Dollar to Points Calculator
Convert dollar amounts to reward points instantly. Calculate points earned from purchases across different loyalty programs.
Calculate Points Earned
Results
Enter dollar amount and points rate to calculate
Understanding Points Value
- 1x = Standard earning rate
- 2x = Double points (credit cards, promotions)
- 5x = Premium earning rate
How to Use the Calculator
Enter Purchase Amount
Input the dollar amount of your purchase.
Select Points Rate
Choose a standard rate or enter custom multiplier.
Get Points Value
See instantly how many points you'll earn.
Understanding Reward Points
Reward points are a loyalty program currency earned through credit card spending, travel bookings, or other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, statement credits, or transferred to airline/hotel partners.
The "points per dollar" rate determines how many points you earn per dollar spent. Higher rates mean more value from your spending.
Cash Back Credit Cards - Points Earning Rates
Cash back cards typically offer 1x points per dollar spent, with occasional bonus categories:
| Card Type | Base Rate | Bonus Categories | Annual Fee | $100 Purchase = Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Cash Back | 1x | None | $0 | 100 points |
| Premium Cash Back | 1x - 1.5x | Dining, U.S. Supermarkets | $95 | 100-150 points |
| Business Cash Back | 1x | Shipping, Internet | $0 | 100 points |
Travel Rewards Credit Cards - Points Earning Rates
Travel cards offer higher earning rates, especially for travel and dining purchases:
| Card Type | Base Rate | Travel/Dining Rate | Annual Fee | $100 Travel Purchase = Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Travel | 1x | 2x - 3x | $95 | 200-300 points |
| Premium Travel | 1x | 3x - 5x | $550 | 300-500 points |
| Luxury Travel | 1x | 5x | $650 | 500 points |
| Business Travel | 1x | 3x - 5x | $95 | 300-500 points |
Points Value Comparison - $500 Monthly Spending
See how different earning rates translate to annual points earned:
| Earning Rate | Monthly Points | Annual Points | Estimated Value | Break-Even Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x (Cash Back) | 500 | 6,000 | $60 - $180 | Best for no annual fee cards |
| 1.5x (Travel Base) | 750 | 9,000 | $90 - $270 | Good value with travel perks |
| 2x (Premium) | 1,000 | 12,000 | $120 - $360 | Excellent for frequent travelers |
| 3x (Business) | 1,500 | 18,000 | $180 - $540 | Premium cards with lounge access |
| 5x (Luxury) | 2,500 | 30,000 | $300 - $900 | Highest value, justifies annual fee |
Understanding Points Value and Redemption
The value of reward points depends heavily on how you redeem them. Different redemption methods can yield dramatically different values per point.
Travel Redemptions (Highest Value)
Booking travel through airline or hotel partners often provides the best value, typically 1.5-2.5 cents per point when transferred to airline miles or hotel points.
Cash Back Redemptions (Lower Value)
Converting points to cash back or statement credits usually provides 0.5-1 cent per point, making this the least valuable redemption option.
Merchandise and Gift Cards (Variable Value)
Redeeming for merchandise or gift cards typically provides 1-1.5 cents per point, depending on the specific items and any redemption fees.
💡 Pro Tip: Always calculate your effective earnings rate by considering both earning rates and redemption value. A card earning 2x points worth 2 cents each effectively earns 4% back, while the same points worth 0.7 cents each only earn 1.4% back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my points earning rate?
Check your credit card's rewards program details or app. Different spending categories often have different rates.
Do all cards earn points the same way?
No, earning rates vary by card and category. Some cards offer rotating bonus categories, while others have fixed rates.
Are points worth the same as cash?
Points value varies by redemption method. Travel redemptions often provide the best value (1-2 cents per point), while cash back may be less.