{"id":191085,"date":"2025-02-10T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/news\/pay-points-or-cash\/"},"modified":"2025-02-10T16:47:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T21:47:09","slug":"pay-points-or-cash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/pay-points-or-cash\/","title":{"rendered":"Paying With Rewards Points or Cash: How to Choose?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;NBC Rewards Points Program, RBC Avion, AIR MILES, Aeroplan or &#8230; Cash?&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; el_id=&#8221;nbc_rewards_points_program_rbc_avion_air_miles_aeroplan_or_cash_&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In the <a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"the milesopedia facebook group\" href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/fbgroupe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Milesopedia Facebook community<\/a>, we&#8217;re often asked whether it&#8217;s better to use reward points for a booking or whether it would be more advantageous to pay in cash. <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/news\/points-value-target\/\">There isn&#8217;t just one right answer<\/a>, as each case is different.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, you will find the information you need to make the right decision for your situation.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Valuation of Reward Points&#8221; el_id=&#8221;valuation_of_reward_points&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>When we talk about <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/points-miles-value-canada\/\">reward point value<\/a>, we&#8217;re talking about the value you&#8217;ll get when you redeem reward points to book <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/save-money-hotels\/\">a hotel night<\/a>, buy <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/strategy\/save-money-flights\/\">a plane ticket<\/a>, treat yourself to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/?p=186756\">products<\/a> or purchase <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/points-gift-cards\/\">gift cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To help you, we regularly update our reward point valuation <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/points-miles-value-canada\/\">estimate<\/a> for dozens of loyalty programs. But I&#8217;ll explain how to calculate all this.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"162101\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Calculation of Reward Points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;calculation_of_reward_points&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To calculate the valuation, 3 parameters must be taken into account:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Total price:<\/strong> Total cost of reservation (including taxes) when paying in cash;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Points&nbsp;:<\/strong> Number of reward points required in exchange for booking;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Taxes and surcharges:<\/strong> Taxes, other fees and surcharges that must be paid in addition to points to make a reservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186300&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_message]<\/p>\n<h6>Taxes<\/h6>\n<p>Depending on the country and the supplier, the prices displayed do not always include taxes. So make sure they&#8217;re included before you pay.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The calculation is done by dividing the amount saved <strong>(Total price &#8211; Taxes and surcharges)<\/strong> by the <strong>points<\/strong> needed:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Valuation = (Price &#8211; Taxes and surcharges) \/ points<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Example 1: Aeroplan Points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;example_1_aeroplan_points&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take an example of a flight on Air Canada between Montreal and Paris, in Privilege Economy class, with <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/aeroplan\/\">Aeroplan points or in cash:<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186311&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186313&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Parameter<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Total price<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">$789<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Taxes and surcharges<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">$67<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Aeroplan Points<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">46,200 points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<blockquote>\n<p>789 &#8211; 67 \/ 46,200 = <strong>1.6 cents per point<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>This results in a valuation of <strong>1.6 cents per point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='compare'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--compare container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"100492\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\n    <div class=\"card card-list card-list-header\">\n        <div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-dark shimmer-bar--short card-specs--title\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-dark shimmer-bar--short card-specs--title\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Example 2: Hotel Reservation&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;example_2_hotel_reservation&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take an example of a hotel room, with <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/marriott-bonvoy-points\/\">Marriott Bonvoy points<\/a> or cash:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186317&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186319&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>For the flexible <strong>points<\/strong> rate:<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Parameter<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Total price<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">$201<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Taxes and surcharges<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">$0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Marriott Bonvoy Points <\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">10,000 points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<blockquote>\n<p>201 &#8211; 0 \/ 10&nbsp;000 = <strong>2 cents per point<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>This results in a valuation of <strong>2 cents per point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For the flexible rate in exchange for <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/marriott-bonvoy-how-to-use-cash-points\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cash + points<\/a>:<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Parameter<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Total price<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">$201<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Taxes and surcharges<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">$81<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">Marriott Bonvoy Points <\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; text-align: center;\">4,000 points<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<blockquote>\n<p>201 &#8211; 81 \/ 4,000 = <strong>3 cents per point<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>This results in a valuation of <strong>3 cents per point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In the Cash + Points option of Marriott Bonvoy, be aware that the expense will be based on the currency of the country where the hotel is located. So, I have two tips for you, because