15 Little-Known Reward Redemptions Most People Miss: Hidden Ways to Maximize Your Points

You've accumulated thousands of points and miles, and you're ready to redeem them. Most people automatically think flights and hotels—and while those are valuable redemptions, they're far from your only options. There's a whole world of overlooked redemption opportunities that can provide exceptional value, unique experiences, or strategic advantages that most travelers never discover.

The problem? Most reward programs don't prominently advertise these alternative redemption options. They're buried in program terms, hidden in travel portals, or require specific knowledge to access. But once you know where to look, these little-known redemptions can transform how you use your points and miles, often providing better value or more flexibility than standard flight and hotel bookings.

After researching dozens of reward programs and analyzing redemption patterns, I've identified 15 little-known redemption options that most people miss. These range from strategic uses that maximize value to unique experiences you can't easily purchase with cash. This comprehensive guide will show you how to find and use these hidden redemption opportunities to get more from your points and miles.

Why Most People Miss These Redemptions

Before diving into the specific redemptions, it's worth understanding why these options remain hidden. Reward programs have a financial incentive to make certain redemptions more prominent—specifically, those that cost them less. Flights and hotels often provide good value to consumers while still being profitable for programs, but alternative redemptions can sometimes offer better consumer value, which is why they're less advertised.

Additionally, many travelers simply don't explore beyond the obvious options. When you log into a rewards portal, flights and hotels are front and center. You have to dig deeper, read program terms, or ask customer service to discover alternative redemption options. This lack of visibility means most people never realize these opportunities exist.

Finally, some of these redemptions require strategic thinking or specific circumstances to maximize value. They're not always the right choice for every situation, but when they align with your needs, they can provide exceptional value that standard redemptions can't match.

1. Airport Lounge Day Passes

Most travelers know about lounge access through credit cards or elite status, but many don't realize you can use points to purchase day passes for airport lounges. This redemption option opens up premium lounge experiences to travelers who don't have ongoing access, and it can be particularly valuable during long layovers or when you need a comfortable place to work.

How It Works:

Several reward programs allow you to redeem points for airport lounge day passes. The value varies by program, but you can typically access lounges for 5,000-10,000 points, which often represents better value than paying the $50-75 cash price. Some programs even offer access to premium lounges that aren't available through standard Priority Pass memberships.

Priority Pass, for example, allows some credit card programs to offer day pass redemptions, though availability varies by card issuer. Individual airline programs may also offer lounge access redemptions, particularly for their own lounges or partner facilities. Credit card travel portals sometimes include lounge day passes as a redemption option, often at competitive point values.

When It's Valuable:

This redemption shines during long layovers, early morning flights when you need a comfortable place to wait, or when traveling with family and you want lounge access for everyone. It's also valuable when you're flying from an airport with exceptional lounges—think Singapore Changi's premium lounges or Dubai's Emirates lounges—where the experience justifies the point cost.

Best Programs:

• Priority Pass (through select credit card programs)
• Individual airline frequent flyer programs
• Credit card travel portals (Chase, Amex, Capital One)
• Hotel programs that partner with lounges

Value Calculation:

At 5,000-10,000 points for a $50-75 day pass, you're getting 0.5-1.5 cents per point in value. While this isn't as high as premium flight redemptions, it can be excellent value if you're using points that would otherwise sit unused or if you're redeeming from programs where flights aren't readily available.

2. Travel Packages: Flights Plus Hotels

One of the best-kept secrets in the points and miles world is travel packages that combine flights and hotels in a single redemption. These packages often provide 20-30% better value than booking flights and hotels separately, making them an excellent way to maximize your points for complete vacations.

How It Works:

Marriott Bonvoy offers some of the best-known travel packages, allowing you to redeem points for a combination of hotel nights and airline miles. For example, you might redeem 270,000 Marriott points for 7 nights at a Category 5 hotel plus 132,000 airline miles (transferred to a partner airline). When you break down the math, you're often getting better value than if you'd booked the components separately.

