One number tells you whether to spend your points or save them. Plug in the prices and I’ll do the math.
the calculator
Run the Numbers
Enter the cash price and the points price for the same trip. The calculator will tell you your value per point and whether it’s a good deal.
Cash price of the trip
$
Points required
Taxes & fees (optional)
$
Which points program?
Fill in the cash price and points above to see your answer.
the one rule
Divide the cash price (minus taxes) by the points required. That’s your cents-per-point. Above your program’s target? Use them. Below it? Save them for a better deal.
understand the number
What “Cents Per Point” Actually Means
A point has no fixed value. It’s worth whatever you can get out of it. Cashed out for a statement credit, a Chase point is worth about a penny. Transferred to a hotel and used on a nice room, that same point might be worth 3 or 4 cents. Same point. Very different outcome.
The cents-per-point number tells you where this particular redemption falls on that scale. Every program has a rough target — the value you can realistically get when you’re being smart about it. If your redemption beats the target, it’s a good use of points. If it falls short, you’re better off paying cash and saving your points for something better.
(Cash price − Taxes) ÷ Points required × 100 = cents per point
Example: A $900 flight that costs 60,000 Chase points, with $50 in taxes. That’s ($900 − $50) ÷ 60,000 × 100 = 1.42¢. Chase’s target is 2.0¢. That’s below target — save the points.
2¢+Use your points
1.2–2¢Borderline — your call
<1.2¢Pay cash, save points
real examples
See It on Real Trips
The same math, applied to trips families actually take.
Hawaii • Chase URRound-trip economy to Maui, 4 peopleCash: $4,200 • Points: 120,000 • Taxes: $180 $4,020 of value ÷ 120,000 points = 3.35¢ per point
3.35¢Use the points
Vegas flight • Chase URRound-trip to Las Vegas, 2 peopleCash: $180 • Points: 20,000 • Taxes: $40 $140 of value ÷ 20,000 points = 0.70¢ per point
0.70¢Pay cash
Europe hotel • Hyatt3 nights at a Hyatt in ParisCash: $1,050/night = $3,150 • Points: 60,000 • Taxes: $0 $3,150 ÷ 60,000 points = 5.25¢ per point
5.25¢Use the points
Road trip hotel • Marriott2 nights at a Marriott CourtyardCash: $240 total • Points: 30,000 • Taxes: $0 $240 ÷ 30,000 points = 0.80¢ per point
0.80¢Probably skip
Family vacation • SouthwestRound-trip for a family of 5 to FloridaCash: $1,750 • Points: 90,000 • Taxes: $250 $1,500 ÷ 90,000 points = 1.67¢ per point
1.67¢Use the points
Gift card redemption • Chase UR$500 Amazon gift card via portalCash value: $500 • Points: 62,500 (0.8¢ each) $500 ÷ 62,500 points = 0.80¢ per point
0.80¢Never do this
the shortcuts
When to Always Use Points — and When to Never
The calculator handles the close calls. These are the easy ones you don’t need to calculate.
Use points when…
The flight or hotel would be genuinely expensive. Business class, peak season, international — points shine brightest where cash hurts most.
You’re above 2¢ per point. That’s the sweet spot where points are doing real work for you.
You’re booking Hyatt hotels, Southwest flights for a big family, or international business class via United or Virgin Atlantic.
The trip would otherwise stretch or stress the budget. Points are there to unlock the trips you wouldn’t otherwise take.
Save points when…
The flight is cheap. If you can fly somewhere for $150 cash, paying 20,000 points is a terrible trade. Let cheap flights be cheap.
You’re below 1.2¢. You’re leaving value behind every time you redeem at this level.
You’re converting to cash, gift cards, or merchandise. Almost always the worst possible use of points.
You don’t have a trip in mind yet. Keep them flexible in the bank. They’ll be worth more when you have a real destination.
the honest truth about points math
You don’t have to squeeze maximum value out of every redemption. A 1.8¢ trip that gets your family to the beach is infinitely better than perfect points sitting unused in an account. The calculator is a guide, not a gatekeeper. Get close to the target, then go.