Credit Card Air Miles Conversion to Hotel Points?

Question

I have a Citibank AAdvanatge Master Card with 186,000 miles and I just got a Citibank Hilton HHonors reward card. I have the option of transferring 100,000 AA miles for 200,000 Hilton points for a $25.00 processing fee. Is this a good or a losing deal?

I think I like the Hilton rewards better because there appears to more options in rewards, the website is more user friendly and Hilton card does not have an annual fee. It took a few years to get the 186,000 miles so I don’t want to make a stupid decision in trading them.

Thanks.

Tim

Answer 1

175,000 points gets you 6 free nights in a Hawaiian resort. Estimated value is about 1800. 120,000 gets you 2 business class tickets to Hawaii which runs about 4-6000 from most places on the mainland. When it comes to credit card rewards or any airline, hotel reward you must figure which will give you the most bang for your buck. When you cash in your Hilton points, don't cash them for the $100 per night hotel save them for the $3-$400 a night hotel. Likewise when you fly, use upgrades instead of free tickets on long flights because the upgraded seat is more valuable.