Other programs offer similar packages through their travel portals. Chase Ultimate Rewards, for instance, sometimes offers package deals that combine flights and hotels at a discount when booked together. These packages can include everything from basic economy flights with mid-range hotels to premium cabin flights with luxury resort stays.

When It's Valuable:

Travel packages are ideal when you're planning a complete vacation and need both flights and accommodations. They're particularly valuable for expensive destinations where both flights and hotels cost significant points, as the package discount can save you tens of thousands of points. They're also excellent for honeymoons, anniversaries, or other special trips where you want to maximize value on a complete vacation experience.

Best Programs:

• Marriott Bonvoy (excellent travel packages with airline transfers)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (package deals through travel portal)
• Some airline programs (limited availability)
• Hotel programs with airline partners

Value Calculation:

If a package saves you 20-30% compared to booking separately, and you're redeeming 200,000 points for a package that would cost 260,000 points separately, you're saving 60,000 points—a significant value. The key is ensuring both components of the package align with your travel needs.

3. Car Rentals Through Points

While car rentals might seem like a straightforward redemption, many travelers overlook using points for rental cars, especially for expensive or long-duration rentals. When you're renting a car for a week or more, or renting in expensive markets, point redemptions can provide solid value and flexibility.

How It Works:

Most major credit card travel portals allow you to redeem points for car rentals at a fixed value—typically 1 cent per point. This means 25,000 points equals $250 toward a rental. While this might not sound exciting compared to flight redemptions, it can be excellent value for expensive rentals, particularly luxury vehicles or rentals in high-cost markets like Europe or during peak travel seasons.

Some programs also offer transfer partners that include car rental companies, though these are less common than airline and hotel partners. Additionally, some credit cards offer car rental elite status as a benefit, which can be combined with point redemptions for even better value.

When It's Valuable:

Point redemptions for car rentals make the most sense when rental prices are high—think peak summer in Europe, luxury vehicle rentals, or extended rentals of a week or more. They're also valuable when you have points that are difficult to use for flights (perhaps due to limited availability) but you need transportation for your trip. Finally, they can be strategic when you're trying to use up small point balances that aren't enough for flights or hotels.

Best Programs:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards (1.25-1.5 cents per point through portal)
• American Express Membership Rewards (1 cent per point, or transfer)
• Capital One Venture (1 cent per mile, or transfer)
• Some airline programs (limited availability)

Value Calculation:

At 1 cent per point for a $500 weekly rental, you'd use 50,000 points. If those same points could get you a $600 flight (1.2 cents per point), the flight is technically better value. However, if you need the car rental and flights aren't available or don't align with your travel dates, the car rental redemption provides real, usable value.

4. Unique Travel Experiences and Activities

Beyond flights and hotels, many reward programs allow you to redeem points for unique travel experiences—tours, activities, cooking classes, adventure experiences, and more. These redemptions can provide access to experiences that are difficult to book with cash, sold out, or simply more convenient to book through points.

How It Works:

Credit card travel portals increasingly offer "experiences" as a redemption category. Chase Ultimate Rewards, for example, has an extensive experiences section where you can book everything from helicopter tours to cooking classes to private guided tours. American Express offers similar experiences through its Fine Hotels & Resorts program and travel portal.

Hotel programs sometimes offer experience redemptions, particularly for activities near their properties. These might include spa treatments, golf rounds, wine tastings, or adventure activities. Some programs even offer exclusive experiences available only to points members.

When It's Valuable:

Experience redemptions are valuable when you want to enhance a trip with memorable activities, when experiences are sold out for cash bookings, or when you have points that are difficult to use for flights. They're also excellent for special occasions—think anniversary dinners, birthday celebrations, or milestone trips where you want to create unforgettable memories.

