#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
Expert Points Valuations
Award Search Tools
Award Ticket Change and Cancellation Fees
ATH Podcast
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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All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life