If you’ve built up a stash of credit card points or airline miles, you might be wondering which one is worth more when selling. While both can be converted into cash, their value depends on demand, transferability, and how airlines or banks handle redemptions. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, which usually sells for more, and the best time to sell each for the highest payout.
Credit Card Points vs. Airline Miles: What’s the Difference?
Credit Card Points
- Earned through spending on rewards credit cards (Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One).
- Can often be transferred to multiple airline and hotel programs, making them flexible.
- May also be used for cash back, gift cards, and travel bookings.
Airline Miles
- Earned by flying or using co-branded airline credit cards (AA, Delta, United, etc.).
- Locked into one specific airline’s loyalty program.
- Best value comes from flight redemptions, but availability and redemption rates vary.
Which Sells for More?
1. Airline Miles Often Have a Higher Payout
- Since airline miles are directly tied to flights, they usually sell for a higher rate per mile.
- American Airlines, United, and Delta miles tend to have the most resale value due to high demand.
- Limited availability of award seats makes miles more valuable to frequent flyers.
2. Credit Card Points Can Be Less Valuable for Selling
- Transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards) have strong resale value.
- Points tied to specific banks (like Citi ThankYou or Capital One Miles) can be harder to sell at a good rate.
- Banks sometimes restrict transfers or devalue points, lowering their resale potential.
When Is the Best Time to Sell?
- Sell airline miles before a devaluation – Airlines often increase redemption costs, reducing their value.
- Sell during peak travel seasons – Demand for miles rises before summer and holiday travel, increasing payouts.
- Sell credit card points before transfer restrictions – Some banks limit transfers, making them harder to sell later.
Selling Your Points and Miles with Miles123
Whether you’re selling airline miles or credit card points, Miles123 offers a fast and secure way to turn them into cash:
✔ Get a Free Quote – See how much your points or miles are worth instantly.
✔ Secure Transactions – We verify everything before the transfer.
✔ Instant Payment – Get paid before sending your miles or points.
Both credit card points and airline miles can be valuable, but airline miles tend to sell for more due to higher demand. If you have points or miles sitting in your account, don’t let them lose value—get a free quote from Miles123 today and cash out while rates are high!
