Whats the best Redemption to convert Citi Points

Redemption Options and Conversion Rates

1. Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles): 2.5 Citi points = 1 Asia Mile
2. Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Qpoints): 3.0 Citi points = 1 Qpoint
3. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (KrisFlyer Miles): 2.5 Citi points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
4. Etihad Guest (Guest Miles): 3.0 Citi points = 1 Guest Mile
5. Velocity Frequent Flyer (Velocity Points): 2.0 Citi points = 1 Velocity Point
6. flybuys (flybuys points): 1.0 Citi point = 1 flybuys point

Step 1: Estimate Value of Each Mile/Point

To compare these options, we need the approximate value of each mile or point in AUD. Based on general valuations for frequent flyer programs (sourced from industry standards and points valuation guides, such as those from Point Hacks or Australian Frequent Flyer, adjusted for 2025), here are typical values per mile/point in AUD:

• Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific): ~1.8–2.2 cents per mile (average ~2.0 cents)
  • Value depends on redemption (e.g., business class long-haul flights yield higher value).
• Qpoints (Qatar Airways): ~1.5–2.0 cents per Qpoint (average ~1.75 cents)
  • Slightly lower due to restrictions on award availability and redemption flexibility.
• KrisFlyer Miles (Singapore Airlines): ~1.9–2.3 cents per mile (average ~2.1 cents)
  • High value for premium cabin redemptions, especially on Singapore Airlines flights.
• Guest Miles (Etihad): ~1.4–1.8 cents per mile (average ~1.6 cents)
  • Lower value due to limited redemption options and fuel surcharges.
• Velocity Points (Virgin Australia): ~1.5–1.8 cents per point (average ~1.65 cents)
  • Good for domestic Australian flights, but lower value for international redemptions.
• flybuys points: ~0.5 cents per point (1 flybuys point ≈ $0.005)
  • Typically redeemed for $10 off at Coles group retailers per 2,000 points, equating to 0.5 cents per point.

These values are approximate and vary based on redemption choices (e.g., economy vs. business class, specific routes, or retail redemptions). For consistency, I’ll use the average values listed above.

Step 2: Calculate Value per Citi Point

To find the best redemption, we calculate the value of 1 Citi point in AUD for each option by dividing the value of the resulting mile/point by the number of Citi points required.

• Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles):
  • 2.5 Citi points = 1 Asia Mile
  • Value of 1 Asia Mile = 2.0 cents
  • Value per Citi point = 2.0 ÷ 2.5 = 0.80 cents
• Qatar Airways (Qpoints):
  • 3.0 Citi points = 1 Qpoint
  • Value of 1 Qpoint = 1.75 cents
  • Value per Citi point = 1.75 ÷ 3.0 = 0.583 cents
• Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer Miles):
  • 2.5 Citi points = 1 KrisFlyer Mile
  • Value of 1 KrisFlyer Mile = 2.1 cents
  • Value per Citi point = 2.1 ÷ 2.5 = 0.84 cents
• Etihad Guest (Guest Miles):
  • 3.0 Citi points = 1 Guest Mile
  • Value of 1 Guest Mile = 1.6 cents
  • Value per Citi point = 1.6 ÷ 3.0 = 0.533 cents
• Velocity Frequent Flyer (Velocity Points):
  • 2.0 Citi points = 1 Velocity Point
  • Value of 1 Velocity Point = 1.65 cents
  • Value per Citi point = 1.65 ÷ 2.0 = 0.825 cents
• flybuys (flybuys points):
  • 1.0 Citi point = 1 flybuys point
  • Value of 1 flybuys point = 0.5 cents
  • Value per Citi point = 0.5 ÷ 1.0 = 0.50 cents

Step 3: Compare and Consider Other Factors

Here’s a summary of the value per Citi point:

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer offers the highest value at 0.84 cents per Citi point, followed closely by Velocity Frequent Flyer (0.825 cents) and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (0.80 cents).