Cash Back vs. Points: Are We Playing the Wrong Credit Card Game?

#170: Chris makes a case for cash back in your credit card strategy based on some recent changes in the points and miles world. He goes deep on strategies for every spending category and shares his analysis of how to optimize points vs. cash back for the best ROI.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://allthehacks.com/cash-back-vs-points-credit-cards

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All the Hacks


Credit Card Optimization Tool v2 (w/ $10 Discount)

All the Hacks Membership

Credit Cards Page


Credit Cards Mentioned
Overall Spend

Robinhood Gold Card

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

Discover it® Miles

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Higher Cash Back in 1-2 Categories

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rotating Categories

Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Dining/Restaurants

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

American Express® Gold Card

Travel

The Platinum Card® by American Express

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Grocery/Supermarkets

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature ® Credit Card

American Express® Gold Card

Verizon Visa® Card

Internet/Cable/Phone Bills

Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

BMO CashBack® Mastercard®

Gas
Abound Visa® Platinum Card
Entertainment/Streaming

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Drugstores

Chase Freedom

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Rent
Bilt Mastercard®
Office Supplies
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Amazon/Whole Foods
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card
Mobile Wallet:

U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card + Real Time Rewards


Resources Mentioned
Wealthfront: Get $5k managed free & get a 0.5% APY boost
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X (Twitter) post: Couple opened 26 credit cards in 2017 and earned 2M points

Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:55) Chris' Personal Points & Miles History
(02:48) 3 Big Changes to Chris' Credit Card Strategy
(04:29) How to Take Advantage of Transfer Bonuses to Book Flights
(11:49) The Basics of Cash Back
(12:50) Best Cash Back Cards for Overall Spend
(14:06) Cards for Higher Cash Back in Certain Categories
(15:11) Other Category Spend
(19:42) Best Cards for Dining
(20:40) Travel Category
(21:44) Uncapped Card for Gas
(21:56) Cards for Groceries
(22:26) Internet, Phone Bill, and Cable Category
(22:35) Chris' Revamped Card Optimization Spreadsheet
(26:35) Main Cards for Team Points Vs. Team Cash Back
(27:44) Chris' Analysis & Category Run Through
(33:42) The Biggest Takeaway on Cash Back
(36:24) Cards for Spending Categories Like Rent, Entertainment, and Office Supplies
(39:32) The Big Wrench: Welcome Bonuses
(41:58) The Points & Miles Game With Player 2
(43:14) Credit Card Issuer Rules for Welcome Bonuses
(48:03) Quick Summary and Chris’ Final Takeaway

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