Pooling points no single card could spend

The problem

Points arrive in whatever programme the card earns in. After a couple of years that leaves several part-balances, none of which covers a good redemption on its own, and all of which feel like they should.

When pooling works

Two card currencies that both transfer into the same airline can be combined. The planner works backwards from the fare: it finds every combination of your balances that reaches the target, respects each route's minimum and increment, and shows the one that spends least.

When the detour costs you

Some routes run through a hotel programme to reach an airline. Occasionally that beats the direct ratio. Usually it does not, because the second hop has its own ratio and its own minimum, and the loss compounds. The planner shows the path so you can see which case you are in rather than trusting the total.

The order that works

Find the fare. Confirm the seat. Check the blend. Transfer. Book. Any other order risks stranding points in a programme you did not want them in.