you can either use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a title=\"Marriott Bonvoy<sup>&reg;<\/sup> American Express<sup>&reg;<\/sup>* Card\" href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/amex-marriott-bonvoy-card\/\" rel=\"noindex\">Marriott Bonvoy<sup>&reg;<\/sup> American Express<sup>&reg;<\/sup>* Card<\/a> to earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar on your hotel reservation, but with a 2.5% <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/forex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">foreign currency conversion fee<\/a> if used outside Canada;<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Scotiabank Passport\u2122 Visa Infinite* Card\" href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/scotiabank-passport-visa-infinite-card\/\" rel=\"noindex\">Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card<\/a> to earn 1 Scene+ point per dollar (equivalent to 1%) and pay 0% foreign currency conversion fee if used outside Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"247117\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='compare'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--compare container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"267909,22642\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_message]<\/p>\n<h6>Valuation by program<\/h6>\n<p>On Milesopedia, you will find an estimated value of each currency (Value of Reward Points) in the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/\">file of each program<\/a>. You will find all these currencies in a drop-down box at the bottom of the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/\">Milesopedia homepage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_message][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Selection Bias&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;selection_bias&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>By using our rewards points we have access to hotels or airline seats that we probably couldn&#8217;t afford if we had to use cash. When calculating the price of a reservation, you must be careful <strong>not to overestimate the value<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Here are 2 common mistakes:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use the same flight on the same airline for the evaluation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But would you really pay $140 more to fly Air Canada instead of Air France?<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186329&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use the same rate class for evaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But would you really pay $3,400 for a 7-hour one-way flight in <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reviews\/flights\/air-canada-signature-a330\/\">business class<\/a>? You might be satisfied with a flight in economy privilege class that costs $800. Right?<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186311&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Debating Between Reward Points and Cash&#8221; el_id=&#8221;debating_between_reward_points_and_cash&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To make the right decision, it&#8217;s important to consider not only the value of reward points, but also the benefits of each option.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Benefits that Apply ONLY when Using Reward Points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;benefits_that_apply_only_when_using_reward_points&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Cancellation Policy&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;cancellation_policy&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Cancellation and modification policies for reservations paid in points are often more favourable than those that apply when paid in cash.<\/p>\n<p>For most hotels, cancellations when using points can be made without charge up to a few days before the arrival date. For an equivalent cash policy, it\u2019s necessary to compare with a refundable rate.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Baggage Fees and Seat Selection&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;baggage_fees_and_seat_selection&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Better baggage allowance and seat selection are sometimes included when using points.<\/p>\n<p>For example, for a ticket on Air France, the <em>Light<\/em> fare does not include baggage or seat selection when paying in cash.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186332&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>While seat selection and baggage will be included when redeeming <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/flying-blue-miles-canada\/\">Flying Blue miles<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186334&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>So if you&#8217;re planning to take a checked bag, it&#8217;s not with the Light fare ($614) that you should make your comparison, but with Air France&#8217;s standard fare ($689).<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Fifth Night Free&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;fifth_night_free&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>When using points to book hotel nights with <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/marriott-bonvoy\/\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/points-hilton-honors\/\">Hilton Honors<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/fifth-night-free-marriott-bonvoy\/\">the fifth night is free<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This is a great advantage when you stay 5 nights in the same hotel.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Resort Fees&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;resort_fees&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>A little-known benefit for Hilton Honors hotels is that resort fees do not apply when the reservation is paid for with Hilton Honors points.<\/p>\n<p>Check out this example for a hotel near Disney World:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;126203&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;126201&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Between the fifth night free and no resort fees, it makes using Hilton Honors points a great option.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"207311\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;One-Way Tickets&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;one-way_tickets&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>With most airline programs, you can book a one-way ticket for half the number of points\/miles required for a round trip.<\/p>\n<p>When you pay for your ticket in cash, the one-way price is often much higher than the round-trip price divided by 2.<\/p>\n<p>For example, for a round-trip flight Montreal &#8211; Paris with Air France, you need to meet several criteria to qualify for the round-trip fare.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186336&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>This allows for a mix of loyalty programs, airlines and airline alliances. For example, you could fly out with Star Alliance on Air Canada using Aeroplan points, and return with Skyteam on Air France using <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/recompenses\/offres-speciales\/flying-blue-promo-rewards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flying Blue<\/a> miles.<\/p>\n<p>This feature also offers the advantage of being able to book award tickets for the outbound flight without waiting for the return ticket to be available for booking.<\/p>\n<p>This is very useful when you want to secure seats on a flight that doesn&#8217;t offer many award tickets.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Adding a Stopover on a Route&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;adding_a_stopover_on_a_route&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>With some companies it is possible to add one or more stopovers either free of charge or with a small supplement.