7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - TransferWise Connects with Chase Ultimate Rewards for 1 -1 Point Transfers to 15 Airlines
Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, has entered the travel rewards landscape with a new partnership with Chase Ultimate Rewards. This collaboration allows for a 1:1 transfer of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a network of 15 different airline loyalty programs. This is a notable development for Chase cardholders, as it increases the flexibility of their rewards. They can now leverage their points to potentially access a wider variety of flights and even pursue upgrades with a range of airlines.
While the option to transfer points to airline loyalty programs has existed with Chase for some time, this expands the possibilities. Notably, Emirates Skywards, a frequent flyer program known for luxurious travel experiences, is among the partners. It can be a very appealing option for travelers seeking premium journeys, though keep in mind redemption costs can be significant. However, it's generally believed that transferring points to airlines provides a better return than redeeming directly through the Chase portal. It gives Chase cardholders more control and potential savings when planning trips. For those who accrue a lot of Chase points, this news is very welcome and broadens the potential for rewarding travel.
Wise, formerly TransferWise, has partnered with Chase Ultimate Rewards, creating a new channel for transferring points to 15 different airlines at a 1:1 ratio. This development, while interesting, might be a bit underwhelming for those already familiar with Chase's existing transfer options. Chase has had a broader set of airline and hotel partners for a while now, allowing 1:1 transfers to 14 programs already.
The transfer functionality itself is standard fare, allowing for transfers in 1,000-point chunks. This feature can be useful for those looking to maximize their point utilization with various airlines. However, you'd likely need a substantial number of points with Chase to make it meaningfully impactful, as that's just the basic capability most programs offer.
One might assume the big allure here is potentially a better route for folks who favor certain airlines that are not directly partnered with Chase. That could be the case if some of the airlines in this subset of programs are offering attractive redemption rates or flight deals.
The appeal of these partnerships, particularly for first-class flights on luxury airlines like Emirates Skywards, can be easily overstated in my opinion. Chase points do tend to have fairly good value, generally around 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point based on card and redemption method, but redemptions can quickly become very costly, even if you are using points to offset costs for luxury flights.
It remains to be seen whether this new transfer route will ultimately change the existing rewards landscape for frequent flyers. In the end, maximizing rewards often requires understanding the specific program intricacies and choosing options that align with your own individual travel goals and destinations. There are always new ways to shift points, so the next time you are planning a flight, it's always a good idea to investigate any current programs that might save you time and money, but never overthink the impact of points if they become too complex to track and understand.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - TransferWise Connects with Chase Ultimate Rewards for 1 -1 Point Transfers to 15 Airlines
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Revolut Premium Links with American Express Membership Rewards at 2 Transfer Rate
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - WorldRemit Partners with Capital One Venture X for Direct Miles Transfer to Emirates Skywards
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Xoom Money Transfer Now Compatible with Citi ThankYou Points for Avianca LifeMiles
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - OFX Launches Integration with Bilt Rewards for Automatic Points Collection
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Western Union Business Solutions Teams Up with Air Canada Aeroplan
- 7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Remitly Introduces Direct Transfers to Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Program
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Revolut Premium Links with American Express Membership Rewards at 2 Transfer Rate
Revolut Premium users now have the option to connect their accounts with American Express Membership Rewards, enabling them to transfer points at a 2:1 ratio. This means that for every 2 Membership Rewards points transferred, you receive 1 unit of currency through Revolut. This connection can be advantageous for those seeking to utilize their points for international travel, as Revolut provides competitive exchange rates and often lower fees compared to traditional options. Saving up to 20% on international transfers can be a significant perk, especially for frequent international travelers.
However, as with any transfer of points, you need to be mindful of the limitations. American Express doesn't allow you to reverse these transfers. So once the points are moved over, they can't be shifted back. This aspect becomes increasingly important given the trend toward premium travel. Luxury travel experiences are appealing, but often expensive. You'll want to carefully think through how much you want to transfer over to Revolut in the first place, to avoid regret later on. The benefits of the program likely depend on your overall travel plans, including whether you typically travel internationally or within a given region. It's best to evaluate if this partnership actually improves your reward structure overall.
