It makes sense to buy points for travel when they get you a nearly free flight and hotels beacuse you pay less for a trip than you would with cash.
Reward programs like Aeroplan, Air France Flying Blue, British Airways Avios, Marriott and Hilton often run promotions where you can buy points with a 50% to 120% bonus. These offers help you get closer to your next flight or hotel stay for less.
Buy points for travel during these promotions can often save you more money on flights and hotel stays. This is especially the case when it comes to business class flights and luxury hotel stays, since they almost always have high cash prices.
Just be sure to have a specific booking in mind before you buy points for travel. Buying points speculatively just because there is an offer is not a great idea.
Here’s why and when it’s worth to buy points for travel.
How to Buy Points For Travel
If you’re short on points for a trip, you can buy points for travel directly from an airline or hotel program for flights and hotel stays.
Most programs use a third-party processor like Points.com to handle these transactions. Points are typically added to your account almost instantly.
This is helpful if you need to book a specific award before it disappears.
Many reward programs offer limited-time bonuses when you purchase points, so it’s worth checking the latest promotions for Aeroplan, Air France Flying Blue, Marriott, and Hilton bonus offers to save even more.
Keep in mind that since you’re buying through a 3rd party, the purchase usually won’t count as travel on your credit card statement. You likely won’t earn any extra category bonus points on the spend.
Some programs, like Aeroplan, also charge a sales tax based on your billing address. So make sure to consider that.
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It’s best to set up your loyalty accounts now, even if you aren’t ready to book yet.
Some programs won’t let you buy points for flights and hotel stays until your account has been open for 30 to 90 days. You don’t want to find a great deal and then realize you’re stuck in a waiting period and have to miss out.
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Travel more using points
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Buying Points to Keep Points from Expiring
Most airline and hotel reward programs expire points after a period of inactivity. Earning or redeeming points usually counts as activity and resets the clock.
You’ll want to keep your account active so you don’t lose points while waiting for the right redemption. Buying points isn’t always the cheapest way to extend expiry, but it’s often the fastest.
For example, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity. But you’ll find plenty of ways to earn Aeroplan points through partners and with any Aeroplan credit card.
Hilton Honors points expire after 24 months of inactivity. You can easily earn Hilton points with the Amex Hilton card or transfer American Express Membership Rewards points in increments of 1,000 to keep your account active.
British Airways Avios points expire after 36 months of no activity. You can easily reset this by transferring at least 10,000 RBC Avion points to British Airways Avios.
With most programs, even a small points purchase resets expiry. Buying points is a practical way to keep your account active and your points safe.
Sometimes there’re bonus offers when you purchase, so it’s worth checking the latest promotions for Aeroplan, Air France Flying Blue, British Airways, Marriott, and Hilton.
Buying Points for Travel Top Up
Sometimes you may be short of the points needed for a flight or a hotel stay.
You can buy points for travel and quickly top up your account to lock in a great redemption rate before it’s gone.
Check out the latest promotions from Aeroplan, Air France KLM Flying Blue, British Airways, Marriott, and Hilton.
Buying points for flights and hotel stays to top up makes sense if you don’t have enough American Express points or want to save them for another trip.
You’ll still want to check our point valuations. In some cases, a top-up can save you money compared to paying the full cash price.
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Points Valuation in 2026
Wondering how much travel points are worth?
Not all points are worth the same. See how major travel programs compare for Canadians.
Points Valuation in 2026
Wondering how much travel points are worth?
Not all points are worth the same. See how major travel programs compare for Canadians.
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Last spring, I found a great Aeroplan redemption to Florida for our family trip, but I was short 2,000 points.
I bought the extra points right away and booked before the seats were gone.
That quick top-up cost less than paying cash for the fare and saved us hundreds on our spring break getaway.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for November 2026.
Top Offers
Wondering which credit card to get next?
Our recommendations for the best credit card offers in Canada for November 2026.
Buying Points for Flights in Business Class
You can buy points for travel from Aeroplan, British Airways or Flying Blue to redeem for flights.
It will often save you the most money on business class and first class flights. Cash fares for these cabins often cost thousands of dollars more than economy.
Business Class flights are often much more affordable with points. You can find great value through programs like Aeroplan, British Airways and Flying Blue, especially with sweet-spot redemptions.
For example, Aeroplan business class redemptions to Europe with Star Alliance partners like TAP Air Portugal, SWISS, or LOT Polish Airlines are only 70,000 points one way.
