New Tool Aims To Maximize Unused Travel Rewards

Image: Airline miles and rewards points concept. (photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/NicoElNino).
Image: Airline miles and rewards points concept. (photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/NicoElNino).
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Mon November 8, 2021

While individuals are traveling more than they did last year, the increase in road-tripping and hesitancy from others to travel at all still create a large pile of unused travel rewards from credit cards and airline loyalty programs.

A new tool from NerdWallet is helping travelers figure out how to get the best value for their loyalty points or miles.

The tool operates like a quiz; simply pick which points or miles you hold, which can range from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Delta SkyMiles or other airline memberships, then pick the region you'd like to travel to.

The tool then finds the best airlines for the rewards you have and explains why you should use them.

For example, a traveler with a Delta SkyMiles membership wanting to travel to South Korea or Japan is encouraged to use Korean Air or China Airlines, which can both cost at least 50,000 reward miles for economy seating.

If a traveler has a more generic bank travel points membership, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, then the tool recommends transferring those points to Air Canada's Aeroplan or the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club memberships, which can cost around 30,000 to 35,000 points for round-trip economy flights.


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

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

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.
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.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Watch Now!
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...