What are points and miles worth? TPG’s October 2023 monthly valuations

One of the questions people often ask me is, "How much is a point or mile worth?"

The true answer varies from point to point and person to person. It also depends on your travel goals and how well you can maximize a particular loyalty currency. Still, some rewards are clearly worth more than others, and my goal is to give you a sense of how they stack up.

Historically, TPG has valued points and miles based on a combination of the price at which we would purchase the miles, award costs in the program (factoring in availability and fees) and our own expertise in the inner workings of the programs.

However, we have now launched a new, data-driven methodology for the top six U.S. airline loyalty programs, and we've also tweaked our approach to valuing the major transferable credit card currencies.

You can read our full breakdown of this methodology in our explainer post, but we've utilized more than 23,000 data points on flights around the world to better estimate the value that you should aim to get from your rewards with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

The most recent tranche of data shows consistency with these numbers — though we'll be sure to update in future months when they do change.

Looking for a convenient way to see all of your points and miles in one place? Download the free TPG app!

Note: These valuations are not provided by card issuers.

What are credit card points/Miles worth?

What are airline miles worth?

* Calculated using TPG's revamped data-backed valuations methodology, launched in September 2023.

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What are hotel points worth?

Points and miles news

The last month was dominated by significant and unwelcome announcements from Delta, with changes to how top-tier status is earned along with who can access Sky Clubs via premium credit cards.

To summarize, beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, qualification is solely based on Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). You'll need to earn the following number of MQDs to enjoy Medallion status for the 2025 program year — which runs through Jan. 31, 2026.

Across the board, these thresholds are some of the highest for any U.S. airline, especially for top-tier Diamond status, which will soon require a whopping 35,000 MQDs annually.

Also, beginning on Feb. 1, 2025, Delta will limit how many times you can visit a Sky Club each program year.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: six annual visits
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: six annual visits
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: 10 annual visits (two annual guest passes will still be provided)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: 10 annual visits

Additionally, those with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card will no longer enjoy any access to the Sky Club.

These announcements caused immediate outrage across the industry, with TPG staff and readers reconsidering their loyalty to the Atlanta-based carrier. Even Delta seemed caught off guard at the backlash, with CEO Ed Bastian quickly announcing it may reconsider some of the changes.

Watch this space for the future of Delta loyalty.

In the credit card world, a major overhaul was announced on the American Express® Business Gold Card, as it gained a variety of new perks that kicked in immediately for both new and existing cardholders. It's also losing a couple of perks as of Feb. 1, 2024 — perhaps most notably the Pay with Points rebate for select flights booked through American Express Travel. However, you can still apply today and enjoy the full suite of benefits at the current $295 annual fee, which will climb to $375 for applications received on or after Feb. 1, 2024 (as well as for existing cardmember renewals on or after that date; see rates and fees).

In addition, there are a handful of ongoing transfer bonuses to be aware of:

• American Express Membership Rewards: 25% transfer bonus to JetBlue TrueBlue through Nov. 30
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through Nov. 15
• Citi ThankYou Rewards: 30% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club through Oct. 14

Chase also launched solid new welcome bonuses on a pair of no-annual-fee business credit cards. New applicants for the Ink Business Cash Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card can earn a $900 bonus after you spend $6,000 on the card within the first three months after account opening. However, if you also have a higher-end Chase card, you can combine your rewards to convert those cash-back points into more flexible Ultimate Rewards points.

Finally, we saw some potentially lucrative promotions launch for buying points or miles. Specifically, you can purchase Hilton points with up to a 100% bonus through Nov. 23, dropping the price to just 0.5 cents apiece. In addition, you can buy Alaska miles with up to a 60% bonus through Oct. 30.

Related: The best credit cards for buying points and miles

Travel credit card offers

Beyond these developments, there is no shortage of incredible new welcome bonuses on many popular cards — here are a few of our favorites this month.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Right now, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is offering a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. Per TPG's valuation, that's worth $1,230 when you leverage transfer partners or $750 if you redeem through the Chase travel portal at 1.25 cents per point.

The card comes with a manageable $95 annual fee, along with a variety of travel protections and additional perks — like a $50 annual hotel credit for reservations made through the Chase travel portal and a 10% anniversary points bonus based on your previous year's spending.

Of course, you may want to spring for the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead. While the card has a hefty $550 annual fee, it includes perks like Priority Pass lounge access, an annual $300 travel credit and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, among other benefits. Plus, you'll earn 3 points per dollar on all travel and dining expenses, so you can quickly rack up rewards for your next big trip.

For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Official application link: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

On the higher end of the spectrum is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, one of the most exciting travel credit cards on the market, thanks to great earning rates and included perks.

The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth $1,388 according to our valuations, thanks to Capital One's excellent airline and hotel transfer partners.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Official application link: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The standard Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is currently offering the same welcome bonus as the Venture X. You can earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Like the Venture X, the Venture card earns 2 miles per dollar on everything.

For more details, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Official application link: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

With the current welcome offer on the Amex Platinum, you'll earn 80,000 points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership — though you may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool (offer subject to change at any time).

Of course, the card is jam-packed with benefits like airport lounge access, hotel elite status and more. These benefits can make your travel experience smoother and more luxurious than ever before — especially with the most recent additions. The card has a $695 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum Card.

Official application link: The Platinum Card from American Express

American Express® Gold Card

One of the most popular cards with TPG staffers, the Amex Gold offers 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on our valuations — but be sure to check the CardMatch tool to see if you're targeted for an even higher offer (offer subject to change at any time).

The card is great for many everyday purchases. You'll earn 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants. The card has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fees).

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Gold Card.

Official application link: American Express Gold Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card offers 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card in the first three months of card membership. Per our valuations, this welcome offer is worth at least $2,400, but you can get even more value when redeeming for high-end airfare.

The card also provides a slew of additional perks similar to (but slightly different from) the personal version — you can compare the two cards in this guide to see which one would be a better fit for your wallet.

For more details, check out our full review of the Amex Business Platinum Card.

Official application link: The Business Platinum Card from American Express

Airline and hotel credit cards

As we enter the fall travel season, a handful of cobranded credit cards have launched limited-time welcome bonuses over the last month. This includes:

• Aeroplan Credit Card: Earn 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Plus, earn 25,000 points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months your account is open.
• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn two free night awards worth up to 85,000 points apiece after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card in your first six months. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends Nov. 1.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express Card®: Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. This offer ends Nov. 1.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Earn an additional 15,000 bonus points after you spend $12,000 within the first six months of account opening. This offer ends Oct. 18.

If you're looking ahead to holiday travel (which you should be doing!) or planning trips for next year, check out our list of the best travel credit cards for other options that could fit your wallet.

Read more: How to choose the best credit card for you

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.

This is The Points Guy's permanent page for the most up-to-date valuations, so you can bookmark it and check back each month for updates.