Transform your credit card rewards into unforgettable gifts for your loved ones without spending extra money. Learn how you can share your points or miles as thoughtful presents by converting them into airline or hotel points and transferring them to your family and friends.

Gifting Credit Card Airline Miles to Someone Else

Utilize your rewards credit cards not just for personal travel expenses, but also to create heartfelt gifts for special occasions. If your points are sitting idle, turn them into a meaningful present for someone dear to you.

While direct transfers of credit card miles might not be achievable in most cases, you can exchange them for airline miles or hotel points and gift those to individuals who are part of the same loyalty program.

Certain airlines permit mile transfers, but remember that transfer fees may apply. JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, and Spirit stand out as companies offering simple and fee-free mile transfers.

JetBlue

With JetBlue’s Points Pooling program, you can share points with up to seven friends or family members without any transfer fees, making gifting a breeze.

For gifting or transferring JetBlue points individually, there might be nominal fees involved, usually around $32.08 per 1,000 points.

Hawaiian Airlines

Owners of select Hawaiian Airlines cards can seamlessly share miles with others without incurring any transaction fees.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit Points Pooling program allows pooling of points with up to eight individuals, making it easier to accumulate and redeem miles.

Chase enables users to transfer Ultimate Rewards points for free within their household, offering a convenient way to share points with family members regularly.

Gifting Credit Card Hotel Points

Transfer your Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt points to others at no cost, making luxurious hotel stays accessible to your loved ones.

Marriott allows points transfers of up to 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points annually, in increments of 1,000 points.

Hilton permits unlimited point transfers in 1,000-point increments, up to 500,000 points per transfer, and a total cap of 2 million points per receiver.

Hyatt offers a seamless process to transfer World of Hyatt points without any specified limits, providing flexibility and convenience to gift hotel stays.

American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Hilton at a generous ratio of 1:2, making it easy to share points with family and friends for memorable stays.

Other Ways to Use Your Credit Cards Rewards for Gifts

Diversify your gifting options beyond direct point transfers by leveraging your rewards for thoughtful gift choices:

1. Make Travel Arrangements for Them

Instead of transferring miles with fees, offer to book travel for your loved ones using your rewards, providing them with a pleasant surprise.

2. Use Your Rewards to Purchase Gift Cards

Opt for gift cards as alternative presents, utilizing your points for a variety of retail options to suit the preferences of your recipients.

3. Redeem Your Points for Merchandise

Indulge your loved ones with merchandise gifts like tech gadgets or jewelry by redeeming your rewards for valuable items.

4. Request a Bank Deposit or Statement Credit

Reimburse holiday shopping expenses by converting your rewards into bank deposits or statement credits, allowing you to maximize the value of your points.

5. Donate to Charity in a Loved One’s Name

Extend your goodwill by donating your rewards to charitable causes in honor of your loved ones, spreading joy and making a positive impact.

Do Credit Card Rewards Expire?

Most credit card rewards remain valid as long as your account is active and in good standing, but certain rewards associated with loyalty programs may expire after a period of inactivity. Stay informed about the expiration policies to make the most of your rewards.

Can You Give Credit Card Rewards to Someone Else?

While direct transfers of credit card rewards to others are limited, you can still share the value by gifting airline tickets, hotel stays, gift cards, merchandise, or other redeemable options to your family and friends.

Can You Get a Tax Deduction for Donating Credit Card Rewards?

While credit card companies may allow you to donate your rewards to select charities, these donations are typically not tax-deductible, as the rewards are not considered taxable income.

The Bottom Line

Make the most of your accumulated credit card rewards by creating thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. Whether through direct transfers, travel bookings, gift card redemptions, merchandise purchases, or charitable donations, your rewards can bring joy and convenience to your gift-giving experience.