Best Programs:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards (extensive experiences catalog)
• American Express (Fine Hotels & Resorts experiences)
• Some hotel programs (property-specific experiences)
• Credit card travel portals (growing category)

Value Calculation:

Experience values vary widely. A $200 cooking class might cost 20,000 points (1 cent per point), while a $500 helicopter tour might cost 40,000 points (1.25 cents per point). The value isn't always as high as premium flight redemptions, but the uniqueness and convenience can justify the redemption, especially for special occasions.

5. Strategic Gift Card Redemptions

Gift card redemptions typically offer poor value—usually 0.5-1 cent per point—and are generally not recommended. However, there are strategic situations where gift card redemptions can make sense, particularly when programs offer bonus value or when you have points that would otherwise expire unused.

How It Works:

Most reward programs offer gift card redemptions, typically at fixed values. However, some programs periodically offer bonus promotions where gift cards are discounted—for example, a $100 gift card that normally costs 10,000 points might be available for 8,000 points during a promotion. These promotions can make gift card redemptions more attractive.

Additionally, if you have points that are about to expire and no travel plans, gift cards can be a way to extract some value rather than losing the points entirely. Some programs also offer gift cards for retailers where you regularly shop, making the redemption more practical.

When It's Valuable:

Gift card redemptions are valuable during bonus promotions, when points are about to expire, or when you have small point balances that aren't enough for travel redemptions. They can also be strategic if you're planning a large purchase at a specific retailer and can use a gift card to offset the cost.

Best Programs:

• Most programs offer gift cards (check for promotions)
• Programs with expiring points (extract value)
• Retailer-specific programs

Value Calculation:

Standard gift card redemptions offer 0.5-1 cent per point, which is poor value. However, during 20-30% bonus promotions, you might get 1.2-1.3 cents per point, which approaches acceptable value. The key is only using gift cards strategically, not as a primary redemption method.

6. Statement Credits for Travel Purchases

Many travelers overlook using points for statement credits, assuming it's always poor value. While standard statement credits typically offer only 1 cent per point, using credits specifically for travel purchases can sometimes provide better value, especially when combined with other benefits.

How It Works:

Most credit card programs allow you to redeem points for statement credits at a fixed 1 cent per point value. However, some programs offer enhanced value when credits are applied to travel purchases. For example, you might get 1.25 cents per point when applying credits to travel charges, or you might be able to combine credits with other travel benefits.

Additionally, statement credits can be strategic when you've made a travel purchase with cash (perhaps to earn a sign-up bonus or meet a spending requirement) and then want to offset that cost with points. This approach can provide flexibility while still extracting value from your points.

When It's Valuable:

Statement credits are valuable when you need flexibility, when you've made travel purchases you want to offset, or when other redemption options aren't available. They're also useful for small point balances or when you're trying to maximize credit card benefits by paying with the card first, then offsetting with points.

Best Programs:

• Most credit card programs (1 cent per point standard)
• Some programs offer travel purchase bonuses
• Programs with flexible redemption options

Value Calculation:

At 1 cent per point, statement credits provide baseline value. If you can get 1.25 cents per point for travel purchases, that's better, though still not as high as transfer partner redemptions. The value is in the flexibility and convenience rather than maximum point value.

7. Upgrades on Existing Cash Bookings

Many travelers don't realize they can use points to upgrade existing cash bookings, particularly for flights. This approach can provide excellent value, especially when upgrading from economy to business or first class, and it offers more flexibility than booking award tickets.

How It Works:

Some airline programs allow you to use miles to upgrade cash tickets. The process varies by airline, but typically involves booking a cash ticket in an upgradeable fare class, then using miles (and sometimes cash co-pay) to upgrade to a higher cabin. This can be more economical than booking an award ticket in the premium cabin, especially if you found a good cash fare.

Hotel programs also offer upgrade options, though these are often handled differently—sometimes through elite status benefits, sometimes through point redemptions, and sometimes through a combination. Some credit card programs offer upgrade certificates as benefits, which can be combined with point redemptions.

When It's Valuable:

Upgrade redemptions are valuable when you've found an excellent cash fare but want premium cabin experience, when award availability is limited but upgrade space is available, or when the upgrade cost in points is less than the difference between economy and premium award tickets. They're also valuable for last-minute travel when award tickets aren't available but upgrades are.

