#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...
#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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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
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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
(01:03:32) What to Do With Your Points When You Close a Card
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