American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to various airline programs, typically at a 1:1 ratio, meaning each Membership Rewards point equals one point in the airline's program. While generally straightforward, there are some nuances to keep in mind. These transfers are one-way, so you can't get your points back if you change your mind later. You'll find you need to transfer in increments of 1,000 points with a minimum transfer of 1,000. Occasionally, Amex offers bonus transfer promotions to certain airlines, potentially adding value to your transferred points if you time it right. It's also worth noting that you can potentially earn a substantial amount of Membership Rewards points. For example, the Platinum Card can net you up to 80,000 Membership Rewards points after reaching a certain spending threshold.
Revolut Premium, an international money transfer service, now offers a 2:1 transfer rate for Amex Membership Rewards points. It's intriguing to see how the integration works. Revolut's core value proposition is about minimizing currency conversion fees for international transfers. They claim to offer competitive rates based on real-time market conditions, allowing users to exchange up to $10,000 per 30 days without incurring those fees. Premium users get extra perks like priority support and card customization. However, it's the potential for international money transfer savings – up to 20% on transfer fees– that makes it stand out for some users.
Generally, Amex Membership Rewards points are estimated to hold a value between 2 and 3 cents each when redeemed through travel partners. The 2:1 transfer ratio offered by Revolut might sound enticing. It potentially doubles your point earnings, offering the possibility of leveraging those rewards for more significant travel experiences. However, the true value of a 2:1 transfer rate is highly dependent on the specific airlines and routes you're looking at, so you'll want to dig into those details.
The appeal of programs like these rests in expanding options for using points. Whether it's worth pursuing depends on your own travel patterns and preferred airlines. While Revolut's offerings may seem attractive on paper, it's crucial to carefully analyze how the redemption options translate into actual savings. A higher transfer rate does not automatically guarantee a better value for your points. It might open up opportunities for more premium travel experiences, but it's always good to evaluate the costs involved and to see if they match your specific goals and requirements for a trip. It's just one more component to consider in an already complex landscape of loyalty programs. Points are a powerful tool for travel, but it can quickly get complicated. It's essential to keep your strategies streamlined and easily manageable.
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - WorldRemit Partners with Capital One Venture X for Direct Miles Transfer to Emirates Skywards
WorldRemit and Capital One Venture X have joined forces, creating a new avenue for transferring miles directly into the Emirates Skywards frequent flyer program. This partnership streamlines the process for Capital One cardholders who want to use their accumulated miles for Emirates flights. Each 1,000 Capital One miles can be converted into 1,000 Emirates Skywards miles, making it easy to boost your mileage balance. The minimum transfer amount is 1,000 miles.
While this partnership offers a new way to manage travel rewards, it's important to understand how it works. Capital One will deduct the miles instantly, but it can take up to 15 business days for Emirates to credit your account. This new transfer option is part of a broader trend of credit card companies partnering with airlines to give their users more flexibility.
However, the added complexity of managing rewards across different platforms can be a bit of a drawback. Users need to weigh whether this convenience and the potential savings it offers are worth the extra steps involved in tracking miles and coordinating reward programs. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this partnership depends on how it fits with individual travel goals and if the benefits justify any extra hassle. Managing points across multiple programs can become complex, so it's important to make sure the benefits are clear to you.
WorldRemit's new partnership with Capital One Venture X allows Capital One cardholders to directly transfer miles to Emirates Skywards. This is an interesting development because it simplifies the process of using Capital One miles for Emirates flights. It potentially gives those who use Capital One cards more flexibility in using their rewards on a popular airline known for international flights. It seems like the trend towards making it easier to move miles and points between financial institutions and airlines is continuing. There is definitely a push for both banks and airlines to try to make the entire rewards process simpler and more seamless.