Flying Blue business class redemptions to Europe with Air France and KLM start at 60,000 miles and can go down to 45,000 miles during monthly promos.
British Airways business class redemptions to Madrid, Spain with Iberia start at 59,000 Avios points and only $250 in tax.
Buying points when you’re short of a business class redemption can be a great way to fly in comfort for less. Check out the latest Aeroplan, British Airways and Flying Blue point purchase promotions to save even more.
Check award availability before buying, since it changes often.
During a Flying Blue promo, we spotted two business class seats to Europe on Air France for next summer. It was only 90,000 miles for both.
We quickly transferred our American Express Membership Rewards points and bought the miles we were missing.
In the end, we paid about $700 out of pocket for two business class seats that woudl have cost over $7,500!
Business Award Concierge
Have a business? Book a complimentary call to see how our done-for-you Business Award Concierge can turn your business expenses into $50K luxury travel.
Limited spots available.
Business Award Concierge
Have a business? Book a complimentary call to see how our done-for-you Business Award Concierge can turn your business expenses into $50K luxury travel.
Limited spots available.
Buying Points for Luxury Hotel Stays
Often, when you buy points for travel from Marriott or Hilton, you can save a lot of money on luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
Cash prices at luxury properties can climb quickly, especially during peak travel times.
Luxury stays are often much more affordable with points. You can find great value through Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors.
Even more so when using the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton 5th Night Free benefit. Plus, the Hilton or Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificates.
For example, a night at The Lake Como EDITION in Lake Como, Italy, can cost over $1,800 USD. Buying the points from Marriott, especially during a promotion or for a 5 night say, can cut your cost by 50%.
Similarly, cash rates at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, Hawaii, are usually $1,300 USD per night. By buying points from Hilton, especially during a bonus sale, you can effectively book these stays at half price.
Buying points during a Hilton or Marriott promotion can open the door to luxury travel for much less.
We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa during our trip to Portugal last summer. The cash rate was over $600 USD a night, but it was just 48,000 points.
We used a Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. We bought the remaining 13,000 during a 35% promo for only $122 USD.
Just 10 minutes from Sintra, we enjoyed the resort’s spa, pools, gardens, and restaurants on both check-in and check-out days. It was easily one of our best hotel stays yet.
Buy Points for Travel Limits
Most loyalty programs limit how many points you can buy for flights and hotel stays each calendar year.
So keep these in mind, especially as the calendar year comes to an end.
Keep in mind that these limits are sometimes lifted during Aeroplan, Flying Blue or Hilton bonus promotions.
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If you reach your annual limit, your partner can buy the remaining points you need.
You can then transfer those Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points to your account. For Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, or Flying Blue, you can take advantage of their family sharing features.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
New to Points? Start Here
From points newbie to booking your first trip
Learn everything you need to know to start using credit cards, points, and travel loyalty programs. Make your first redemption with points for nearly free travel.
Don’t Buy Points for Flights and Hotel Stays Speculatively
You shouldn’t buy points for travel to redeem for flights and hotel stays speculatively, even if they’re on sale.
There’s too much that can change before you end up using them.
Loyalty programs can adjust pricing or devalue points without warning, making them worth less than what you paid.
Your own situation can also change if health, family, or work plans get in the way of travel.
And as we’ve seen with events like COVID-19, global travel conditions can shift fast. If that happens, those points could sit unused or lose value.
It’s always best to confirm availability and your trip plans before buying.
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Buying points for flights and hotel stays is usually handled by third-party providers like Points.com.
Since they don’t code as travel, you won’t earn extra points on cards that offer higher rates for travel purchases.
Keep in mind that you’ll also pay sales tax on points purchases if your billing address is in Canada and you’re using a Canadian credit card.
The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
The AWP Community
Get more tips & ideas for travelling with points.
Join the AWP community to get guidance, updates, and practical tips on using points for travel.
Bottom Line
Buying points for flights and hotel stays can make sense in certain situations. You can consider buying points to keep them from expiring, top up for a redemption, or save on premium flights and luxury hotels.
Buying during a promotion can stretch your value even more. Still, you’ll want to buy points only when you’ve confirmed availability and have a clear plan for using them.
Otherwise, you’re better off saving your money and earning points through credit cards, partners, and everyday spending.
Check out the latest promotions to buy points for Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Marriott or Hilton to get even more value and save money on your next trip.
