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Is Buying Points Worth It?

Airlines and hotels frequently run promotions offering 50%, 80%, or even 100% bonuses when you buy their points or miles. While doubling your points sounds like a fantastic deal, buying points is rarely a good idea—except in a few specific scenarios.

The Math Behind Buying Points

Even with a 100% bonus, buying points isn't cheap. For example, if a program sells points at a base price of 3.0 cents per point, a 100% bonus brings the cost down to 1.5 cents per point.

You need to ask yourself: Can I redeem these points for more than 1.5 cents each?

To make this calculation effortless, use our Buy Points Calculator. It factors in the purchase price, the bonus, and any transaction fees to give you the exact Cost Per Point (CPP) of your purchase.

The Risk of Hoarding

Avoid buying points simply because of a promotion. Points are not cash; they do not earn interest and loyalty programs adjust award charts over time. If you buy points today without a plan, their purchasing power could decrease before you use them.

When Buying Points Makes Sense

There are two common scenarios where buying points can be advantageous:

Topping Off an Account: If you have 55,000 miles and need 60,000 for a business class flight, buying the remaining 5,000 miles offers a practical way to secure a high-value redemption.
Immediate High-Value Redemptions: If you find an available first-class flight or a luxury resort stay that costs $5,000 in cash, but buying the required points only costs you $1,500, you are effectively securing the experience at a significant discount. Always verify award availability before buying points.

The Practical Rule: Find the award space, calculate the cost, buy the points, and book immediately. "