Capital One miles convert at a 1:1 ratio to Emirates Skywards miles, so every 1,000 Capital One miles is equal to 1,000 Skywards miles. This type of straightforward transfer is typical in airline and credit card programs, so it's not a novel concept. It does require a minimum transfer of 1,000 miles, which isn't overly restrictive. Once you initiate the transfer, Capital One removes those miles immediately from your account. However, it might take up to 15 business days for the miles to be deposited into your Emirates Skywards account. The actual time it takes might vary, so you need to factor that in when making travel plans.
The Capital One Venture X card, in particular, earns at least 2 miles per dollar, which can accelerate the accumulation of miles for those who regularly use the card for everyday purchases. The question is whether accumulating miles through the Venture X card for transfer to Emirates Skywards offers a competitive advantage or if other credit cards or transfer pathways offer more value overall. This is not simply a limited-to-Emirates option, as Capital One has a variety of transfer options including hotels and other loyalty programs. It seems like Capital One is aiming for more overall flexibility for its customers.
American Express Membership Rewards, also known for offering extensive partnerships with airlines, can be transferred to Emirates Skywards at the same 1:1 ratio. Interestingly, both Capital One and Amex have similar transfer methods with Emirates Skywards, which might indicate that Emirates Skywards is prioritizing partnerships with credit cards that offer travel-related benefits to its customers. This would be understandable as this partnership enables them to incentivize people to book flights with them and generate revenue. Emirates Skywards is, of course, the loyalty program for Emirates Airlines. The airline itself serves a wide variety of destinations throughout the world and is known for a high level of service, potentially attracting travelers with its premium cabin offerings.
Capital One itself is focused on travel rewards cards, with several options including the Venture X, Venture, and Spark Miles cards. The existence of numerous cards under their umbrella suggests they are trying to make themselves a more prominent travel rewards player and that they are seeking to compete with other major issuers of these cards. The potential value of Skywards miles will likely depend on the redemption value you can achieve on specific flights, which could vary depending on route, time of year, and travel demand. It is important to check if a transfer of Capital One miles into Skywards miles provides value in specific circumstances, as the available rewards can change.
It's quite common to see airlines and financial services trying to create more appealing reward programs in order to capture a larger segment of the travel market. This development is just another example of that ongoing process. The ability to move points between various platforms like airlines, hotels, and money transfer services is an increasingly common feature of these reward programs. A travel rewards program does have a certain level of complexity involved with many nuances that need to be considered before transferring and using miles and points. This complexity creates a challenge to balance your rewards strategy against the desire for a flexible system. If a loyalty program becomes overly complicated, it can lead to a reduction in its value, in my opinion, as it might require too much effort to optimize.
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Xoom Money Transfer Now Compatible with Citi ThankYou Points for Avianca LifeMiles
Xoom, a money transfer service, has added a new feature that allows Citi ThankYou points to be transferred directly to Avianca LifeMiles. This is beneficial for those who want to make the most of their credit card rewards, particularly when planning trips. Avianca is currently offering a 25% bonus on transfers from Citi ThankYou Points until April 14th, 2024. This bonus translates into a 1,000 Citi ThankYou Points transfer yielding 1,250 Avianca LifeMiles, effectively giving you more bang for your buck, especially when booking flights through the Star Alliance network.
It's important to understand that these transfers need to happen in increments of 1,000 points. While these bonus offers are enticing, it's always wise to think carefully about how this aligns with your overall travel plans. We're increasingly seeing these types of collaborations between money transfer services and credit card rewards, which can provide travelers with new avenues to maximize their point earnings and achieve greater flexibility. If your travel plans tend to focus on destinations within the Star Alliance network, this particular partnership might be worth further investigation to see if it is a valuable tool for your travel rewards strategies.
Xoom's recent integration with Citi ThankYou Points for Avianca LifeMiles presents an intriguing development in the realm of travel rewards. This new partnership offers a pathway to convert Citi points directly into Avianca's LifeMiles program. Avianca, as a major airline in Latin America, offers flights to a wide range of destinations within the region, including Central America, South America, and even some parts of Europe. This makes LifeMiles potentially valuable for anyone interested in exploring this part of the world.