Best Programs:

• Airline frequent flyer programs (upgrade options vary)
• Hotel programs (suite upgrades, room upgrades)
• Credit card upgrade certificates (combined with points)

Value Calculation:

If a business class award ticket costs 100,000 miles but you can book an economy cash ticket for $500 and upgrade for 50,000 miles, you're getting better value with the upgrade approach. The key is comparing total cost (cash + miles) versus pure award ticket cost.

8. Companion Tickets and Certificates

Companion tickets allow you to bring a travel companion at reduced or no cost when you book with points or cash. Many travelers don't realize these benefits exist or how to maximize them, but they can provide exceptional value, especially for expensive routes or premium cabins.

How It Works:

Some airline credit cards include companion certificates as annual benefits. For example, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cards offer companion certificates that allow a companion to fly for just taxes and fees when you book a ticket. These certificates can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially on expensive routes.

Hotel programs sometimes offer similar benefits, such as "stay 4 nights, get 1 free" promotions or companion benefits. Some credit card programs also offer companion benefits when booking through their travel portals.

When It's Valuable:

Companion tickets are extremely valuable when traveling with a partner or family member, especially on expensive routes. A companion certificate that saves $500 on a flight provides immediate, tangible value. They're also valuable for premium cabin travel, where companion savings can exceed $1,000 or more.

Best Programs:

• Airline credit cards (Delta, Alaska, British Airways, etc.)
• Hotel programs (promotional companion benefits)
• Credit card travel portals (occasional companion offers)

Value Calculation:

If a companion certificate saves you $500 on a flight, that's $500 in value. If you paid a $250 annual fee for the card that provides the certificate, you're getting $250 in net value just from this benefit, before considering other card benefits.

9. Travel Insurance Through Points

While most premium credit cards include travel insurance automatically, some reward programs allow you to purchase additional travel insurance coverage using points. This can be valuable for travelers who need extra coverage beyond what their credit card provides.

How It Works:

Some travel insurance providers accept points from certain reward programs as payment. Additionally, some credit card travel portals offer travel insurance as an add-on when booking through the portal, and you can sometimes pay for this insurance with points rather than cash.

The coverage and value vary significantly by program and provider. Some programs offer basic trip cancellation insurance, while others might offer comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation, which can be extremely expensive if purchased with cash.

When It's Valuable:

Travel insurance through points is valuable when you need coverage beyond what your credit card provides, when traveling to destinations where medical costs are high, or when you have points that are difficult to use for other redemptions. It can also be valuable for expensive trips where the insurance cost in cash would be significant.

Best Programs:

• Some credit card travel portals
• Travel insurance providers (limited acceptance)
• Programs with insurance partners

Value Calculation:

Travel insurance typically costs 4-10% of trip cost. If you're insuring a $5,000 trip, insurance might cost $200-500. Using 20,000-50,000 points for this insurance provides 1 cent per point value, which is baseline but can be worthwhile for peace of mind, especially if you have points that are otherwise difficult to use.

10. Airport Parking Redemptions

Airport parking can be expensive, especially for long trips, and many travelers don't realize they can use points to cover parking costs. This redemption option provides convenience and can be good value, particularly for extended parking needs.

How It Works:

Some credit card travel portals include airport parking as a redemption option. You can typically book parking through the portal and pay with points at the standard 1 cent per point rate. Some programs also partner with specific parking providers to offer point redemptions.

The availability varies significantly by airport and program. Major airports are more likely to have parking available through reward portals, while smaller airports may have limited or no options.

When It's Valuable:

Airport parking redemptions are valuable for long trips where parking costs accumulate, for expensive airports where daily parking rates are high, or when you have points that are otherwise difficult to use. They're also convenient when you want to prepay parking and not worry about it during your trip.

