One of my favorite things to do is answer Going members' points and miles questions! So this week, I thought I'd reach into the mailbag and answer some.

Some questions are answered below, but check out our guide page for answers to more.

Do you have a burning points and miles question? Ask us, and we may answer it in a future newsletter.

Is it better to use my points on flights or hotels? - Doriel

In general, you're going to get a better value for your points when you transfer to airline partners over hotel partners.

Why? Two reasons: First, most hotel chains have inflated the amount of points required for a redemption. Second, you will have better luck with a hotel co-branded credit card. Redeem the hotel card's points for a night's stay.

Plus, many hotel cards offer some level of elite status, which can provide benefits such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and potentially even a free night.

Will I lose my airline miles if I close my airline co-branded credit card? - Katelyn

No, you'll keep the miles because they are connected with your airline loyalty account, not your credit card.

But, before you decide to close the card, ask if they'll waive the annual fee. Just call the number on the back and ask the representative. Here's a script you can use.

Heads up: The situation is different for closing a card that earns transferable credit card points-the ones associated with a card issuer that you can transfer to partners or spend in their travel portal. Since your credit card account houses these points, you would lose them if you closed the card.

How do I transfer my credit card points or miles to airline partners? - Kristen

Transferring your credit card points (or miles, depending on the card issuer's lingo) is a great way to maximize the value of your points.

You'll first want to sign up for a loyalty account with a partner airline and save your member number.

Then you'll go to your card's transfer partner section-each issuer describes it differently, but we outline the exact menu flow. Then, click on the airline partner, and link your account.

Once linked, you can now transfer credit card points to the airline (or hotel) partner.

Check out our step-by-step guide here. We also have guides for specific issuers, like this one.

If I buy a ticket using points, can I then upgrade it to business class? I realize I'd have to pay for the upgrade. - Joan

For the most part, no. Your best bet is to book in the fare class you want.

Depending on the airline, you may be able to use miles to upgrade a seat you bought with cash, so long as it's not a Basic Economy ticket. But in general, this isn't the best value.

One exception to the rule is Emirates. Emirates allows you to upgrade one fare class using miles, regardless of whether you booked your initial ticket with points or with cash.

Have a points and miles question?

If you have a points and miles question, submit it here. We may answer it in a future newsletter.

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