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All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life

Chris Hutchins

Are Credit Card Points Still Worth It? and More Listener Q&A

Jul 8, 20261h 12m
Summary

In this episode, the host addresses the common question of whether earning credit card points and miles is still worth the effort given rising annual fees, coupon-style benefits, and program devaluations. While acknowledging these challenges, the host argues that points cards remain superior to traditional cashback systems, even for those who prefer to keep things simple. The discussion clarifies that high-fee, coupon-heavy cards are not representative of the entire ecosystem. The host highlights that numerous low-fee cards offer excellent earning rates without the complexity of managing lifestyle credits. Furthermore, the episode demonstrates that points can often be cashed out at a baseline value comparable to or better than standard cashback cards. A significant portion of the value is attributed to lucrative welcome bonuses, which can dwarf the earnings of traditional cashback programs by a wide margin. For listeners looking for simplicity, the host evaluates various cashback strategies and identifies specific cards that offer higher returns through banking relationships or unique programs. The episode concludes with practical advice for beginners, recommending a single, low-fee card as the best starting point to learn the system without being overwhelmed.

Updated Jul 8, 2026

About This Episode

#286: With credit card fees climbing, credits getting harder to use, and points constantly devaluing, it's fair to ask whether earning points and miles is even worth it anymore. In this AMA, Chris breaks down why the fees are still worth it for him (and who they're not worth it for), common mistakes to avoid when running the numbers, and when cash back makes the most sense. He also walks through how to start from scratch, when a high annual fee actually pays for itself, and how to squeeze more out of overlooked spending categories.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/are-points-worth-it-ama

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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: ⁠chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned

⁠⁠Best Cards Page⁠⁠

⁠⁠Join the CardTool Waitlist⁠⁠

AMA: ⁠⁠Submit Questions⁠⁠

⁠Points Path⁠

⁠Frequent Miler: What are Delta SkyMiles worth?⁠

⁠Frequent Miler: What are Hyatt points worth now that the new award chart is live?⁠

⁠How to Automatically Forward iMessages & Texts to Other Contacts Using Shortcuts⁠

⁠Am I Eligible for a Business Credit Card?⁠

Ep #227: ⁠The Path to Becoming an Expert in Points & Miles with Devon Gimbel⁠

Ep #249: ⁠Earn More Points in Multiplayer Mode with Kai⁠

Ep #264: ⁠Deep Dive on Bilt Rewards and New Bilt 2.0 Cards⁠

Ep #267: ⁠Credit Cards: What's in My Wallet for 2026⁠

Ep #280: ⁠The Hidden Rules of Credit Card Approvals⁠

Ep #283: ⁠Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance?⁠

⁠Gift Cards Page⁠

⁠Newsletter⁠

Leave a review: ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠

Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: ⁠podcast@chrishutchins.com⁠


Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction

(01:11) Why "Coupon Book" Cards Are a Premium-Card Problem, Not a Points Problem

(02:08) Why Points Still Beat Cash Back for Most People

(06:53) When Cash Back Actually Makes Sense

(09:12) The Best Cash Back Cards Earning More Than 2%

(16:05) Why Sign-Up Bonuses Make Points Cards the Clear Winner

(18:01) The Best Business Card Welcome Offers Right Now

(19:45) When a Cash Back Welcome Offer Is Actually Worth It

(25:13) Where to Start If You're New to Points and Miles

(30:49) How to Decide If a High Annual Fee Is Worth Paying

(32:21) Breaking Down a $795 Annual Fee, Credit by Credit

(38:53) Military Members: Open Every Card You Can

(40:36) Fixing the Amazon + Costco + Southwest "Everything" Setup

(43:10) The Right Way to Maximize Gas Spending

(46:03) How to Earn Points Renting an RV

(48:51) Why There Are No Good Cruise Credit Cards

(50:20) Is Priority Pass Still Worth Paying For?

(53:19) How to Maximize Referral Bonuses as a Couple

(56:25) Should Couples Share Cards or Stay Separate?

(01:02:34) The Simplest Way to Manage Points With a Partner

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