Many travellers wonder, “Can you sell Avios for cash?” The short answer is yes—but the path you take makes all the difference. While UK-based members can officially convert Avios into Nectar points (a sort of “cash-lite”), those looking for better returns can sell their Avios through reputable mileage buyers. The trick is to do it safely, avoiding shady websites or “too-good-to-be-true” deals.
Understanding Avios Points
An entirely good percentage comprises Avios airlines as the mileage or reward currency for their frequent flyer and loyalty programs. Some of those that offer programs with British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Plus, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Aer Lingus Aer Club, Finnair Plus, Vueling Club, and Loganair Loyalty.
Earning them is often the fun part—through flights, credit card bonuses, and shopping portals. The not-so-fun part? Watching them sit idle or expire when you don’t have travel plans. That’s when many people start thinking: could these points be worth something in cash?
Official Conversion: Avios to Nectar Points
For UK members, one official way to turn Avios into something close to cash is by converting them into Nectar points. The rate is straightforward—400 Avios equals 400 Nectar points—giving you a value of roughly 0.5p per Avios. These can then be redeemed at places like Sainsbury’s, Argos, or even eBay. The big advantage is that the system is simple, secure, and directly backed by British Airways.
The downside? It’s only available to UK residents and usually delivers less value than redeeming Avios for flights. In other words, it’s less about booking a dream holiday and more about shaving a little off your grocery bill or picking up a blender at Argos—practical, if not exactly glamorous.
Selling Avios Through Mileage Buyers
Here’s where things get interesting. Beyond Nectar, you can sell Avios through professional mileage buyers. These companies purchase your Avios and pay you directly in cash.
Why would they do this? Because there’s a strong demand for award seats, and they act as the middlemen who make it happen.
Benefits of mileage buyers:
- Higher returns than Nectar conversions.
- Works globally, not just in the UK.
- Fast payouts (sometimes within the same day).
Of course, not all buyers are created equal. This is where the middle of our story comes back to the big question: can you sell Avios for cash safely? The answer is yes, but only if you choose a trusted, established company.
Staying Safe While Selling Avios
The world of loyalty points is valuable—and whenever there’s value, there are risks. Here’s what to keep in mind before selling:
- Check reputation: Work only with buyers who have a long history and positive customer reviews.
- Understand the process: Reliable companies will explain exactly how the transfer works.
- Secure your data: Never share unnecessary personal details or passwords.
- Watch out for red flags: Upfront fees, unclear payment timelines, or vague promises are warning signs.
Think of it like selling a car. You wouldn’t hand over the keys in a dark alley without paperwork. The same logic applies here—choose legitimacy over “fast but shady.”
How Much Are Avios Worth in Cash?
This is where the math comes in. The value depends on how you sell them:
- Nectar conversion: ~0.5p per Avios.
- Mileage buyers: Often closer to 0.8p–1p per Avios, depending on demand.
Example breakdown:
- 10,000 Avios ≈ £50 (Nectar) or up to £100 (mileage buyer).
- 100,000 Avios ≈ £500–£1,000.
That’s not small change. For many travellers, cashing out unused Avios can feel like finding a forgotten £50 note in your jacket—except multiplied many times over.
Alternatives to Selling Avios
Not sure you’re ready to part with them? There are still good uses for Avios:
- Flights: Short-haul redemptions and long-haul bargains (especially on Iberia or Qatar).
- Upgrades: Turning an economy ticket into business class comfort.
- Family pooling: Combining balances to book one big trip.
That said, if you don’t see yourself flying anytime soon, selling for cash is often the most practical choice.
Your Avios, Your Choice
By now, you know the answer to the question: Can you sell Avios for cash? Yes—you can, either through Nectar for a modest return or through trusted buyers for a better deal. The key is making sure you sell them safely, without falling into traps or undervaluing your points.
At CashForMyMiles.com, we make this process simple and secure. We’ve been helping individuals, businesses, and even Fortune 500 companies convert unused airline miles into real money since 2004. With over 47,000 satisfied clients and payouts often completed within 15 minutes, you can trust us to sell Avios points quickly and safely.
Your Avios don’t need to sit idle. Whether you’re cashing out for groceries, gadgets, or just extra spending money, turning points into pounds is always better than letting them expire.
