Evaluating the Value of Points Versus Cash Back

#245: Ever wonder what points are really worth? I'll break down the different types of points, how to calculate their value, and the biggest mistakes people make along the way. You’ll also learn when cash back might be the smarter choice and my personal card strategy for maximizing credit card rewards.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/what-are-your-points-worth

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Resources Mentioned

Credit Cards

• Mesa Homeowners Card (Referral code: FCRGNB)
• Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card
• Robinhood Gold Card
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® (Rates and Fees here)
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards®
• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card
• Amazon Prime Visa Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
• Citi® Double Cash Card
• U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa
• Gemini Credit Card

Expert Points Valuations

• The Points Guy
• One Mile at a Time
• Frequent Miler

Award Search Tools

• Points Path Chrome Extension
• Award Wallet
• Gondola (Get $50 here)

Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Fees

ATH Podcast

• ⁠⁠Free Webinar: 5 Must-Know Tax Moves for Business Owners
• Chris’ Card Value Optimization Tool
• Membership
• Ep #244: How I Saved $10,000+ on Luxury Hotels
• Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
• Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(00:50) Why We’re in the Golden Age of Points and Miles

(04:06) The Different Types of Points

(06:04) Unlocking Value With Transfer Bonuses

(07:58) Fake Points and What to Avoid

(08:34) Why Knowing the Value of Points Matters

(10:12) Comparing Points vs. Cash Back

(13:26) Quick Episode Overview

(14:38) Calculating the Floor Value of Points

(16:47) Expert Points Valuation

(19:26) Tools and Data for Valuing Points

(21:55) Booking Domestic vs. International vs. Business Class Flights

(24:27) Flight and Hotel Redemption Takeaways

(29:33) Leveraging Gondola to Book Hotels

(32:24) How to Get More Value From Hotel Points

(34:17) Why Hotel Points Still Hold Value

(35:12) Minimums, Maximums, and Ranges

(36:20) How to Calculate Your Personal Value

(41:18) Chris’ Rule of Thumb for Booking Award Flights

(44:06) Key Caveat of Award Redemptions

(46:20) Value of Earning Points vs. Cash Back

(49:40) When Should You Buy Hotel and Airline Points?

(52:46) The Bottom Line on Buying Points

(53:31) How to Value Transferable Points

(55:17) The Psychology Behind Buying Points

(56:34) Leveraging Chris’ Card Optimizer Tool

(58:54) Earning Points Across Other Major Categories

(01:01:45) Cash Back Cards That Earn More Than 2%

(01:05:56) Recap: Point Purchases on Cards

(01:07:31) Recap: What Your Points Are Worth

(01:08:51) Making the Case for Earning Points Everywhere

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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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