<\/p>\n<p>This is the case, for example, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/aeroplan\/\">Aeroplan<\/a> program, which adds one stopover for 5,000 Aeroplan Points. <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/air-canada-aeroplan-flight-rewards-rules\/#Les_regles_dEscale_et_dArret_dAeroplan\">See Aeroplan Flight Rewards Rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"209991\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Benefits that Apply ONLY when Paying in Cash&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;benefits_that_apply_only_when_paying_in_cash&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Flight Availability&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;flight_availability&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>With the exception of a few airlines such as Air Canada for Aeroplan, the number of award tickets available per flight is limited.<\/p>\n<p>We are talking about a few seats (often 3-4) being available on each flight. This is an important constraint when travelling on fixed dates or when <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/travel-within-a-family\/\">travelling with family<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Building Towards a Status&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;building_towards_a_status&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Several hotel programs (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy) count nights paid with points towards a higher status.<\/p>\n<p>But it&#8217;s quite the opposite for airline programs that don&#8217;t calculate segments and miles flown using award tickets. No points are earned when you pay with points! <\/p>\n<p>Moreover, when one of the status criteria is the amount spent during the year, it&#8217;s clear that a booking made with points doesn&#8217;t contribute to reaching that goal.<\/p>\n<p>Consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/air-canada-aeroplan-elite-status\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aeroplan 25K Elite status<\/a>, which requires $3,000 in Status Qualification Dollars (SQD), or the Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador status, which requires $20,000 in annual expenses.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Eligibility for Promotions&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;eligibility_for_promotions&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]Some promotions offering bonus points, double nights, or point multipliers require that the entire or part of the booking be paid with cash to be eligible.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186348&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Other promotions for reward points or those offering a discount are only available on cash transactions.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186346&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>It is therefore important to read the detailed rules before using your Reward Points. Sometimes it pays to pay in cash!<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"405168,72703\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Tips for Taking Advantage of the Possibilities&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;tips_for_taking_advantage_of_the_possibilities&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Buy Points&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;buy_points&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Many programs offer you to <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/buy-points-miles-offers\/\">purchase points<\/a>, which can be used to take advantage of the benefits of paying in points.<\/p>\n<p>And it&#8217;s not uncommon to see promotions up to a 100% point gain on their purchase.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/buy-points\/buy-aeroplan-points-bonus\/\">Aeroplan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/buy-points\/bonus-buy-hilton-points\/\">Hilton<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/buy-points\/buy-marriott-bonvoy-points\/\">Bonvoy <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/buy-points\/buy-hyatt-points\/\">Word of Hyatt<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/offers\/buy-points\/buy-alaska-mileage-plan-miles-bonus\/\">Alaska Mileage Plan <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This becomes really interesting to earn the number of points needed to get 5 nights for the price of 4 at hotels in the Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy programs. Or to sleep comfortably in business class on an overnight flight.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/newsletter\/\">Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> to receive all the promotions.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"126945\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re just a few points short, some programs will offer you the opportunity to purchase the missing points when you pay.<\/p>\n<p>One example is Aeroplan, which offers to use fewer points when booking and pay the rest in cash:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186972&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Redeem Your Reward Points for Gift Cards From the Company&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h4|text_align:left&#8221; el_id=&#8221;redeem_your_reward_points_for_gift_cards_from_the_company&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Many programs offer the option to convert reward points into gift cards for the company. They are applicable on a booking, which can allow you in this case to take advantage of the benefits of payment with cash.<\/p>\n<p>An example with Air Canada:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186342&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>This is a very good option when the valuation you would get by using your Aeroplan points for flying is below 1 cent per Aeroplan point.<\/p>\n<p>Another example with Best Western:<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;186344&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; style=&#8221;vc_box_shadow&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>This is a great option when the valuation you would get using your <a href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/reward-program\/best-western-rewards\/\">Best Western Rewards<\/a> points is below 0.66 cents CAD per point or 0.5 cents USD.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Bottom Line&#8221; el_id=&#8221;bottom_line&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;checkmarks&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The key is to weigh the pros and cons according to your situation.<\/p>\n<p>With a little thought and calculation, you&#8217;ll find the optimal strategy for getting the most out of your points&#8230; and enjoying yourself at the same time. After all, the important thing is to enjoy your points! <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"thirstylink\" title=\"the milesopedia facebook group\" href=\"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/go\/fbgroupe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Join the Milesopedia community<\/a> to discuss this topic.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<div class=\"wpb_content_element wpb_miles_element\">\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='compare'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='6'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--compare container_count--3'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"267909,22642,100492\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>[vc_toggle title=&#8221;How do I redeem my NBC Reward points?&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The best way to reward yourself is with travel! 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