Get fresh NerdWallet data on what your points and miles are really worth in 2025 — and why the answer might change how you book travel.
Should you take a $650 flight voucher or 32,500 miles? How much are your points and miles actually worth? Hosts Sally French and Meghan Coyle break down the latest NerdWallet valuations to help you make smarter redemption choices. But first, they cover the week’s biggest travel headlines, including Southwest Airlines’ new partnership with EVA Air, Frontier’s companion certificate promotion and status match, and JetBlue opening up award bookings with Condor Airlines.
Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss NerdWallet’s latest airline, hotel, and credit card point valuations, with tips and tricks on comparing loyalty programs, maximizing transfer partners, and deciding when cash is more valuable than points. They also discuss the impact of devaluations, how close-in bookings can save you points, and why premium cabins can sometimes offer outsized redemption value. Plus: Craig’s hot take on airport lounges.
Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:
Is the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard Worth Its Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-frontier-airlines-world-mastercard-worth-its-annual-fee
Citi Strata Credit Card Review: Solid Rewards for No Annual Fee https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata
Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-double-cash
Citi Custom Cash Card Review: Low-Maintenance 5% Cash Back https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-custom-cash
Citi Strata Premier: Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/credit-cards/citi-strata-premier
Is the New Alaska Atmos Summit Card Worth a $395 Annual Fee? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/is-the-alaska-airlines-atmos-summit-card-worth-its-annual-fee
Resources discussed in this episode:
Airline Miles vs. Cash Calculator https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles
How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2025? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/airline-miles-and-hotel-points-valuations
Want even more tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollars? Subscribe to TravelNerd, our free newsletter designed to help you crack the code on spending less on your travel.
In this episode, the Nerds discuss: points and miles valuation, airline miles value, hotel points value, credit card points value, Southwest EVA Air partnership, Frontier Companion Certificate, JetBlue Condor award
Published on 4 days ago
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