Portfolio Optimization

Overview

Portfolio optimization is what makes Best Path different from a simple award search tool. Instead of checking one program at a time, it evaluates your entire loyalty portfolio as a connected system — finding paths that individual program searches would miss.

What Gets Analyzed

Best Path pulls in everything from your Wallet:

• Airline miles — Balances, expiration dates, and program sweet spots.
• Bank points — Chase UR, Amex MR, Citi TYP, Capital One — including all their transfer partners and current transfer bonuses.
• Upgrade instruments — Systemwide upgrades, regional upgrade certificates, miles-based upgrade eligibility.
• Elite status — Complimentary upgrade lists, preferred boarding, waived fees. Status changes the math on paid fares.
• Credit card perks — Airline credits, companion certificates, lounge access. These offset cash costs.

Cross-Program Connections

The real power is in connections between programs. Your Chase points can transfer to United, Hyatt, Southwest, and a dozen others. Amex points unlock a different set. Best Path maps these networks and finds transfer routes you wouldn't think to check — like transferring Citi points to an airline partner that has award space when the direct program doesn't.

Key Details

• The analysis runs in seconds and considers hundreds of combinations.
• Transfer bonuses (when active) are factored in automatically.
• Expiring balances get priority to prevent waste.

Tips

1. Add all your programs, even ones with small balances. Transfer bonuses can make a 5,000-point balance surprisingly useful.
2. Run the analysis before booking — not after. That's when you have the most options.