We get this question a lot, how much a point or mile is actually worth to you. Our answer starts with real bookings, then we layer in availability, fees, and how easily you can earn or redeem in each program. We also use a data‑backed model for major U.S. airline currencies to estimate a value you should try to beat on your redemptions.
Use these numbers as targets, not hard caps, because high‑value sweet spots, transfer bonuses, and partner awards can push your value higher.
Flexible Point Programs: September Value Targets
These valuations cover the big transferable currencies that most travelers use for everyday earning. We favor programs that keep strong airline and hotel partners, predictable award pricing, and low friction for transfers. Aim to redeem at or above these cents‑per‑point targets whenever possible.
| Program | Our September 2025 Valuation (¢) | Latest Updates |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | 2.0 | Strong partner mix with premium carriers, excellent international premium‑cabin potential via partners. |
| Capital One | 1.85 | Consistent set of airline and hotel partners, solid portal value and frequent transfer bonuses. |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 2.05 | Emirates Skywards exits as a transfer partner on Oct. 16, consider moving points before that date if you need Skywards. |
| Citi ThankYou Rewards | 1.9 | You can transfer points from select no‑annual‑fee products to American Airlines AAdvantage, which increases flexibility. |
| Wells Fargo Rewards | 1.6 | Growing ecosystem, still developing partner depth compared to peers. |
Bilt Rewards: Why Your Rent Pays Off
Bilt points continue to punch above their weight for renters and frequent travelers. The program’s airline partner breadth and 1:1 transfers support strong international award value. Our target value reflects premium‑cabin partner redemptions and frequent transfer promos.
| Program | Our September Valuation (¢) | Latest Updates |
| Bilt Rewards | 2.2 | Alaska remains a transfer partner following the rebrand to Atmos Rewards, keeping premium partner options intact. |
Airline Miles: September Value Leaderboard
We look at typical saver‑level partner awards, dynamic pricing patterns, fees, and realistic availability. These targets help you quickly gauge whether an award is a good deal before you transfer flexible points. Try to book partners when possible, and watch for seasonal pricing swings.
| Program | Our September Valuation (¢) | Latest Updates |
| Aeromexico Rewards | 0.8 | Stable value for niche partner use cases. |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 1.4 | Moving to spending‑based earning and elite status, still excellent for complex itineraries and stopovers. |
| Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 1.5 (up from 1.45)* | Alaska and Hawaiian launched a unified Atmos Rewards program, free Starlink Wi‑Fi is rolling out fleetwide, status challenge in San Diego doubles points. |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 1.55* | Charlotte lounge expansion is underway with a new grab‑and‑go, additional long‑haul routes and a new Starlux interline agreement add flexibility. |
| ANA Mileage Club | 1.4 | Great value to Japan on partner awards when space appears. |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 1.4 | Frequent promos and no fuel surcharges on many partners maintain value. |
| Avios (BA/IB/QR/AK/others) | 1.4 | Versatile currency with household account options and easy short‑haul value. |
| Cathay Asia Miles | 1.3 | Additional 777‑9 orders signal future premium‑cabin capacity. |
| Delta SkyMiles | 1.15 (down from 1.20)* | Europe expansion from Boston in 2026, Seoul–Atlanta through‑checked bags now, Medallion thresholds hold steady for 2026. |
| Emirates Skywards | 1.2 | Solid for Emirates premium cabins when surcharges are acceptable. |
| Etihad Guest | 1.2 | Useful partner sweet spots remain, availability varies. |
| Flying Blue (Air France–KLM) | 1.3 | Promo Rewards and wide partner network sustain value. |
| Frontier Miles | 1.1 (down from 1.15)* | Twenty new routes, richer companion certificates on co‑brands, paid status match with promised first‑class upgrades. |
| HawaiianMiles | 1.5 (up from 1.45) | Full transition to Atmos Rewards on Oct. 1, more South Pacific and West Coast flying, Asia and Boston service trimmed. |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 1.45* | Earn and redeem on Condor, expanded vacation redemptions, broad network additions. |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 1.3 | Consistent partner utility to Australia and beyond. |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | 1.3 | Saver space fluctuates, watch for waitlists and partner alternatives. |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | 1.35* | St. Maarten added, third international partnership with EVA Air, more connections as 30 routes are trimmed. |
| Spirit Free Spirit | 1.1 | Two new Caribbean destinations, the airline continues operating while in Chapter 11. |
| Turkish Miles&Smiles | 1.2 | Europe and U.S. domestic partner awards remain standout values. |
| United MileagePlus | 1.3* | Greenland service from Nuuk resumes with plans for a 2026 season. |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 1.3 | Excellent partner value to Japan on ANA when space appears. |
Hotel Points: September Smart Value Targets
Hotel programs are increasingly dynamic, so we look at typical peak and off‑peak rates, brand mix, and resort fees. Focus your redemptions where cash rates are high and award rates are stable, then compare against these targets. Short‑notice stays at resorts and city centers tend to drive the best cent‑per‑point value.
