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Award vs Cash Calculator

Enter the points required and the cash price for the same trip or purchase. We work out the cents per point you are getting and compare it to what the OneCard engine values your card's points at.

Interactive calculator
Your cents per point

1.30¢

$650.00 ÷ 50,000 points

Below average

Under the program benchmark — consider paying cash

vs Sapphire Preferred benchmark

2.1¢editorial avg

Your redemption is 0.80¢ below the program average.

Sapphire Preferred guide →

How the award vs cash calculator works

  1. 1Pick the card whose points you would be spending — that sets the benchmark.
  2. 2Enter the points or miles required for the award booking.
  3. 3Enter the cash price for the same flight, hotel, or purchase.
  4. 4See your cents-per-point value and how it compares to what the engine values that card's points at.

When to use points vs. pay cash

The rule of thumb: if your redemption beats what the card's points are valued at, it is a good use of them. If it is below 1.0 cpp, you are often better off paying cash and earning points on the purchase instead.

Factor in opportunity cost — paying cash lets you earn points on the purchase, which this calculator doesn't model. For wallet-level analysis, use the Rewards Calculator.

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FAQ's

  • Generally 1.5 cpp or higher for transferable bank points, though it varies by card. This tool compares your redemption to the valuation the OneCard engine holds for the card you pick — the same figure it uses when ranking that card.

  • Enter the full cash price you'd pay. For award bookings, add carrier surcharges to your points cost mentally — high fees can make cash the better deal.

  • Yes. Enter hotel points and the cash rate for the same night.