Best Programs:

• Credit card travel portals (Chase, Amex, Capital One)
• Some airport parking providers (direct partnerships)
• Limited program availability

Value Calculation:

If airport parking costs $15 per day and you're parking for 10 days, that's $150. Using 15,000 points provides 1 cent per point value, which is baseline but convenient. For expensive airports or longer trips, the value can be more significant.

11. Train Travel Redemptions

Train travel, particularly in Europe and on Amtrak in the United States, can be an excellent redemption option that many travelers overlook. Train redemptions can provide good value, especially for expensive routes or premium classes.

How It Works:

Some credit card travel portals include train travel as a booking option, allowing you to redeem points at standard rates. Additionally, Amtrak Guest Rewards is a transfer partner for some credit card programs, allowing you to transfer points to Amtrak and redeem for train travel, often at good value.

European train travel can sometimes be booked through travel portals, though availability varies. Some programs also have partnerships with specific rail companies, though these are less common than airline and hotel partnerships.

When It's Valuable:

Train redemptions are valuable for expensive train routes (think high-speed trains in Europe or sleeper trains), when train travel is more convenient than flying for your itinerary, or when you want to experience train travel as part of your trip. They're also valuable for routes where train travel is significantly cheaper or more scenic than flying.

Best Programs:

• Credit card travel portals (limited train availability)
• Amtrak Guest Rewards (transfer partner for some programs)
• Some European rail partnerships (limited)

Value Calculation:

Amtrak redemptions can provide 1.5-2+ cents per point in value, especially for expensive routes or premium accommodations. European train redemptions vary widely, but can provide good value for high-speed or sleeper trains.

12. Cruise Bookings Through Points

Cruise bookings through points are often overlooked, but they can provide excellent value, especially for expensive cruises or when combined with other benefits. Many travelers don't realize that major reward programs allow cruise redemptions.

How It Works:

Credit card travel portals increasingly include cruises as a booking option. You can typically book cruises through these portals and pay with points at standard redemption rates. Some programs also offer cruise-specific promotions or benefits when booking through their portals.

Hotel programs sometimes offer cruise redemptions or partnerships, though these are less common. Some credit card programs offer cruise benefits, such as onboard credits or upgrades, when booking through their portals.

When It's Valuable:

Cruise redemptions are valuable for expensive cruises where the point cost represents good value, when you want to use points for a complete vacation experience, or when cruise lines offer additional benefits for bookings through reward portals. They're also valuable when you have a large point balance and want to use it for a significant trip.

Best Programs:

• Credit card travel portals (Chase, Amex, Capital One)
• Some hotel programs (limited cruise partnerships)
• Cruise line loyalty programs (point earning, limited redemption)

Value Calculation:

Cruise redemptions typically provide 1 cent per point value through portals, which is baseline. However, when combined with onboard credits, upgrades, or other benefits offered through portal bookings, the effective value can be higher. For expensive cruises, even baseline value can represent significant dollar savings.

13. Vacation Rentals and Timeshare Exchanges

Vacation rentals and timeshare exchanges represent another overlooked redemption category. While less common than hotel redemptions, these options can provide excellent value, especially for group travel or extended stays.

How It Works:

Some credit card travel portals include vacation rentals (like Airbnb or VRBO-style properties) as booking options. You can typically book these through the portal and pay with points. Hotel programs sometimes offer timeshare exchanges or vacation rental partnerships, allowing you to use points for alternative accommodations.

The availability and value vary significantly. Some programs have extensive vacation rental catalogs, while others have limited options. Timeshare exchanges are even less common and typically require membership in specific programs.

When It's Valuable:

Vacation rental redemptions are valuable for group travel where you need multiple bedrooms, for extended stays where vacation rentals offer better value than hotels, or when you want a more home-like experience during your trip. They're also valuable in destinations where vacation rentals are the preferred accommodation type.

