Sign in and select set balance preference under your AIR MILES Cash and Dream Account balances. You can set up or change the balance preference for Miles you get by moving the slider from 0% to 100%, towards either your Cash or Dream Accounts.

Converting air miles to cash is a popular way to "de-risk" a loyalty balance, though it usually offers a lower "value per mile" than booking a flight. In 2026, most major programs offer two main paths: eVouchers or direct statement credits. For programs like Air Miles (Canada), the system has been simplified into a single balance where you can redeem 95 miles for $10 off at participating retailers like Shell or for eVouchers at brands like Amazon. For airline-specific miles (like Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus), you can often use your miles to "pay" for a portion of your flight ticket at checkout, which is essentially a cash-offset. Another option is using the airline’s online shopping portal to buy gift cards for retailers like Starbucks or Home Depot. Some high-end credit cards also allow you to "Erase Purchases" by applying miles to your statement at a fixed rate (usually 1 cent per mile). While you can sell miles to third-party "mileage brokers," this is strictly against airline terms and can result in your account being permanently banned.

Converting air miles directly to cash is usually not straightforward, as most loyalty programs are designed to encourage travel redemptions rather than cash-outs. However, there are several indirect methods and exceptions. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

1. Check Your Program’s Specific Rules

First, log into your frequent flyer account (e.g., Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, etc.) and look for: - “Miles to Cash” or “Pay Yourself Back” features (some programs offer this for statement credits on co-branded credit cards). - Gift card redemptions (often for retailers, which can function like cash for expenses). - Charity donations (not cash for you, but a way to use miles if you can’t travel).

2. Use Co-Branded Credit Card Benefits

Many airline credit cards (e.g., Chase United, Amex Delta) allow you to: - Redeem miles for statement credits against travel purchases or specific categories. - Use “Pay Yourself Back” features (like Chase Ultimate Rewards partners) where points/miles can offset purchases at a fixed rate.

3. Sell Miles (Caution: Often Against Program Rules)

Several third-party websites (like Points.com, MileageBrokers, or online marketplaces) allow you to sell miles. However: - This is prohibited by most airline terms of service. If caught, your account may be frozen and miles forfeited. - Risk of scams is high—both for sellers and buyers. - You’ll typically receive less than 2 cents per mile (often far less), which is usually poor value compared to premium flight redemptions.

4. Book Travel for Others & Get Reimbursed

• Use your miles to book a flight/hotel for a friend or family member, and have them pay you cash. This is often allowed (programs usually permit booking for others), but check rules on “gifting” awards.
• Be aware of change/cancellation policies, as award tickets may have restrictions.

5. Convert to Transferable Points (If Possible)

If your miles are in a flexible program like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Capital One Miles