One of the more appealing aspects of LifeMiles is the generally attractive redemption rates. Unlike some airline loyalty programs that can have high redemption costs, LifeMiles offers options for flights within Central America at only 7,500 miles each way. This can make them a fairly appealing alternative for those who are budget-conscious and want to fly shorter distances.
However, this integration with Xoom might not resonate with everyone. It really only serves travelers who want to use their rewards on flights within Latin America. The broader functionality of the partnership is fairly limited and focuses on transferring points for a rather specific purpose. While it might seem appealing to consolidate your money transfer process with point accumulation, this functionality might not be a major selling point to many people, particularly those who don't regularly transfer money.
One notable benefit of LifeMiles is that your points do not expire, as long as you keep your account active by earning or redeeming at least once every 12 months. This is a nice feature that might appeal to more casual travelers. It eliminates the stress of having to worry about a potential expiration date for your points.
Transferring points through Xoom appears to be relatively quick. Points are typically transferred instantly, which can be important if you want to take advantage of a last-minute flight deal or promotion. This can prevent delays that could cause you to miss out on a good deal. Avianca also has partnerships with other airlines, notably United, allowing you to use your miles with their partners. This might expand the reach of the program, but it might also be less useful for travelers focused on Latin America.
Xoom's support for multiple currencies could be a significant advantage for travelers. International travel is often more complex than simply flying to your destination. The ability to easily handle your transfers in different currencies makes it more accessible for international trips and creates a rather compelling feature for some users. Avianca, like many airlines, will frequently hold promotions for discounted award flights. If you are careful to time your bookings, you could potentially redeem your points for flights for fewer miles than the typical cost.
The integration of Xoom into the Citi ThankYou ecosystem showcases a broader trend in travel rewards. More and more fintech services are trying to incorporate themselves into existing loyalty programs, which are changing the landscape of how we travel and manage our finances while traveling. While the scope of this particular program is fairly narrow, it does highlight that travel rewards are continuing to evolve with the introduction of new options that are being created by the various fintech programs out there.
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - OFX Launches Integration with Bilt Rewards for Automatic Points Collection
OFX has partnered with Bilt Rewards, creating a new way to accumulate points automatically. Bilt members can now link their OFX accounts and automatically collect rewards points for their transactions. This integration opens up new avenues for using Bilt Rewards, which lets users transfer points to a variety of partners, including options related to travel.
One feature of Bilt Rewards is their Dining program, which gives users a substantial number of points when eating at participating restaurants across several cities. This potentially makes it easier for some people to accumulate points. The integration with OFX is notable, but casual users of both services will have to factor in the 2,000-point minimum transfer requirement for Bilt Rewards. This requirement might limit the appeal for occasional users or those with only a small number of points.
The combination of international money transfer services and travel rewards is a trend worth observing. As travel rewards continue to evolve and the range of transfer options grows, we'll likely see more and more programs like the OFX and Bilt Rewards partnership emerge. It remains to be seen how widely adopted and impactful this type of approach will be in the travel rewards landscape.
OFX has recently integrated with Bilt Rewards, allowing users to automatically collect points when they make international money transfers. This is a pretty neat development, particularly for those who frequently travel and want to maximize their reward potential. With Bilt Rewards, you can earn points from your everyday spending, like paying rent or eating out at participating restaurants across 54 cities. You can get up to 10 points for every dollar you spend at these restaurants, which isn't bad. It's not just limited to restaurants, as Bilt Rewards has various partnerships, allowing you to transfer your points to different loyalty programs for flights and other perks.
While it's easy to earn points through Bilt, the minimum transfer to partner programs is 2,000 points. This can make it a little less convenient for casual travelers who don't spend a lot. It's also worth noting that the redemption value for Bilt Rewards points can be less favorable compared to some of the top rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Bilt, a relatively new player in the rewards game (established in mid-2021), has quickly expanded its offerings. You can get a $25 rent credit for 5,000 points, but that's probably not the best value for your points. Overall, Bilt Rewards might be appealing for individuals who want a credit card-less way to accumulate points and have flexibility with their rewards, but you need to weigh its value against programs like American Express or Chase Ultimate Rewards to see if it makes sense.
