What Travel Points Are the Best and What Can They Be Used For?

Travel points come in many forms and can unlock a wide range of travel benefits. Understanding how different types of rewards work — and when to use them — can help you make smarter decisions and get more value from your travel. If you're new to the concept of travel points, you can read more about what they are and how they work on our blog: Here.

The Main Types of Travel Points

1. Airline Frequent Flyer Points
   These points are earned by flying with certain airlines or their partners. They’re often best used for booking award flights, especially long-haul business or first class trips. Examples include British Airways Avios, Lufthansa Miles & More, and American Airlines AAdvantage.
2. Credit Card Reward Points
   These points come from spending on credit cards. A big advantage is flexibility — many programs let you transfer points to multiple airline or hotel partners, expanding your choices. Examples include American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
3. Hotel Loyalty Points
   These points are earned through stays at hotel chains and can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or other perks. Some hotel points can also be converted to airline miles. Examples include Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and IHG Rewards.

What Can Travel Points Be Used For?

Travel points can be used for a variety of travel-related benefits, depending on the program. Flights — particularly in business or first class — typically offer the highest value per point. This is where many travellers get the best return.

Here are some of the most common ways to use travel points:

• Award Flights: Redeem points to book flights — from economy to business and first class — often offering excellent value on premium seats.
• Upgrades: Use points to move from economy to business class, enhancing your comfort.
• Hotel Stays: Book free nights or enjoy room upgrades at hotels worldwide. However, it's important to note that points cannot be used for Airbnb bookings.
• Car Rentals and Experiences: Some programs let you spend points on car hires, airport transfers, or unique activities.
• Shopping and Gift Cards: Possible but generally lower value uses of points.

Which Travel Points Are the Best?

The best travel points depend on your travel habits and goals:

• If you want to earn more points specifically for flights, especially long-haul or premium cabins, flexible credit card points or airline programs tied to international carriers are a good choice.
• If you stay in hotels frequently and want to maximise free nights and upgrades, focusing on hotel loyalty points will benefit you most.
• If you rarely travel but want to earn points on everyday spending with maximum flexibility, credit card points that transfer to multiple airlines and hotel partners offer the best options.

Think about how often you travel, where you go, and what kind of trips you prefer. Selecting points that match your travel style helps you get the most value.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Points

Here are a few tips for how to get the most out of your points. If you'd like to learn more about how to maximize your points and how to earn them, you can read about it on our blog: here.

• Plan how you want to use your points before you start earning them.
• Focus on earning points that match your preferred airlines and hotel chains.
• Transfer flexible points carefully to partners that offer the best redemption value.
• Look for opportunities to book premium cabins where points offer the greatest value.
• Be aware of blackout dates, fees, and rules for award bookings.

Understanding how different travel points work and what you can use them for helps you unlock better travel experiences. With a little planning and the right guidance, your points can take you further — making travel more affordable, comfortable, and enjoyable. Expert advice can help you make more informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and use your points in ways that give you the highest possible value.