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We just got back from Montenegro, and I don’t think anything surprised me more than Mamula Island. It’s this tiny fortress in the Adriatic Sea, which was absolutely stunning from the boat. But then our guide casually mentioned that during World War II, it was a concentration camp. And now? It’s a luxury hotel that goes for over $2,000 a night.
Of course I had to immediately google it to see if that was real, and found that not only is it true, but you can actually use Accor points to stay there. (Whether you’d want to is another question.)
This got me thinking more about the Accor program. I have at least one card in my wallet from Capital One that I’ll never cancel, and I know those points transfer there. I’ll be honest, I’ve always thought of Capital One miles as my a great option for flights or to just redeem at 1 cent per point for travel purchases. But when Hyatt or Marriott aren’t an option, I was curious to see how valuable Accor points really are.
If you’re new to earning points, definitely start with my Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles. It breaks everything down step-by-step so you can follow along without getting overwhelmed.
I’ve Always Thought Capital One Miles Were All About Flights
For the longest time, I used Capital One miles almost exclusively for airfare. It’s just easy! You get a flat 1 cent per point when booking through Capital One Travel or using the “erase travel purchase” feature. Simple math. No blackout dates.
But Accor Live Limitless (ALL) is one of Capital One’s lesser-known transfer partners, and once I started exploring it, I realized it has an enormous global footprint of over 5,000 hotels in 110 countries.
From Fairmont and Sofitel, to Pullman, Novotel, and Ibis, there’s an Accor property for just about every type of trip.
Still, once I ran the math, I realized this is one of those “good to know” options, not necessarily a go-to.
How Accor Points Work
Accor’s loyalty program is refreshingly simple:
2,000 points = €40 off your stay.
There are no award charts, blackout dates, or “dynamic pricing” surprises. You just apply your points like cash at checkout, and it takes that amount off your total.
You can earn Accor points through stays, dining, car rentals, and more, but in the U.S., the fastest way is by transferring them from Capital One.
That’s where things get interesting, and maybe even a little disappointing.
The Math on Transferring Capital One Miles to Accor
Here’s how it breaks down:
- 2 Capital One miles = 1 Accor point
- Accor points are fixed at 2,000 = €40, or roughly $43–$46 depending on exchange rates.
So, if you transfer 4,000 Capital One miles, you’ll get 2,000 Accor points, which equals about €40 ($45) off your stay.
That means your Capital One miles are only worth about 1.1¢ per point at best, sometimes a little less once you factor in transfer delays and rounding.
Compare that to simply using those miles in the Capital One Travel portal or erasing travel purchases, where you’ll always get a guaranteed 1¢ per point, with no conversion math, no waiting 36 hours, and no minimum redemption chunks.
In other words, the transfer option works, but it’s not the a great value.
When Transferring Could Still Make Sense
I wouldn’t transfer miles to Accor for a long stay or a big redemption, but there are a few times it might be worth it:
- You’re short on points: If you have a few hundred Accor points and just need to top off for a redemption.
- You’re booking something unique: Like that fortress on Mamula Island, or a hard-to-book Fairmont stay where the experience outweighs the math.
- You already have Accor elite status: If you’re earning elite bonuses on paid stays, using points like cash still triggers perks and elite credit.
But for most people, you’ll almost always get better value using your Capital One miles on flights or travel purchases instead.
Why I Still Love Having the Option
Even though it’s not the best value on paper, I still love that Capital One gives you flexibility. You’re not locked into one program, you can use your miles for flights, hotels, or transfers like this one depending on your trip.
Accor’s footprint is massive in Europe, Asia, and Africa, so it’s good to have the option, especially if you’re exploring outside the U.S. or you’re already loyal to brands like Sofitel or Fairmont.
It’s one of those programs you might not use every year, but when you need it, it’s really nice to have in your back pocket.
My Favorite Cards That Earn Capital One Miles
If you’re starting to see how flexible these miles can be, here are a couple of cards that make earning easy:
- This premium card earns 2x miles on everything, includes airport lounge access, and comes with an annual travel credit.
- This beginner friendly card also earns 2x miles on every purchase, with a lower annual fee and simple redemptions for beginners.
It’s also worth mentioning that Capital One now has a new rule, similar to another bank, that if you sign up for the premium card first you will be ineligible for a bonus on the lower tier cards.
Although I have to say, if I could only choose one, it would be this one. It is a long term keeper card in my wallet.
Want to see a full list of my favorite flexible travel cards? Click here.
And if you’re running a side hustle or small business (even something as simple as reselling or freelance work), check out some of my favorite business cards here. Business cards are a HUGE part of how I earn so many points a year.
Quick Tips for Earning More
If you’re looking to build your balance on Capital One points faster, consider a shopping portal, which lets you earn cash back (or even points) on shopping you’re already doing.
And when it comes to finding great deals on hotels or flights, I swear by Thrifty Traveler (code Rewardsmomsaves you $10). They find both cash and points deals and send them straight to your inbox, which saves me hours of searching.
A Quick Pause
If you’re new here — hi, I’m Kristin! I help families travel more and spend less using points.
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You can also join my private Facebook group to ask questions, swap tips, and see real examples from other families doing the same thing.
Final Thoughts
Accor Live Limitless isn’t going to give you jaw-dropping value on every redemption, but it’s one of those programs that quietly fills the gaps where others can’t.
If you’re traveling through Europe, Asia, or even off-the-radar destinations like Montenegro, chances are Accor has a property nearby.
So while I wouldn’t transfer Capital One miles there for most stays, I still think it’s worth knowing about, especially if there is ever a great transfer bonus. Every once in a while, it might just unlock something unforgettable (even if it’s a fortress island with a complicated past).
If you’re ready to start earning Capital One miles for your next trip, you can check out my favorite cards for flexible travel rewards and grab my Transfer Partners Cheat Sheet to see all your best options.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
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