How to Use Travel Credit Card Points for Domestic Flights (Without Getting Scammed by Fine Print)

You’ve racked up credit card points—now it’s time to turn them into free (or nearly free) flights. Here’s how to use travel points for domestic U.S. flights the smart way.

1. Know Your Point Type

- Bank points (Chase, Amex, Citi) = flexible and transferable
- Airline miles (United, Delta, etc.) = locked into that airline
- Travel portal points (Capital One) = fixed value, simple to use

2. Learn Your Point Value

Typical value ranges:
- Chase: 1.25–1.5¢ per point
- Amex: ~1¢ (higher when transferred)
- Capital One: 1¢ per mile
- Airline miles: varies, ~1–1.8¢ per mile

3. Use Travel Portals

Simple but not always the best value:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Amex Travel
- Capital One Travel

Good for ease. Not great when ticket prices are high.

4. Transfer Points to Airline Partners

Maximize value by transferring to:
- Southwest (Chase)
- JetBlue or Delta (Amex)
- British Airways for AA flights (Amex/Citi)

Check award availability first before transferring. Transfers are usually 1:1 but non-reversible.

5. Time It Right

- Best redemption windows = 3–6 weeks out
- Tuesdays/Wednesdays = lowest cash fares = lowest point costs
- Watch for flash sales or transfer bonuses

6. Use the Right Airline Programs

Best for U.S. domestic:
- Southwest (no blackout dates)
- JetBlue (transparent pricing)
- Delta (variable pricing, but lots of routes)
- United (good award availability)
- Avios (for AA domestic flights)

7. Pay the Taxes

You’ll owe ~$5.60 per one-way ticket in TSA/security fees. Sometimes payable with points, but usually better to just use a card.

8. Split Payments If Needed

Can’t cover the full ticket with points? Use partial redemptions through Chase or Capital One. Pay the rest in cash.

9. Avoid Bad Uses

Don’t redeem for:
- Gift cards
- Amazon purchases
- Short-haul premium cabins
- Booking too close to departure

10. Final Word

Credit card points make flying cheap—or even free. Learn your programs, compare redemption options, and strike when fares are low. Don’t let points sit unused—they’re meant to fly.