For the majority of the time, credit card companies will offer reward points that can be redeemed for frequent flyer miles in 2026. Depending on your terms with the company when you signed up, the conversion process may be different for everyone.

Good research and preparation it is possible to obtain free flights to any destination or at the very least, earn a very discounted flight.

Part 1: Earning Credit Card Points

Step 1 Look back at that old credit card paperwork you filled out or filed away once it came in the mail. What kind of reward’s program do they offer? You can always check online to see if your credit card offers a program. A points reward program is a way to earn points every time you make a purchase with your card. Sometimes there are cash offers, travel offers, or gift cards! If all else fails, contact the company over the phone and ask them.

Step 2 If you find out there isn’t a rewards program on your current credit card, you’ll want to find another card company who does. Almost all credit cards off a point reward system of some kind. Some options are better than others. You can search online to help transfer point to miles at a decent rate! Here are some programs allowing point to mile transfers:

• American Express Member Rewards
• Citi Thank You
• Chase Ultimate Rewards

Think about yourself and what would be a good fit for you! Be sure to do your own research before starting a new credit card. And of course, you can always contact The Points King, a reliable airline mileage broker with online services.

Step 3 Look for things like a signup bonus. These are things you want to take advantage of. There are some signup bonuses that will give you a lot of points once you hit a certain amount of points in a specific timeframe. This may be cause you to overspend, so be careful!

Step 4 Check to see what the qualifications are for a qualified purchase. This will vary depending on the card issuers. This is how points are built up, so be sure you know all the qualifiers. As an example, some point rewards programs offer more points for certain things you buy, they may offer a flat rate for some purchases, or rotate throughout the month. Doing this will help you obtain points without changing your spending habits.

Step 5 Building up a good amount points takes time no matter how often you use it. Flights will be a large amount of points. For example, a flight to Europe may be 30,000 miles, so your points may be in the range of fifty to sixty thousand points. This may take a while, so brace yourself!

Part 2: Determining Conversion Eligibility

Getting the Lowdown on Your Rewards Program

First off, you’ll want to get the full scoop on your credit card’s rewards program. While looking online is an option, a direct call to your credit card company’s support team often yields the most accurate and complete information. You can request a copy of your reward program details, which lays out all the specific guidelines and restrictions for converting your hard-earned points.

Speaking with a live representative is usually a better bet than relying solely on automated systems or outdated online FAQs. A person can clarify any vague points, answer specific questions, and even share details you might not have known existed. It’s always a good idea to confirm what you think you know, as program rules can shift without much notice. A quick chat can save you a headache later.

Decoding Conversion Rates and Expiration Dates

Before you commit to any transfer, get a crystal-clear picture of the points-to-miles conversion rate. This is a big deal, as rates vary wildly between programs. Some might offer a straightforward 1:1 ratio, meaning 20,000 points equals 20,000 miles. Others could be less generous, perhaps 1,000 points for 750 miles. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best possible value for your points.

It’s also smart to check if your points or miles have an expiration date. Many rewards will simply vanish if they go unused for too long. If you find yourself with points nearing expiration and no immediate travel plans, some programs allow you to transfer them to a friend or family member. It’s worth asking about these kinds of options.

Finally, dig into any travel restrictions. Airlines and reward programs often have blackout dates when you can’t use miles for flights, especially during peak travel seasons. Knowing these limitations ahead of time helps you plan your trip without any unwelcome surprises.

Part 3: Booking Your Flight

Setting Up for Success: Accounts and Timing

Some credit card programs will ask you to create a frequent flyer account directly with an airline before you can transfer points. Other programs might simply apply a travel credit to your card account. It’s important to confirm which method your program uses and any specific restrictions that come with it. Trip prices can differ quite a bit, so exploring various airlines for the best deal is a smart move. You might find the same trip for 75,000 miles on one airline, but only 55,000 on another.

Before you even think about booking, call your credit card company to confirm which airlines are approved partners for point transfers. Not all airlines participate in every rewards program. Having your points converted and your travel credit ready to go will certainly speed up the booking process when you find that perfect flight.

Never assume that converting points to miles will happen instantly. While some transfers are quick, others can take several days or even a week. Planning your travel months in advance helps avoid any disappointment. Booking during off-peak times, like visiting a beach destination in the winter instead of during Spring Break, can also make your miles stretch further, often resulting in a less expensive trip overall.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Booking Your Award Flight

When it’s time to book, remember that the best way to use your miles is often by booking directly with the airline. While tools like Google Flights or Kayak are fantastic for comparing schedules and cash prices, for award travel, heading straight to the airline’s website is usually the way to go. This helps you see the true availability and cost in miles.

A good strategy is to transfer miles to airlines you’ve flown with before or already have miles with. This can sometimes lead to greater rewards or easier status qualification. Also, keep in mind that you can often use miles on all airlines within the same alliance. These alliances are groups of airlines that partner up, making your miles more versatile. Here are some of the main alliances:

• One World: Includes American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and others.
• Star Alliance: Features United, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, and many more.
• SkyTeam: Comprises Delta, Air France, Korean Air, among others.

These days, booking flights online is pretty straightforward. Once you have your frequent flyer account number and your miles are transferred, you’ll typically find a dedicated field on the airline’s booking page to enter this information. If you hit a snag or feel confused, don’t hesitate to call the airline’s support team. They’re there to help you through the process. With a bit of research and a clear plan, you’ll be ready to take to the skies using your converted points.