If you have accumulated a sizable stash of airline miles and are not planning to use them for travel, selling them for cash can be an appealing option. While selling airline miles is not officially endorsed by most airlines, a robust secondary market exists where you can convert your miles into extra cash. With the right approach, selling your miles can be safe and lucrative.
Understanding the Market
Before you jump into selling miles, it is essential to understand the landscape. Airline loyalty programs are designed to keep customers engaged, offering free flights, seat upgrades, and other perks. However, miles can expire or devalue due to inflation within these programs, so converting them to cash is one way to avoid losing their value. There are online platforms and mileage brokers that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. These platforms essentially purchase your miles and resell them to third parties who want to book flights. Common platforms include reputable mileage brokers like Mileage Club, SellMyMiles, or Points. The process is straightforward: you provide your details and mileage information, receives a quote, and sells at an agreed price.
How Much Can You Earn?
The value of your miles can vary based on the airline and market demand. Generally, miles sell for between 1 and 2 cents per mile. Popular programs like United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, or Delta SkyMiles typically fetch higher prices because they are in high demand. Keep in mind, however, that there may be transaction fees or processing costs deducted from the final payout, so always ask for the net amount you will receive before selling. Also, be cautious of selling in bulk, as some airlines have stricter policies on large transfers, which could result in account audits or suspensions.
Steps to Selling Airline Miles Safely
Research Reputable Brokers: Make sure the platform or broker you are selling through is legitimate. Read customer reviews and verify that they have a proven track record.
Check Airline Policies: While most airlines do not actively encourage Sell Citi ThankYou Points, many have terms and conditions that limit or ban this activity. Understanding the risks and limits is important before proceeding.
Monitor for Fraud: Be cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers. Scammers may take your miles without paying. Stick with reputable services to avoid issues.
Consider Alternatives: If selling seems risky, you could use your miles for non-travel-related perks like hotel stays, gift cards, or even charitable donations.