I got an email from United MileagePlus today offering a 25 percent bonus when I convert points from other hotel and rental car programs into MileagePlus miles.
I normally shy away from such offers, because I think they are a terrible value. The conversion ratios are almost always unfavorable. Of course, the SPG points that transfer 1 to 1 to some frequent flyer programs are an exception to this. That said, there are times when offers like these make sense. For example, I have a whopping 5,200 Hyatt points in my account, a number that is not likely to increase anytime soon. For example, I recently completed my first Hyatt stay in 12 years. Nothing against Hyatt, it’s just my travel patterns standing between us.
It just so happens that Hyatt is a transfer partner with United MileagePlus (and other airlines), and I do have a near term use for MileagePlus miles. No, not a new camera! So, I went for it and converted 5,000 Hyatt points I’ll likely never use, into 2,000 MileagePlus miles plus I will use. And that’s one of the few times that I think it’s OK to conduct one of these types of transfers. Click here to register and check out the terms and conditions. The promotion period runs from October 18, 2013 and November 30, 2013. You can even earn a 25 percent bonus if you transfer at least 5,000 miles into MileagePlus.
Just my opinion, and as always, YMMV.
-MJ, October 18, 2013
IMO, Marriott and Wyndam have the best transfer ratios in relation to their earning rates.
I’m not sure why people keep saying that SPG 1 to 1 transfer is a great deal. The fact is you earn only 2 base points per dollar spent.
Compared to Hyatt where you earn 5 base points per dollar, that would be the equivalent transfer ratio of 2.5 Hyatt points to 1 mile.
Compared to Marriott where you earn 10 base points per dollar spent, it would be the equivalent transfer ratio of 5 Marriott points to 1 mile.
I wouldn’t call SPG 1 to 1 a “great” deal either. I just think it’s an “acceptable” alternative to the airline miles cards as you effectively earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all charges, assuming you transfer 20K SPG points so you get the 5K bonus. I think SPG hotel stays are typically a better value, especially cash & points stays.
I agree with your post. It’s a good use of orphan accounts. For example I have some Viola hotel points but will not likely stay at one anytime soon. So I may convert them.
I would never convert 5k hyatt points to 2k united miles although united mile is the most valuable airline mileage program. I too received this 25% bonus email but it is not working. i mean i tried transferring and it is now showing any 25% bonus miles.