One of the more intriguing features is the ease of transferring points within the Bilt Rewards app, particularly using the "Travel" tab to manage it. OFX, on the other hand, primarily shines through its competitive currency exchange rates and potentially more favorable fee structure for larger transfers. Their customer support seems pretty good, with dedicated lines for both personal and business clients. They have a broad global reach, offering international money transfers in over 100 countries. However, they don't always provide instant transfers, so it's important to factor that in, especially when booking flights at a promotional rate.
The partnership between OFX and Bilt Rewards is a good example of how financial services and travel rewards programs are evolving. This trend is likely to continue, with more partnerships arising and potentially creating new opportunities for travelers to utilize their rewards effectively. Whether this partnership is beneficial ultimately depends on how you normally spend money, your travel habits, and your preferences when using rewards programs. Like any new feature, you'll need to take a look at how this works with your individual financial and travel goals. If it aligns, it could be a very useful feature, particularly when traveling to destinations outside of your home region. It's always beneficial to take time to fully understand the details of how these programs work before relying on them heavily as the fine print can change the game when it comes to utilizing reward programs.
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Western Union Business Solutions Teams Up with Air Canada Aeroplan
Western Union Business Solutions has teamed up with Air Canada's Aeroplan, aiming to make international money transfers more rewarding for travelers. This partnership intends to give travelers more ways to rack up Aeroplan points, which can then be used for travel. Aeroplan has a reputation for letting you transfer your points to a wide range of airline and hotel partners, giving users more options when it comes to booking flights and hotels with their accumulated points.
Traditional bank wire transfers can be expensive, with fees sometimes surpassing $50, making other money transfer options potentially more appealing. Western Union’s service stands out as a way to send money internationally without the need for a bank account, which is quite useful for those who prefer to stay away from banks.
This new partnership from Western Union and Aeroplan is notable in the travel rewards landscape, as it addresses the growing need for more simplified ways to collect and spend miles and points for travel. It seems the trend of making travel rewards easier and more versatile is continuing, which is good news for those who prefer to optimize their travel with rewards points. While potentially helpful, these partnerships often come with their own set of limitations, so it's important to carefully understand how a new program works before relying heavily on it to avoid surprises when you want to use your accumulated rewards.
Western Union Business Solutions' recent collaboration with Air Canada Aeroplan presents an intriguing development in the world of travel rewards. This partnership appears to be focused on enabling travelers to leverage international money transfers to potentially earn Aeroplan points, essentially creating a new way to collect miles and points. This could prove especially useful for those who frequently travel between Canada, the US, or other regions where Western Union operates.
Traditionally, accumulating miles and points primarily revolves around credit card rewards or frequent flyer programs, which can be complex to navigate. By linking money transfers with Aeroplan, it simplifies the earning process and creates a more direct route to accumulating points. For travelers who might rely on Western Union for cross-border transactions, this could provide a way to make those transactions contribute to their travel goals. It remains to be seen whether this integration allows for a smooth experience, but in theory, it could reduce the complexity associated with various travel rewards programs.
However, the success of this partnership likely depends on the specific methods used for accumulating points. If the point accumulation structure proves to be convoluted or if it offers minimal value, the benefit might be negligible. The overall value proposition would be heavily dependent on how users can translate these accumulated points into meaningful travel experiences. It's not immediately clear how many points can be accumulated per transaction and if there are limits on total accumulations, as this type of information isn't usually provided at the beginning of such partnerships. Western Union has a reputation for offering frequent promotional deals for its services, and a similar approach might be adopted here, potentially making it more attractive to travelers through occasional bonuses or offers.
It's also worth noting that the global nature of Western Union could make this appealing for those who frequently travel internationally. This could represent a more flexible alternative compared to credit card-based reward systems which might be more limited to certain regions or airlines. It is plausible that the integration of Western Union with Aeroplan could result in a user interface where money transfers are more directly related to booking flights, creating a smoother and more streamlined travel-related experience for those using Western Union.
