If you’re wondering how much can you sell airline miles for, an airline mile seller can generally fetch from 1 cent to 3 cents per mile, prices differing based on the airline name, sheer volume of miles, and the buyer, with prices usually serving as a hypothetical class. At the very least, 100,000 miles could be worth $1,000 in cash; at most, they might bear $3,000 in payables.
And of course, the caveat will be the fluctuating price, and the miles have rules attached to them, and risks; there lie a few tricks you want to be aware of before you start getting into it.
Understanding the Value of Airline Miles
Airline miles belong to loyalty currency, which is giftable for flights earned from flights, credit-card bonuses, or shopping portals, to redeem for flights and upgrades, and sometimes even hotels or car rentals. Without that analogy of dollars in hand, their worth is not fixed.
- To one traveller, 50,000 miles might mean a free trip to Europe.
- To another, it might mean unused points gathering dust in an account.
This flexibility makes airline miles difficult to value. On average, most experts will put their worth at around 1 cent per mile used for flights, with resale values going higher depending on demand and the program involved. Avios, for instance, often maintains its value on account of being in demand across several airline programs like British Airways, Iberia, and Qatar.
Factors That Influence Selling Price
The price you get for your miles isn’t random—it depends on several factors:
1. The Airline Program
Miles from popular airlines (like British Airways Avios or United MileagePlus) often command higher rates than smaller or less flexible programs. Buyers want points they can use widely.
2. Quantity of Miles
A substantial stash (say 200,000 miles) made available offhand might fetch a nice price per mile compared with the smaller quantities. Consider this akin to wholesale pricing: big sales often fetch higher value.
3. Market Demand
Just like airfare, the resale market has busy and slow seasons. If there’s high demand for international redemptions, prices tick upward.
4. Broker vs Direct Sale
- Broker route: You get convenience and safety, but the buyer keeps a cut.
- Direct sale: Selling to friends or acquaintances might get you closer to full value, but it’s riskier.
In short, the “worth” of your miles is a moving target influenced by timing, airline, and the method you choose.
How the Selling Process Works
Through Third-Party Brokers
Most people sell miles through mileage-buying companies or brokers. The process typically looks like this:
- Submit your miles for a quote.
- Receive an offer (often instant).
- Transfer miles according to the broker’s instructions.
- Get paid—sometimes in as little as 15 minutes.
These companies act as middlemen, purchasing miles at a fair price and reselling them to other parties. The benefit is simplicity, security, and speed.
Direct Selling
Alternatively, you could sell directly to individuals. While you may squeeze out a slightly better rate, this method carries risks—fraud, delayed payments, or even breaches of airline loyalty program rules. Unless you absolutely trust the buyer, most travellers find brokers the safer choice.
Risks and Considerations
Before jumping into the selling of miles, consider a few less charming aspects of the process. Nearly all airline loyalty programs forbid the resale of miles, and if you get caught, you lose both your account and hard-earned points. It is also a market that attracts a fair share of unsavoury types, so if anything seems too good to be true, well, it is.
Make sure to use caution when giving out personal and account details. Only give the bare minimum required to complete transactions to avoid any breach of security. Also, prices can vary widely; sometimes prices are really cheap at just 1 1-cent per mile charge, while others charge great prices. Whatever the case may be, before you agree to any transaction, make sure to bargain hard. This does not imply selling miles is off-limits, but rather stresses the need for a company that reveals itself to be honest and transparent in handling trade conduit mail.
Alternatives to Selling Airline Miles
Not sure if selling is right for you? You do have options:
- Redeem for Flights: Often the best value, especially for premium cabins or long-haul routes.
- Upgrades: Turn an economy ticket into business class comfort.
- Family Transfers: Some programs allow pooling or gifting miles to loved ones.
- Charity Donations: Many airlines partner with charities where you can donate miles for good causes.
These alternatives might not put cash in your pocket, but they can still help you get value without the risks of resale.
What This Means for You
So, how much can you sell airline miles for? Generally, between 1 and 3 cents per mile, depending on the airline, quantity, and buyer. For many, that means hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars sitting unused in their loyalty accounts. The key is deciding whether you want to navigate the redemption maze or simply cash out safely.
At CashForMyMiles.com, we make that choice easier. We specialise in helping travellers sell Avios points and other airline miles quickly, safely, and for top value. With over 47,000 satisfied clients and payouts often completed in just 15 minutes, we’ve built a reputation on security, speed, and competitive rates. Don’t let your miles expire or gather dust—turn them into real money today.
