What is the difference between air miles and cash miles?

Cash Miles can only be used for in store discounts or cash vouchers, while Dream Miles are used for Air Miles Dream rewards (everything else). Once a mile is earned in either category, it cannot be transferred to the other.



"Air miles" (or frequent flyer miles) are a form of loyalty currency tied to a specific airline or alliance; they have a variable value that is usually maximized when redeemed for high-cost international or business-class flights. Their "real-world" value fluctuates based on the route and timing. "Cash miles" (often called Fixed-Value Points or travel statement credits) are typically offered by credit cards like the Capital One Venture or Bank of America Travel Rewards. These "miles" have a fixed value (usually 1 cent per mile) and can be used to "erase" any travel-related charge on your statement. While air miles offer the potential for "outsized value" (e.g., a $5,000 flight for 50,000 miles), cash miles offer the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to book any airline, any seat, at any time without worrying about blackout dates or "award availability."

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Generally speaking, AIR MILES Dream Rewards tend to have a higher CPM compared to Cash Miles, but that's only when you're booking flights or vacation packages. Most points collectors agree that if you can get a CPM of 10.5 when making a redemption, you're getting good value regardless of what you're claiming.

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As of April 10, 2023 American Express Air Miles credit cards have been discontinued and are no longer available to new applicants. These credit cards include: American Express Air Miles.

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Here's the catch. Air Miles themselves do not expire. But, if your account “expires” by being “dormant” (or inactive) for 24 consecutive months, then the points on it will disappear. An account is considered inactive if there are no points transactions within that period.

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50,000 American miles are worth about $850. How much are 80,000 American miles worth? 80,000 American miles are worth about $1,360.

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We found the average airline mile to be worth around $0.013, with Delta SkyMiles offering the highest value and Southwest offering the most user-friendly rewards. The average airline mile across major U.S. companies is worth $0.013.

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You need to spend a minimum of $10 before tax; then every 95 Cash Miles will get you $10 off your purchase. Miles can be used in $10 increments up to $750 per Cash Account, per day. Exceptions may apply. AIR MILES Cash Terms and Conditions.

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Ultimately, deciding whether to redeem points rather than pay cash for travel is a personal choice. You'll get more value by using them for high-priced travel experiences. But if you're a budget traveler who just wants to save a few bucks, use your points for that economy flight or low-category hotel redemption.

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We sampled flight awards available with U.S. carriers and found that consumers need between about 8,000 and 57,000 miles to get a free one-way coach flight. Free flights in business or first class start at around 25,000 miles and climb to well over 150,000 miles one-way.

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  • Traveling with points and miles.
  • Use rewards for premium flights.
  • Book luxury hotels closer to home.
  • Consider low-category extended stays.
  • Find deals on peak travel.
  • Travel during off-peak seasons.
  • Look for sweet-spot redemptions.
  • Redeem for good-enough value.


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Sign up for an AIR MILES credit card If you're looking for the fastest ways to earn Miles, an AIR MILES credit card is the way to go. There's no faster way to get to your next reward than this. In fact, AIR MILES credit card holders are rewarded up to 7.8 times faster than those without one of these coveted cards.

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If you would like to transfer Miles and merge profiles with the Collector Account of a friend or family member residing at a different address, this can be done for a fee of $0.15 per Miles transferred. Select Merge Collector Accounts (separate households) from the Transfer Miles options.

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AIR MILES Hotels + Cars provides access to 300,000+ hotels, resorts and independent boutiques around the world and thousands of car rental locations around the world. For your hotel booking, use your Dream Miles towards bookings or get Reward Miles when you pay for your complete hotel booking using a credit card.

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How can I redeem my Air Miles? Visit our website www.airmilesme.com and click the 'Redeem Air Miles' page. There you will discover all of the places where you can redeem for e-vouchers or in-store at Air Miles partners, as well as access the Air Miles Travel Shop.

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