As we wrap up 2025, premium credit cards have become more expensive and increasingly “coupon-like,” leaving many of us questioning if the pursuit of points is still worthwhile.
In this episode, we chat with Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks, about the actual changes in credit card rewards and how to determine if you should continue with travel points, switch to cash back, or adopt a hybrid approach that simplifies your life.
We explore the “value” dilemma connected to all the new credits and perks. Instead of allowing a card to dictate our spending, we discuss how to assess credits based on what we would realistically pay for them, and when it makes sense to downgrade, negotiate a retention offer, or change products while maintaining your credit history.
We also delve into practical travel booking strategies for 2026: newer award search tools, the importance of flexibility, and a lesser-known option that many overlook—sometimes, you can buy points directly and still secure a solid deal without years of “earning.”
If you're looking to earn more points or minimize the time spent chasing them, this discussion will help you refine your credit card strategy for 2026 with a clearer understanding of what “worth it” truly means.
Key Takeaways
- “Credits” hold no real value unless we were already planning to make that purchase, and we’d be willing to pay close to the full price for that discount.
- The points game remains effective, primarily through welcome offers rather than minor optimizations of bonus categories.
- Flexibility is a crucial factor in award travel; the best deals often arise when we ease date, airport, or destination restrictions.
- Cash back is gaining attention, especially for those seeking simplicity and less mental clutter.
- Before canceling a fee-generating card, we can often negotiate, downgrade, or change products to retain the credit history we’ve established.
- Sometimes, the optimal choice is to stop “maximizing,” take the trip, and safeguard our time for more impactful work (or genuine relaxation).
Resources and Links
Chris Hutchins, All the Hacks
Chris’s insightful exploration of credit reports and scores, Episode 221
Link to the YouTube video mentioned regarding why airline loyalty programs may hold more value than the airlines themselves
Related Afford Anything podcasts
Chapters
Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary considerably across listening platforms due to dynamically inserted ads.
(0:00) The premium credit card reset of 2025
(4:56) Understanding the points game in 2025
(9:07) Reevaluating economy versus business class flights
(15:55) Handling credit cards during significant life changes
(22:35) Simplicity versus optimization in the points landscape
(31:23) Luxury perks, increasing fees, and the beneficiaries of premium cards
(38:12) Buying points directly instead of playing the usual game
(49:22) Leveraging AI and systems to foster better financial habits
(55:41) Preserving credit history while adjusting to rising fees
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Credit card rewards may consist of points or cash back. Discover how to select the appropriate credit card rewards approach and why a straightforward method is often more effective.