point and – Misryoum breaks down what points and miles are worth, including key May 2026 loyalty changes and how to plan redemptions ahead.
If you’ve ever stared at a loyalty balance and wondered whether it’s “worth it,” May 2026 is a reminder that the real value of points and miles depends on how you use them.
Misryoum notes that valuations can vary across programs and travelers. but the goal is consistent: help you estimate what your rewards could deliver in real travel value.. For many travelers. the question is less about the headline “cents per point” and more about finding the redemptions that match their itinerary. timing. and loyalty strategy.
In this context. Misryoum says the most useful valuations tend to be built from what it would cost to acquire rewards. along with what awards typically cost within each loyalty program.. That approach matters because two people can hold the same currency and end up with very different outcomes depending on redemption choices and availability.
One major storyline heading into May 2026 involves Hyatt loyalty pricing changes.. Misryoum reports that World of Hyatt will move from a three-tier to a five-tier award chart. with the maximum standard award night cost at Category 8 properties rising significantly on May 20.. While some stays may shift down slightly. the overall direction means travelers who are eyeing specific properties have a strong reason to lock in plans before the new chart takes effect.
Meanwhile. Misryoum highlights that the impact is broader than a single property tier: a large group of Hyatt hotels and resorts will move into new award categories around the same date.. For members. this is the kind of change that can turn a “maybe later” booking decision into a “book now” opportunity. especially for popular hotels that are often harder to secure at good award rates.
Why does this matter? Because award pricing shifts are often felt most by travelers who rely on a specific point balance to fund a trip. When chart structures change, your best options may move, even if you keep earning at the same pace.
Beyond hotel charts, Misryoum also points to continued interest in credit card offers that generate transferable points and miles.. New card welcome bonuses can boost your starting balance. but they’re only part of the equation; what you ultimately redeem for is still what determines whether those points deliver standout value.
At the end of the day, Misryoum’s takeaway is simple: treat valuations as a planning tool, not a promise. The best “worth” is the value you can realistically turn into the trip you want, using redemption timing that protects you from sudden pricing changes.