Should You Buy Points?

Compare the cost of buying points vs our valuation. Know when promotions make buying worthwhile.

Program	Regular Cost	Current Promo	Our Valuation	Verdict
🏨 Hilton Honors	1.0 cpp	100% bonus (buy X, get 2X) 0.50 cpp effective Expires 2026-04-30	0.5 cpp	Buy
🏨 Marriott Bonvoy	1.3 cpp	None	0.8 cpp	Avoid
✈️ United MileagePlus	3.5 cpp	None	1.4 cpp	Avoid
✈️ American Airlines AAdvantage	3.5 cpp	None	1.4 cpp	Avoid
✈️ Delta SkyMiles	3.5 cpp	None	1.2 cpp	Avoid
🦅 Alaska Mileage Plan	2.7 cpp	None	1.8 cpp	Avoid
✈️ Southwest Rapid Rewards	2.8 cpp	None	1.4 cpp	Avoid
✈️ JetBlue TrueBlue	2.2 cpp	None	1.3 cpp	Avoid
🏨 World of Hyatt	2.4 cpp	None	1.7 cpp	Avoid
🏨 IHG One Rewards	1.0 cpp	None	0.5 cpp	Avoid

Current cost is at or below our valuation. Good opportunity if you have a specific redemption in mind.

Close to a good deal but not quite there. Wait for a better promotion.

Cost significantly exceeds our valuation. Earn these points through credit card spending or transfers instead.

Program Notes

With 100% bonus, effective cost drops to 0.5 cpp, matching our valuation. Good for aspirational redemptions at top Hilton properties.

Even with typical 30-40% bonus promotions, cost usually exceeds our valuation. Useful for topping off an account for a free night.

Targeted promotions with up to 100% bonus appear frequently. Even then, better to transfer from Chase UR at 1:1 ratio.

Rarely worth buying directly. Consider earning through credit card spend or buying Avianca LifeMiles for Oneworld bookings instead.

Dynamic pricing makes valuation unpredictable. Transfer from Amex MR at 1:1 ratio for much better value.

With 50%+ bonus, can approach our valuation. Excellent for Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines business class awards.

Transfer from Chase UR at 1:1 is always better. Points purchased can count toward Companion Pass.

Transfer from Chase UR, Amex MR, or Citi TY at 1:1 is almost always a better option.

Best hotel point value in the US. With 30%+ bonus, can approach our valuation. Transfer from Chase UR at 1:1 is more efficient.

Almost always running a promotion. Wait for 100% bonus to bring cost to 0.5 cpp matching our valuation. Transfer from Chase UR is also an option.