How to Redeem Credit Card Points for Charitable Giving Over the Holidays
Convert Chase, Citi and Capital One rewards into holiday charity gifts before Dec. 31 deadlines hit.
You can redeem credit card points for holiday giving by using an issuer charity tool, or by charging a donation and covering it with points. Points are reward balances that issuers convert to gifts, cash, or statement credits at a set value per point. Options differ by issuer and date.
Some direct paths have ended, while others run through Dec. 31, 2026. Tax treatment also differs from the gift itself.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 04, 2026.
What Happened to Amex Points for Donations?
American Express members enrolled in U.S. Membership Rewards could apply points to JustGiving donations for U.S. 501(c)(3) charities.
That path covered a large network and typically valued points at 0.7 cents each. JustGiving states in its Pay with Points help notice that effective April 30, 2026, the American Express Membership Rewards Pay with Points program is no longer available through JustGiving. For the 2026 holidays, that direct points path is therefore limited.
Check your Amex account for other redemption choices before you plan a gift.
How Can Chase Cardholders Cover a Gift With Points?
Chase Ultimate Rewards has no direct charity transfer. Sapphire, Freedom and Ink holders can charge a donation to the card, then use Pay Yourself Back for a statement credit. According to Upgraded Points in its Pay Yourself Back update, Sapphire Reserve points are worth 1.5 cents each and Preferred points are worth 1.25 cents each for charities through Dec.
31, 2026. That date limit sits beside the benefit.
- Charge a qualifying charity donation to an eligible Chase card.
- Open Ultimate Rewards and select Pay Yourself Back.
- Choose the donation charge and apply points for credit.
Where Do Citi and Capital One Rewards Go?
Citi ThankYou members can donate through ThankYou.com > More Ways to Redeem > Charitable Contributions. Bankrate describes in its archive guide to donating points $25, $50 or $100 gifts at 1 cent per point to partners including Red Cross, UNICEF and No Kid Hungry. Capital One cardholders can redeem miles or rewards for charitable donations.
Capital One Financial Corp. described a No Hassle Giving Site built with Network for Good and GuideStar to select IRS-registered charities. Confirm the current charity list and redemption steps in your Capital One account, since that description is historic.
Will Your Points Gift Count as a Tax Deduction?
A points gift is generally not tax-deductible. NerdWallet reports the IRS treats rewards as rebates or gifts rather than purchased property with cost basis. A practical workaround is to redeem points for cash back or statement credit, then donate that cash by card.
Only the cash gift to a qualified charity is deductible, and only if you itemize. Keep the charity receipt and card statement together.
How Can You Time a Gift to Count for 2026?
Timing matters for holiday gifts. The IRS explains in its Six Tips for Charitable Taxpayers that a credit-card charitable charge counts in the year it is charged. A Dec.
31 card donation counts for that tax year even if you pay the bill in January. Submit direct points gifts early enough to post, and make card charges before midnight in your card account time zone.