Hey Reader,

Did you know you could buy points? The concept of buying points might sound a little backwards, but stick with me.

Most airline and hotel points programs allow you to buy points, whether that's to top off the points you already have to complete a booking, or simply book with points because you get a better deal that way. Many programs also often sell their points 'on sale' or for a particular bonus.

One program that does this quite often is IHG, where they will offer a 100% points bonus. For example, buy 50k points for $500, and get a total of 100k points after the bonus. It's even better if you hold their credit card*, and no matter what you always get 20% bonus points. Those 100k points might get you 5 nights at a low to mid tier IHG hotel, which can be exceptional especially overseas.

Another way buying points can be worthwhile is for flights. Let's say you've built up loyalty points on JetBlue over the years, but you need just a few thousand more points to complete a booking with points. And you also don't have a travel credit card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred*) that would be able to transfer points to JetBlue.

Oftentimes, the value of a points booking vs. a cash booking can be drastic. For example, I just booked a flight on JetBlue which had a cash value of nearly $500. I booked it with 28k points and $6 in taxes and fees, saving me about $116 in value, according to The Points Guy's calculator.

Let's say I only had 22k points though and wanted to purchase 6k more to book that ticket with points. Those additional 6k points cost $90 with the current bonus JetBlue is offering.

Now, if we re-calculate using the 22k points we already have and the $96 ($90 to buy points plus $6 in taxes and fees), we are still getting a better value by using points. Not to mention, the cash stays in our pocket.

Before you look at a points price and say well drats, I don't have enough points, guess I have to use cash... Do some quick math (or use a free handy calculator) to see if buying points can still save you some money!

Talk soon,

Michelle

*This email contains referral links to credit cards that I personally use and love. If you sign up for a card using my links, I may earn a small bonus at no impact to you. Thank you for supporting my small business! 🫶🏻

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