Miles and points glossary
The terms that connect spending to a reward flight.
Airline miles
Reward units held in an airline loyalty account. They are not cash and their booking value varies.
Bank points
Rewards held with a bank or card issuer. A transfer ratio determines how many airline units they can become.
Transfer ratio
A conversion such as 3 bank points for 2 airline miles. Compare the result in airline units, not only the bank point total.
Minimum transfer
The smallest points amount the issuer allows you to move.
Transfer increment
The permitted block size. A balance can leave a remainder that cannot be transferred.
Direct miles
Rewards credited directly to the linked airline account, rather than held as transferable bank points.
Hotel-point route
An indirect route through a hotel program. Its conversion and costs can differ from a direct airline transfer.
Companion-card requirement
A product whose airline transfers require another eligible card or account.
Award availability
Seats the airline makes bookable with rewards. A cash ticket for sale does not guarantee an award seat.
Saver / promotional award
A program-specific reward price or inventory category. Rules and dates depend on the airline.
Carrier surcharge
A cash component that can be charged in addition to miles and government taxes.
Status points
Units used to qualify for elite benefits. They are distinct from rewards used to pay for flights.
Transaction rounding
How spending is converted into rewards for each purchase or statement. Small purchases can earn less than a simple monthly estimate.
Category cap
A limit on spending or points that can receive an enhanced earning rate.
Foreign transaction charge
An issuer fee or conversion charge for specified foreign purchases. It is separate from reward earning.
Expiry
The deadline for spending a reward balance. Some programs expire each batch; others use qualifying activity, with exceptions.
Annual fee waiver
A conditional reduction in the card fee. Spending, account status or renewal conditions may apply.
Welcome offer
An introductory incentive with eligibility, time and spending conditions. It is separate from ongoing earning.
Unverified
The directory has not established a reliable value for that field. It does not mean zero or unavailable.