Reward Point Calculator

How to Use the Calculator

Below, find the calculator that I use when determining whether to book a hotel or flight with points! Before you get started, one of the key things to understand is what is a redemption value and what is a current value. Both refer to the monetary value of your points.

To determine your redemption value for the flight or hotel stay you are hoping to book, enter the full price including any fees into the “cash price” field. This is what it would cost if you were to not use any points at all for the flight or stay. Then, look at the same route or stay dates if you were to book using only points. Enter the amount of points that you would need into the “award price” field. Finally, determine what applicable fees you might have when booking with points. This could be the taxes/fees for airlines or resort fees for hotels. Really, any actual dollars that you would pay in addition to your point redemption. This will also work for those “points and dollars” type redemptions. Add this number into the “fees” field.

To determine the current value of your points, first, you will need to look up the current price to purchase points. For determining value, you should always look at the maximum purchase allowable. Place the dollar amount to purchase the maximum number of points in the “cost” field and place the maximum number of points you can purchase in the “points” field.

The calculator will output both the monetary current and redemption values of your points and will give you a comparison recommendation on whether it is a good redemption rate or not. Ultimately, you will need to weigh this recommendation against personal factors such as finances, loyalty status, and point accrual opportunities. At the end of the day, the goal is to travel, so even a bad redemption rate might still be a good redemption for you if it is what allows you to take the trip!