only purchase exactly what you need. The real secret: you're usually better off earning points through credit card bonuses. But when you're short on points for an amazing redemption and a sale is running, strategic purchases can save thousands. Now you know exactly how to tell the difference.

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