Terminology and Programs

When you first jump into the points and miles game, it can feel overwhelming and like an entirely different language at times. We've broken down some of the most commonly used words and phrases, by category, so that you can more confidently start your journey.

Credit Cards

Credit Card Companies and Reward Programs

• American Express (AMEX) - Membership Rewards (MR)

• Bilt - Bilt Rewards

• Capital One - Miles

• Chase - Ultimate Rewards (UR)

• Citi - Thank You Rewards
  
  

Common Terms

5/24 Rule - Used by Chase as one of the determining factors for card approvals. 5/24 refers to the number of cards you've opened over a specified period of time. The 5/24 Rule refers to having 5 account openings in the previous 24 months. Other banks may use a measure similar to this rule, but in terms of Chase, your application will generally be automatically denied if you are at or over 5/24.
AU - Authorized User
C1 - Capital One
CLI - Credit Limit Increase
CPP - Cents Per Point; calculated by Cash Value / Points Redeemed
DP - Data Point; often used when discussing approval odds or factors
Player 1 - primary cardholder and decision maker for points and miles earning
Player 2 - supporting cardholder; can be a spouse, significant other, parent, friend
SUB - Sign Up Bonus

Airlines & Programs

Major Airlines - Programs

• American Airlines (AA) - AAdvantage Program; uses Loyalty Points and is part of the Oneworld Alliance

  • Currently no credit card companies transfer directly to American; however, it is rumored that Citi may begin transferring to American based on their exclusive card partnership announced in late 2024

• Delta Airlines - SkyMiles Program; uses SkyMiles and is part of the SkyTeam Alliance

  • AMEX transfers to Delta

• United Airlines - MileagePlus Program; uses United Points and is part of Star Alliance

  • Chase and Bilt transfer to United

• JetBlue Airways - TrueBlue Program; uses TrueBlue Points

  • AMEX, Capital One, Chase, and Citi transfer to JetBlue

• Southwest Airlines - Rapid Rewards Program; uses Rapid Rewards Points

  • Chase transfers to Southwest

Common Hotel Loyalty Programs

• Choice Hotels - Choice Privileges Program

  • AMEX, Capital One, and Citi transfer to Choice Hotels

• Hilton - Hilton Honors Program

  • AMEX and Bilt transfer to Hilton

• Hyatt - World of Hyatt Program

  • Chase and Bilt transfer to Hyatt

• IHG - IHG One Rewards Program

  • AMEX and Chase transfer to IHG

• Marriott - Marriott Bonvoy

  • AMEX and Chase transfer to Marriott