Ultimately, this development is likely indicative of a broader trend within the financial services industry. Many firms are attempting to better integrate themselves into travel rewards systems, creating a more integrated and seamless financial ecosystem. This particular partnership is an example of a possible evolution in how rewards programs work, and it could offer travelers who use Western Union a new way to earn miles and points for travel. However, the real-world impact will need to be assessed as this partnership progresses to see if the benefits justify the effort to fully integrate it into one's travel strategy. Whether it becomes widely adopted will depend on if it provides a more user-friendly way to earn miles or if it generates significant value relative to other reward programs that are already in use.
7 Best International Money Transfer Services for Travel Rewards Credit Card Points Maximization - Remitly Introduces Direct Transfers to Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Program
Remitly has added a new option for travelers who want to collect miles with Turkish Airlines. You can now send money directly to the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles program, and the miles get added to your account right away. This is another example of how money transfer services are working more closely with airlines to provide more ways for people to collect travel rewards.
It certainly simplifies things for those wanting to build up their Miles&Smiles account since you can transfer funds and get the miles through the Turkish Airlines website or app. While the idea of instant miles is attractive, people should still check how the transfer works and the associated conversion rates. It's easy to forget that loyalty programs often have a bunch of hidden rules and fine print that you should pay attention to before making any big transfers.
Remitly's recent integration with the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles program introduces an intriguing new way for travelers to accumulate airline miles. Instead of just receiving money, recipients can now have funds directly converted into miles, potentially streamlining the process of accumulating points for flights. This feature could be particularly appealing to those who find the usual methods for earning miles – like credit card rewards or flying frequently – to be too limiting.
It's interesting to consider the different pathways to earning miles. Usually, transferring money to earn miles is seen as a better deal than simply buying miles directly. This partnership appears to be trying to capture this trend. Whether it proves to be beneficial will depend on the exchange rate offered and any fees Remitly might charge. This will certainly influence how appealing this approach becomes.
Turkish Airlines boasts a wide network, operating to over 300 destinations around the globe. The ability to accrue miles with a single program offering such a diversity of destinations can be a very compelling feature for someone who regularly flies with them or travels frequently to a variety of destinations. This new avenue could enhance flexibility in planning travel to a wider variety of destinations and regions.
This concept of transferring funds into miles almost creates a form of "recycling" for travel rewards. Instead of just using the funds for other services, travelers can use them to "earn" flight upgrades or free flights. The effectiveness of this process depends on how much travel one anticipates and how well the transfer rate lines up with their travel plans.
Turkish Airlines is a core member of the Star Alliance. This vast network allows the use of miles earned through the Miles&Smiles program across various partner airlines. It effectively broadens the options for travel beyond Turkish Airlines' own destinations. You can't use this program for any airline, but it significantly expands the number of potential destinations you can visit.
Some studies suggest that using points with airlines generally offers a 2x return versus redeeming directly with a travel portal. So using Remitly could potentially increase the return on your travel expenses. However, this hinges on the ability to find flights that are actually redeemable with the miles and the overall availability of these tickets. The process might be far from trivial.
Turkish Airlines and many other airlines often run promotional bonuses for things like frequent fliers, new members, or those who fly specific routes. If this new feature allows you to get a better return on those bonuses, it could be a meaningful advantage for travelers. This type of program might make it more likely to actually use a particular airline, and it might help the airline fill more seats during off-peak seasons or fill less desirable routes.
The global reach of Turkish Airlines, with connections to major cities around the world, provides a potential benefit for travelers in a broad range of countries. It's not clear how exactly this process integrates with a wide range of money transfer services, but it is potentially quite valuable to those who move funds between countries regularly.
Remitly's reputation is built around its competitive pricing in comparison to more traditional banks. This could be very helpful during peak travel seasons where prices for airfare can jump, but you need to verify that this advantage is consistently maintained in practice and that the rates don't change much.
It's critical to pay attention to the transfer rates offered and any related fees when considering the Remitly option. The overall attractiveness of this approach will depend heavily on how the conversion rate stacks up and if it yields more value than using other avenues for accumulating airline miles. If done correctly, it can be an effective way to accumulate miles and points more efficiently.