Larry M., a business owner with significant monthly expenses, has amassed a staggering 27 million Membership Rewards points, along with millions of other points and miles from various credit cards. With such a massive points balance, Larry is wondering how best to utilize his rewards, particularly for booking a $10,000 cruise.
While Larry has been redeeming around 1 to 1.5 million points for travel each year, he sought advice on the most efficient way to use his points for a cruise. The Points Guy founder, Brian Kelly, recommended leveraging the 35% rebate on certain flights offered by the American Express Business Platinum card for maximum value.
However, Brian also advised against using Amex points for cruises, as they only offer around 0.7 cents per point in value. Instead, he suggested considering a cash-back charge card for everyday expenses, such as the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, which offers 2% cash back on all purchases.
With Larry’s vast points balance, he could also explore other travel redemption options, such as flying business class to Europe or Singapore for his family using transfer partners like Air France-KLM and Singapore Airlines. Additionally, he could use his American Airlines miles for partner airline flights to maximize value.
Overall, while Larry’s points conundrum may seem overwhelming, there are plenty of ways for him to make the most of his rewards, whether for flights, hotels, or even cruises. By strategically using his points and considering cash-back options, Larry can continue to enjoy luxurious travel experiences without letting his points go to waste.