How to Get the Most of Your Travel Rewards

Image: PHOTO: A collection of credit cards. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: A collection of credit cards. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Mon August 1, 2016

Does anyone say "no" to cheaper travel? Not that we know of. This is why learning to use your credit card miles to redeem lower-cost travel is a must.

According to Forbes, Americans are missing out on billions of dollars in credit card travel benefits. The article also notes that a CreditCards.org survey found that nearly 80 percent of respondents said that they don't own a travel rewards credit card. Ten percent of those who don't own one say that the reason is that they don't know how they work. And 17 percent of respondents who do actually own one don't bother to redeem rewards.

According to Forbes, it is estimated that there are $16 billion per year in travel rewards left on the table each year.

Are you one of these people? It wouldn't be surprising. Interpreting how to use rewards miles or points earned is a challenge and they vary by carrier.

"The general rule of thumb for reward miles or any credit card rewards (such as points) is that they are worth $0.01 each," explained Matthew Coan, owner of credit card comparison website Casavvy.com. "The main goal is to earn as many miles as possible and then get the most when you redeem them. Most cards that offer miles as their rewards make redeeming them for travel expenses your best option."

[READMORE]READ MORE: Which Travel Credit Card Is the Best? [/READMORE]

Want to better understand the inner-workings of the credit card travel rewards program? Find guidance here.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Sell More Great Lakes Cruises with Victory Cruise LinesWednesday, September 9, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Cris Desouza, VP of Sales, and Barbara Davis, Director of Sales, for an inside look at what’s new...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...