Best Programs:

• Credit card travel portals (growing vacation rental options)
• Hotel programs (limited timeshare/vacation rental partnerships)
• Timeshare exchange programs (specific memberships required)

Value Calculation:

Vacation rental redemptions typically provide 1 cent per point value, similar to hotel redemptions. However, for group travel, the value can be exceptional since you're accommodating multiple people in one redemption. A $500 per night vacation rental that sleeps 6 provides better per-person value than a $200 hotel room that sleeps 2.

14. Stopovers and Open Jaws on Award Tickets

While not a separate redemption category, stopovers and open jaws represent a way to maximize award ticket value that many travelers don't utilize. These routing options allow you to visit multiple cities on a single award ticket, effectively getting multiple trips for the price of one.

How It Works:

A stopover allows you to stay in a connecting city for more than 24 hours (typically up to a year) before continuing to your final destination, all on a single award ticket. An open jaw allows you to fly into one city and out of another, with ground transportation in between. Some programs allow both stopovers and open jaws on the same ticket.

For example, with United MileagePlus, you can book a round-trip award from New York to Tokyo with a stopover in London, visiting both cities for the price of a round-trip to Tokyo. With ANA Mileage Club, you can book complex routings with multiple stopovers, visiting several cities on one award.

When It's Valuable:

Stopovers and open jaws are extremely valuable when you want to visit multiple destinations, when you're planning extended travel, or when you want to maximize the value of a single award ticket. They're particularly valuable for international travel where you can visit multiple countries or regions on one ticket.

Best Programs:

• United MileagePlus (allows stopovers on round-trip awards)
• ANA Mileage Club (excellent stopover and routing options)
• Alaska Mileage Plan (good stopover rules)
• Other programs vary (check individual rules)

Value Calculation:

If a round-trip to Tokyo costs 70,000 miles, but you can add a stopover in London for the same 70,000 miles, you're effectively getting a trip to London "free" with your Tokyo trip. This can represent exceptional value, especially if the London segment would cost 30,000+ miles if booked separately.

15. Multi-City Award Bookings

Similar to stopovers, multi-city award bookings allow you to visit multiple destinations on a single award ticket, but with more flexibility in routing. Many travelers book simple round-trips when they could book more complex itineraries that visit multiple cities.

How It Works:

Most airline programs allow you to book multi-city awards, visiting multiple destinations on a single ticket. For example, instead of booking New York to Paris round-trip, you could book New York to Paris, Paris to Rome, Rome to London, and London to New York, all on one award ticket.

The pricing varies by program. Some programs price multi-city awards based on total distance, while others price based on the most expensive segment. Some programs allow complex routings, while others have restrictions.

When It's Valuable:

Multi-city awards are valuable when you want to visit multiple destinations, when you're planning extended travel, or when you want to avoid backtracking. They're particularly valuable for European travel where you can visit multiple cities efficiently, or for round-the-world style trips.

Best Programs:

• Most airline programs allow multi-city bookings
• Distance-based programs often provide best value
• Programs with flexible routing rules

Value Calculation:

If visiting three cities would require three separate round-trip awards costing 70,000 miles each (210,000 total), but a multi-city award costs 140,000 miles, you're saving 70,000 miles—exceptional value. The key is understanding each program's pricing rules for multi-city awards.

Comparison Table: Redemption Value by Category

Redemption Type	Typical Value (cents/point)	Best For	Availability
Premium Flight Awards	2-5+	Business/First class	Most programs
Travel Packages	1.5-2.5	Complete vacations	Limited programs
Stopovers/Open Jaws	2-4+	Multi-city travel	Some programs
Lounge Day Passes	0.5-1.5	Long layovers	Limited programs
Car Rentals	1-1.5	Expensive/long rentals	Most portals
Experiences	1-1.5	Special occasions	Growing availability
Train Travel	1-2+	Europe/Amtrak	Limited programs
Cruises	1-1.5	Complete vacations	Most portals
Vacation Rentals	1	Group travel	Growing availability
Upgrades	1.5-3+	Premium cabins	Airline programs
Companion Tickets	Varies	Traveling with others	Card benefits
Statement Credits	1	Flexibility	Most programs
Gift Cards	0.5-1	Strategic use only	Most programs

Note: Values are approximate and vary by program, redemption, and circumstances. Always calculate value for your specific situation.

