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.
Ever Feel Like Your Miles Never Go Far Enough?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down to book a flight for my family and thought, “Wait… how did this jump from 25,000 miles last week to 80,000 today?” Unfortunately, we live in a world of dynamic pricing, where airlines and hotels can change the points cost whenever they feel like it.
Here’s the good news: transferable or flexible points give you a way around this problem. Instead of being locked into one airline or hotel’s inflated rates, you can move your points to different partners and book smarter.
If you’re just getting started, my Beginner’s Guide to Points is the perfect place to learn the basics before diving in.
How Transferable Points Beat Dynamic Pricing
Most families don’t realize that different programs price the same flights and hotels completely differently. By earning flexible points that can transfer between programs, you give yourself options, which equals savings.
With transferable points, you can:
✔ Book flights through airline partners for fewer miles
✔ Lock in hotel stays at predictable rates
✔ Avoid wasting points on overpriced redemptions
This flexibility is why transferable points are more valuable than airline- or hotel-specific points.
Airline Example: A Delta Flight for 50K Instead of 80K
Let’s say Delta wants 80,000 miles for a flight to Europe. If Delta is the only type of points you have, you’re stuck trying to earn those points with every dollar you spend. But, if you’ve been earning transferable points, you can transfer them to Virgin Atlantic (Delta’s partner) and book the exact same flight for just 50,000 miles.
That’s 30,000 miles saved per ticket. Multiply that by six tickets for my family, and we’re talking nearly 200,000 miles saved, enough for another vacation. This is just one example; are you seeing the power of transferable points yet?
I go into exactly how to do this in my Virgin Atlantic Flying Club guide, but this is just one of many “sweet spots” you can access when you earn the right kind of points.
Hotel Example: Why I Love Hyatt
Hotels work the same way. Programs like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG use dynamic pricing, so the number of points you need can jump overnight, just like flights.
Hyatt is different. They’re the only major chain that still has an award chart, which means you always know how many points you’ll need.
Here’s why Hyatt + transferable points is such a win:
- Luxury hotels for fewer points: $500+ per night stays can be just 15,000 points
- All-inclusive resorts: Much cheaper than Marriott or Hilton’s versions
- No resort fees: Award stays have no fees (saving $30+ a night)
- Predictable pricing: No surprises when you’re ready to book
If you’re curious, my Mom’s Guide to Hyatt dives into why it’s the best family hotel program.
How to Put This Strategy Into Action
Ready to make your points stretch? Here’s the simple approach I use:
1️⃣ Earn transferable points first instead of locking yourself into one airline or hotel. Here are my favorite flexible travel cards.
2️⃣ Check airline partners before booking. Flights are often cheaper through a partner. (Need proof? See my post on why I almost never use Delta SkyMiles directly.)
3️⃣ Prioritize Hyatt for hotels. It’s the only major brand that’s still predictable.
4️⃣ Use cards that earn transferable points. Capital One has some excellent options (see why I love the Venture X).
A Quick Word on Credit Cards
If you’re wondering which cards help you earn the right kind of points, I keep updated lists here:
I’m picky about the ones I recommend, so I only list those that really help families travel more for less.
Cash Back vs. Flexible Points Cards
Some credit cards actually let you convert cash-back rewards into transferable points when paired with the right companion card in the same bank’s ecosystem. For example, you might earn “cash back” on a no-annual-fee card, then move those rewards to a premium travel-rewards card issued by the same bank. Once transferred, those rewards become fully fledged points that you can send to airline or hotel partners, often unlocking a much higher value than if you’d simply taken the cash. If you are confused about the difference, check this out.
That’s why every bank has a favorite beginner card in my book because that one annual fee empowers you to double triple and even quadruple the value of your points through transfers.
Let’s Do This Together
I know how overwhelming points can feel at first, but transferable points really are the secret to making your rewards stretch.
✔ Book flights for fewer miles using partners
✔ Lock in hotel nights without sticker shock
✔ Stop feeling like you’re “always short” on points
If you want step-by-step help, download my free Beginner’s Guide to Points. And if you want ongoing tips, you can:
Family travel with points doesn’t have to feel impossible, you just need the right strategy.
VIEW THE COMMENTS