Sadly not, you’d need to be in the USA.

I tend to agree. My feeling is that the points and miles die hards have little appreciation for how little travel flexibility 90% of people around the world have. If I can find a first class seat worth $15k for 100,000 points round trip on the dates that work, lovely. If not, I’ll take solid value that allows me to travel when I need to.

As noted, this is about establishing baseline value. 1.25c per point or 1.5c per point is what Chase gives you on travel redemptions without any blackout dates. For many people, that’s easier to manage than transfers to a British Airline to book flights to Japan, by searching on United, for the off chance that a single seat in first is available. Should people strive for better? Sure. We mention how to do that, and link to a helpful guide with examples of like up to 10c per point, but it’s not for everyone.

1) I hate math, most people do, though I very much admire and appreciate those who don’t. Rewards shouldn’t involve math problems.

2) Yes, you’re out of touch on this issue, i’m sorry to say. It’s easy for someone with flexibility in travel dates and a vast knowledge of loyalty programs to tell other people they’re fools for redeeming at 1.25 cents per point, when they could score Singapore Suites First Class for 125K points from London to Singapore once every 30 days (that’s about how often it’s available), and get more like 5 cents per point of value. Most people have fixed travel dates, fixed travel plans, absolutely no flexibility and are looking for a viable way to turn their every day rewards into things which save them money when they need a getaway.

1 – as a former Math major (along w Computer Science) everyone doesn’t “hate math” and the “math” to calculate value based on 1.25 cent a point is hardly even math! If you think that is math try derivatives, integrals or advanced algebra.

2 – are people so broke they have to use their points at 1.25 cent each to cover day-to-day expenses? I mean REALLY?! If that is the case you shouldn’t have credit cards anyway. I agree 1.25 cent/point is the absolute minimum you can value them at since that is easily achieved via travel expenses (or paying bills if you really have to) but I personally value them at 2 cents each (Have CSR so my baseline is 1.5 cents/point) and I find you can get even better value with selective travel point transfers and redemption. Maybe I’m an out of touch 1% but I pay for all my bills and use all my points and miles for travel and ONLY If I get more value than the baseline – otherwise I pay cash and bank more points/miles.