Maximizing Travel Credit Card Rewards for Good: A Guide to Donating Points and Miles

Understanding the Value of Donating Travel Points**

Donating travel points and miles is a unique form of philanthropy that leverages the value of loyalty programs to support charitable causes. While the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not typically allow deductions for donating rewards (since they are not considered taxable income), the act itself can create a psychological reward that enhances personal well-being.

Moreover, donating points can be seen as a form of self-taxation, where individuals voluntarily sacrifice potential personal benefits to fund public good. This approach bridges the gap between personal rewards and collective responsibility, making it a meaningful way to contribute to global challenges.

How to Donate Travel Points and Miles to Charities**

Many major U.S. airlines and hotel chains offer programs that let you donate your points to charities. Here’s a quick guide to the most popular options:

Airlines

1. Alaska Airlines (CARE Miles Program)

   • Minimum Donation: 1,000 miles per transaction
   • Charities: Make-A-Wish, Honor Flight Network, The Nature Conservancy, and more
   • Groups: Alaska Airlines Disaster Relief Pool, Miles for Youth

2. American Airlines (Let Good Take Flight)

   • Minimum Donation: 1,000 miles (or all points if under 1,000)
   • Charities: Miles for Our Planet (climate action), Miles for Social Good (healthcare), and more

3. Delta Air Lines (SkyWish)

   • Minimum Donation: 1,000 miles per charity
   • Charities: Make-A-Wish, Habitat for Humanity, UNICEF

4. Southwest Airlines (Points for a Purpose)

   • Minimum Donation: 2,000 Rapid Rewards points
   • Charities: Ronald McDonald House Charities, American Red Cross

5. United Airlines (Miles on a Mission)

   • Minimum Donation: 1,000 United MileagePlus miles
   • Matching Program: United matches donations up to 50,000 miles per campaign

Hotels

1. Choice Privileges Club

   • Minimum Donation: 1,000 points
   • Charities: American Red Cross, Operation Homefront

2. IHG One Rewards

   • Minimum Donation: 2,500–10,000 points
   • Charities: Goodwill, No Kid Hungry, Global FoodBanking Network

3. Marriott Bonvoy Giving

   • Minimum Donation: 2,500 points ($10 donation)
   • Charity Categories: Nurture (UNICEF), Sustain (WWF), Empower (Prince’s Trust), Welcome (NAACP)

4. Wyndham Rewards

   • Minimum Donation: 500 points
   • Charities: Fisher House, YMCA, National Parks Conservation Association

Credit Card Points

• American Express: Partner with JustGiving to donate Membership Rewards.
• Citi: Donate ThankYou points to Susan G. Komen, the American Red Cross, and the USO.
• Discover: Donate cashback bonuses to the World Wildlife Fund, Operation Homefront, and the American Cancer Society.

Why Donate Your Points?

Maximize Impact: Charities often use donated points for high-impact causes, such as disaster relief, education, or healthcare. Easy and Free: Most programs allow you to donate points without any cost to you. Support Global Causes: From humanitarian aid to environmental conservation, your points can help address pressing global issues.

Final Thoughts

Donating travel points and miles is a simple yet powerful way to combine personal rewards with philanthropy. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a hotel loyalty member, these programs offer an opportunity to make a difference without sacrificing your own benefits. By choosing to give back, you not only support charitable causes but also embrace the psychological reward of helping others—proving that even small actions can create significant change.

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