All the Hacks · Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The host discusses whether credit card points and miles are still worthwhile given increasing annual fees, coupon book-like card benefits, and devalued award programs. He argues that for many, points cards still offer better value than cashback, even when used simply to reimburse travel expenses at a 1 cent per point rate.
“So is earning points in miles even worth it anymore?”
“So if you look at points cards as cashback cards, you say I'm just going to earn points and cash them out, I'm not going to try to do anything fancy. I'm just going to book my travel in the portal and reimburse myself, and I'm going to get back statement credit or use points to book, then you've got a situation where points cards are effectively cashback cards.”
“The difference is a lot of points cards earn more than a lot of cashback cards.”