How to Discover Hidden Redemptions

Finding these little-known redemption options requires proactive research. Here's how to discover them:

1. Explore Program Websites Thoroughly

Don't just look at the main redemption pages. Dig into program terms, browse all redemption categories, and read the fine print. Many programs have redemption options buried in less-prominent sections of their websites.

2. Use Travel Portals Completely

When using credit card travel portals, explore all categories, not just flights and hotels. Look for "Experiences," "Activities," "Parking," "Car Rentals," and other categories. You might be surprised by what's available.

3. Read Program Terms and Conditions

Program terms often contain information about redemption options that aren't prominently advertised. While reading terms isn't exciting, it can reveal valuable redemption opportunities.

4. Contact Customer Service

Sometimes the best way to discover hidden redemptions is to ask. Customer service representatives can tell you about redemption options that aren't easily found online, and they can help you understand how to access them.

5. Follow Points and Miles Communities

Online communities, blogs, and forums are excellent sources for discovering little-known redemptions. Experienced travelers often share their discoveries, and you can learn from their research and experiences.

Strategies for Maximizing These Redemptions

1. Research Before Redeeming

Don't default to flights and hotels. Research all available redemption options for your specific situation. You might find a better value or more suitable option.

2. Calculate Value for Each Option

Compare the cents-per-point value for different redemption options. While maximum value isn't always the goal, understanding value helps you make informed decisions.

3. Consider Your Specific Needs

The best redemption is one that meets your needs, not necessarily the one with the highest theoretical value. If you need a car rental and flights aren't available, the car rental redemption provides real value.

4. Combine Redemptions Strategically

Sometimes the best approach is combining multiple redemption types. For example, use points for flights, cash for hotels, and points for experiences—optimizing each component.

5. Be Flexible

Flexibility in travel dates, destinations, and redemption types opens up more opportunities. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find excellent redemption values.

The Bottom Line

Most travelers limit themselves to flights and hotels when redeeming points and miles, but there's a whole world of alternative redemption options that can provide better value, more flexibility, or unique experiences. The 15 little-known redemptions covered in this guide represent opportunities that most people miss, but they can significantly enhance how you use your rewards.

Highest Value Redemptions:

1. Travel Packages - Save 20-30% on complete vacations
2. Stopovers and Open Jaws - Visit multiple cities for the price of one
3. Upgrades - Economy to premium cabins at good value
4. Companion Tickets - Save hundreds on companion travel
5. Multi-City Awards - Efficient multi-destination travel

Convenient and Practical:
6. Car Rentals - Good for expensive or long rentals
7. Airport Parking - Convenient for extended trips
8. Lounge Day Passes - Access premium lounges without status
9. Train Travel - Excellent for Europe and Amtrak
10. Cruises - Complete vacation experiences

Strategic Uses:
11. Experiences - Unique travel activities
12. Vacation Rentals - Great for group travel
13. Statement Credits - Flexibility when needed
14. Travel Insurance - Additional coverage
15. Gift Cards - Strategic use during promotions

The key to maximizing these redemptions is research, flexibility, and understanding your options. Don't limit yourself to the obvious choices—explore all possibilities, calculate values, and choose redemptions that best meet your specific travel needs and goals.

---

Last Verified: November 20, 2025
Last Updated: November 20, 2025

References:
[1] The Points Guy. "Hidden Ways to Use Points and Miles." Last updated November 2025. https://thepointsguy.com

[2] Chase. "Ultimate Rewards Redemption Options." Last updated November 2025. https://www.chase.com

[3] American Express. "Membership Rewards Redemption Guide." Last updated November 2025. https://www.americanexpress.com

[4] Marriott Bonvoy. "Travel Packages." Last updated November 2025. https://www.marriott.com

[5] United Airlines. "Award Travel Rules and Stopovers." Last updated October 2025. https://www.united.com