| Program | Our September Valuation (¢) | Latest Updates |
| Accor Live Limitless | 2.0 | Fixed‑value style makes redemptions predictable across brands. |
| Best Western Rewards | 0.6 | Simple program with occasional good roadside values. |
| Choice Privileges | 0.6 | Sweet spots exist in Europe and Japan with Preferred Hotels partners. |
| Hilton Honors | 0.5 | Dynamic pricing requires careful comparison to cash rates. |
| IHG One Rewards | 0.5 | Look for point sales and fourth‑night‑free for outsized value. |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 0.7 | First all‑inclusive W opens in Punta Cana, dynamic pricing demands flexibility. |
| World of Hyatt | 1.7 | Alila Mayakoba opens to reservations for Feb 2026 stays, Hyatt’s charts still offer reliable bands. |
| Wyndham Rewards | 1.1 | Solid value at Vacasa and midscale brands, watch for seasonal swings. |
What Changed This Month And What You Should Do
Atmos Rewards is the headline, Alaska and Hawaiian merged their programs, and balances convert 1:1 on Oct. 1. You will be able to choose how you earn status points in 2026, either by distance, revenue, or segments, which can help different travel styles. Alaska’s top tier adds a rare global business‑class day‑of‑departure upgrade that allows you to take a companion, which is unusually generous for U.S. programs.
Three Quick Action Steps
- If you plan to use Emirates, consider transfers before Oct. 16 while Chase still partners, then compare Amex and Capital One afterward.
- Watch for Citi’s expanded paths to AAdvantage from no‑annual‑fee products, then time transfers with partner award space.
- Track Atmos program charts for long‑haul awards, since new Alaska and Hawaiian flights may prompt band updates.
How To Turn These Values Into Real Trips
First, price your award in cash and points, then divide cash by points to see if you beat our valuation target. Second, check partner availability before you transfer anything, because partner space drives much of the upside here. Third, stack transfer bonuses, shopping portals, and dining programs so you earn faster and redeem at better than average rates.
We also recommend building a flexible currency strategy that fits your travel goals. If you book mostly premium cabins, focus on partners that unlock business and first class at saver levels. If you stay at city hotels during peak events, push hotel currencies where cash rates surge, then compare against our hotel targets.
Top Ways To Earn More Transferable Points This Month
Below are current standouts that can accelerate your earning if the perks match your lifestyle.
Premium Personal Transfer Hubs
| Card | Why it’s great this month | Fee • Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Travel Card | Large welcome after 3‑month spend; elevated earn on portal travel + flights/hotels booked direct; premium statement credits on curated hotel/dining help offset fee. | Premium annual fee • Check enrollment requirements for credits | Apply Here |
| Platinum Travel Benefits Card | Potential elevated welcome (targeted eligibility); extensive lounge network + partner hotel perks; wide set of monthly/annual credits adds real‑world value if used. | High annual fee • Audit which credits you’ll actually use | Apply Here |
| Elite Premium Travel Card | Sizable welcome after 3‑month spend; simple 2×+ everyday earn; annual portal travel credit, anniversary miles, and select lounge access. | Premium annual fee • Great for easy, consistent earn | Apply Here |
Everyday & Flexible Builders (Personal + Biz)
| Card | Why it’s great this month | Fee • Notes | |
| Everyday Travel Rewards Card | Strong welcome with modest fee; straightforward daily earn; flexible redemptions via issuer portal and partners. | Modest annual fee • Versatile all‑rounder | Apply Here |
| Gold Dining & Groceries Card | Elevated welcome after 6‑month spend; accelerated rewards at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (caps apply). | Mid‑tier annual fee • Ideal for food‑heavy budgets | Apply Here |
Your Next Best Moves
Use our valuations as a compass, then stack transfer bonuses, partner award space, and timing to beat them. Focus your earning on flexible currencies first, then move points only when you see the seats or rooms you want. If you want help planning your next high‑value redemption, tell us your destination, season, and dates, and we will map out the fastest path to book it.
