How Much Are Travel Points and Miles Worth in 2026?

The 2026 travel landscape reveals that transferable credit card currencies currently provide the highest utility and protection against frequent loyalty program devaluations. While major airlines and hotel chains have shifted toward dynamic pricing models that often lower the baseline value of their specific rewards, flexible points from providers like Chase and American Express consistently maintain a higher valuation of approximately two cents per point. Experts suggest that travelers can combat rising travel costs by focusing on "sweet spots," such as luxury hotel stays or international premium cabin flights, which yield significantly better returns than basic domestic redemptions. To safeguard against the erosion of purchasing power caused by inflation, the guide recommends an "earn and burn" strategy rather than long-term hoarding. Ultimately, the most successful strategy in the current market involves prioritizing versatile rewards programs that offer the freedom to move assets between various travel partners as needed.