Every so often programs offer miles purchases with a bonus ("buy X and get up to 100% more"). It can be a great deal or a trap — it all depends on the final cost per thousand and whether you have a redemption in sight.
How bonus purchases work
You pay cash for a package of miles and the program adds a bonus percentage. The ad highlights the bonus, but what decides the deal is how much you pay per 1,000 miles in the end, counting the bonus.
The math that matters
Numeric example
You buy 50,000 miles with a 100% bonus for R$ 1,500. Total received: 100,000 miles.Cost per thousand = 1,500 ÷ 100 = R$ 15 per thousand.
If you'll redeem a ticket delivering R$ 30 per thousand, buying at R$ 15 is excellent. If it only delivers R$ 12, buying would be a loss.
The Miles Purchase Simulator does this instantly.
When buying pays off
- The final cost per thousand is below what you'd extract on a specific redemption.
- You already know what you'll redeem.
- You're just short of completing an expensive redemption.
- The bonus is high and the price competitive (below ~R$ 16 is usually good).
When it's a trap: buying "to stockpile" with no destination in mind. Purchased miles also expire and programs change charts.
Buy or transfer with a bonus?
| Transfer bonus | Buying miles | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | You already have points | You pay cash from scratch |
| Typical cost | Usually cheapest | Depends on the promo |
| Best for | Those who accumulate daily | Topping up a redemption or strong promos |
When in doubt, compare both: see the transfer bonus guide and simulate each path.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Unlocks redemptions when you're just short.
- In strong promos, the cost per thousand is very competitive.
- Fast — miles post almost instantly.
✕ Cons
- You spend cash upfront.
- Purchased miles also expire.
- Risk of buying with no plan.
Common mistakes
- Looking at the bonus instead of the final cost per thousand.
- Buying with no redemption in sight.
- Forgetting validity of purchased miles.
- Not comparing with a transfer bonus.
💡 Tip: only buy miles with a clear goal and after simulating. If the final cost per thousand is lower than the value you'll extract, it's a good deal.