Points vs. Miles vs. Avios: A Quick Guide

When navigating travel rewards, understanding points, miles, and Avios is key to maximizing your benefits. Points and miles specifically get thrown around almost interchangeably but there are some importantly differences.

Points are flexible currencies typically earned through bank credit cards (Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards). They can be used for direct purchases like hotels and travel or transferred to airline and hotel partners for even more value.

Miles are airline-specific and can be earned through frequent flyer programs. However, points can be transferred to specific airlines depending on the credit card program. Once they reach the airline they become miles. Once they reach the airline they cannot be turned back into points at the bank.

Avios are a type of mile used by British Airways and its partners (like Iberia). They are the exact same as miles but the different name can be confusing.

Bank vs. Transferred Points Points in your bank account can offer lower value when redeemed directly, but transferring them to airline partners often results in better redemption rates. For example, 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points could be worth more when transferred to United Airlines than used directly through Chase's portal.

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