Buy cheap points and miles via Ping An E-wallet

Another niche point of view: if you have friends or connections from China, there’s a potential route to buy cheap points and miles through a service called Ping An E-wallet.

Let me make it clear first: do not attempt it yourself if you don’t speak Chinese. You have to own a Chinese mobile number, deal with multiple Chinese apps and purchase from Chinese buyers. Your best bet is to ask your Chinese friends for help!

Ping An is a Chinese bank, and their E-wallet product is similar to say, Amex’s Membership Rewards, where you earn bank points that are transferrable into other loyalty currencies. In addition to a bunch of local partners, Ping An collaborates with a few international programs, e.g.:

• Avios
• Flying Blue
• EVA Air
• Singapore Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• Etihad
• Emirates
• Qantas
• United
• Air Canada
• Marriott
• Accor
• Shangri-La

What makes it really unique is, you can buy Ping An point vouchers and it’s totally legit. There are many sellers on Taobao (Alibaba’s eBay equivalent) from whom you can buy as many vouchers as you want.

There are daily and monthly limits on transfers to each program, but they are usually pretty generous. You can therefore indirectly purchase miles and points of the aforementioned programs freely, although the price isn’t usually attractive.

Ping An runs occasional bonus offers however, which changes the game. This year for example, you could “buy” points at the following cost under their promotions (per 1,000 points):

• Avios: 58.5 RMB / £6.4
• Flying Blue: 78.8 RMB / £8.6
• Accor: 117.6 RMB / £12.9
• Marriott: 43.5 RMB / £4.8
• Shangri-La: 394.4 RMB / £43.3

Again, the whole procedure is totally legit and there shouldn’t be any repercussions. Stay in touch with your Chinese friends, treat them well and ask the favour when the time comes!