{"id":22839,"date":"2026-01-09T18:27:48","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T18:27:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/budgetadirect.com\/?p=22839"},"modified":"2026-01-09T18:27:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T18:27:50","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-credit-card-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/budgetadirect.com\/?p=22839","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner&#8217;s Guide To Credit Card Points"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\">\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden relative bg-blue-50 aspect-video w-full rounded-lg\"><\/div>\n<p>\n            Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<div id=\"block_2557a1ad1871ba773efc4d8beb4741c9\" class=\"key-takeaways sm:border-l-4 border-(--accent) sm:pl-8 my-8 relative\" style=\"--accent: var(--color-blue-medium)\">\n    <!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-4 mt-0 mb-4 text-crop-none max-sm:flex max-sm:items-center max-sm:gap-4\" id=\"key-takeaways\" data-position=\"0\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-0-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Key takeaways\" data-outcome=\"\">\n    <span class=\"shrink-0\">Key takeaways<\/span><br \/>\n        <span class=\"max-sm:h-0.5 max-sm:w-full max-sm:w-full max-sm:bg-(--accent) max-sm:rounded-full max-sm:block\"\/><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<p>    <!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col text-gray-700 mb-0 gap-2 list-disc\">\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            Credit card points are a type of rewards currency that you can earn in exchange for eligible credit card spending.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            To earn boosted points on your credit card, you\u2019ll need to maximize bonus category spending, earn any available welcome bonus and take advantage of promotional offers.&#13;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            To get the most value from your points, redeem them for high-value options like travel or points transfers to airline and hotel partners.\n                                                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Credit card rewards are highly valuable but can be daunting: There are lots of details to track, from which types of purchases earn the most points to which redemption options are the most valuable, and each issuer has its own reward ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, we make it easy to understand the basics behind the best credit card rewards programs, so you can stop stressing about your points and start using them effectively.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what\" data-position=\"1\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-1-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"How do credit card points work?\" data-outcome=\"\"><strong>How do credit card points work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Generally speaking, cash back, points and miles are the three main types of credit card rewards you\u2019ll find when comparing credit cards \u2014 although points and miles are treated pretty similarly by card issuers. You earn each type of reward at a set rate for every dollar you spend.<\/p>\n<p>Cash back systems offer a percentage of your purchase back in dollars. For example, a 2% cash back card would award you 2 cents back per dollar spent.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to points and miles systems, you\u2019re rewarded for your spending in the form of points (or miles) instead of dollars. So you might earn 2X points per dollar on select spending, for example.<\/p>\n<p>The rate of cash back, miles or points you earn may differ depending on the type of purchase you make. Some credit card issuers extend a fixed rate for all purchases, while others offer higher rates for specific types of purchases within \u201cbonus categories,\u201d like at grocery stores, for example.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"earn\" data-position=\"2\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-2-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"How to earn credit card points\" data-outcome=\"\">How to earn credit card points<\/h2>\n<p>There are several things you can do to expand your earning potential.<\/p>\n<h3>Maximize bonus category spending<\/h3>\n<p>With most rewards cards, you earn points or miles by making specific purchases using your card. Issuers typically offer different earning rates for different types of purchases, meaning you might be able to earn more points per dollar on travel, dining or groceries compared to what you would earn on purchases in non-bonus categories.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re an avid traveler and spend a significant amount on flights and hotel rooms, the <span data-capi-name=\"22146013\">American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/span> could be a good choice for you. It offers:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<strong>5X points<\/strong> on up to $500,000 per calendar year spent on directly booked airfare or flights booked through American Express Travel\u00ae<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>5X points<\/strong> on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel\u00ae<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>1X points<\/strong> on all other purchases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By focusing your purchases with this card on flights and hotels, you\u2019ll earn a lot more points than if you just used this card for everyday spending.<\/p>\n<h3>Leverage bonus offers<\/h3>\n<p>Many credit card issuers offer a variety of ways to earn additional points on their cards. Those options may include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<strong>Welcome bonuses:<\/strong> Also called sign-up bonuses, these can be earned by meeting certain spending minimums within the first few months of opening a card.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Referral bonuses:<\/strong> These bonuses are for current cardholders who get a friend or relative to apply for the same card. Generally, you\u2019ll refer a friend through a link and receive a certain amount of points for the referral. The number of points depends on the issuer\u2019s specific referral bonus, but it can be a substantial amount.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Limited-time-offer programs:<\/strong> Programs like Amex Offers allow you to earn more points on spending with specific retailers. To earn these offers, you can either go through your issuer\u2019s branded shopping portal or log in to your account and activate any offers that you\u2019re interested in. Then, you just simply have to meet the terms of the offer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"redeem\" data-position=\"3\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-3-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"How to redeem credit card points\" data-outcome=\"\">How to redeem credit card points<\/h2>\n<p>Every credit card rewards program is different, but most programs offer several common options for redeeming your rewards. Those options typically include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"Accordion w-full align\">\n<li x-id=\"['panel-statement-credits', 'heading-statement-credits']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-statement-credits')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-statement-credits')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Statement credits<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-statement-credits')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-statement-credits')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<div class=\"Accordion-content text-gray-700 px-3 pb-4 sm:px-6 sm:pb-6\">\n            With a statement credit, the issuer deposits the cash value of the redeemed points directly into your account balance. Not every issuer offers this option, so if that\u2019s how you plan to redeem your rewards, make sure this perk is available to you before applying.\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-travel-purchases', 'heading-travel-purchases']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-travel-purchases')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-travel-purchases')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Travel purchases<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-travel-purchases')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-travel-purchases')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<div class=\"Accordion-content text-gray-700 px-3 pb-4 sm:px-6 sm:pb-6\">\n            With a travel rewards card, you can usually redeem your points for flights or hotel rooms through the issuer\u2019s travel portal. American Express, Chase, Citi and Capital One all offer such travel portals. Most premium travel credit cards also let you transfer your rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs, which can provide you with even more value for your points.\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-shopping-portals', 'heading-shopping-portals']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-shopping-portals')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-shopping-portals')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Shopping portals<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-shopping-portals')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-shopping-portals')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            Most issuers offer shopping portals that allow you to redeem points for merchandise from partner retailers.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-online-retailers', 'heading-online-retailers']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-online-retailers')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-online-retailers')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Online retailers<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-online-retailers')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-online-retailers')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            Some issuers allow you to redeem your points directly with online retailers, like Amazon or PayPal. This is different from shopping portals because you generally redeem at checkout with the merchant rather than through an issuer\u2019s shopping portal. While this can be a convenient way to use your rewards, it\u2019s not the most lucrative.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-gift-cards', 'heading-gift-cards']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-gift-cards')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-gift-cards')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Gift cards<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-gift-cards')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-gift-cards')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<div class=\"Accordion-content text-gray-700 px-3 pb-4 sm:px-6 sm:pb-6\">\n            Issuers may offer various gift card options, including major department stores, restaurants and more. Be aware that redeeming for gift cards generally won\u2019t give you the best value for your points.\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-charitable-donations', 'heading-charitable-donations']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-charitable-donations')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-charitable-donations')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Charitable donations<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-charitable-donations')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-charitable-donations')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            Select issuers allow you to donate your points to a charity or a nonprofit organization. You can check if your issuer provides this option by logging in to your account and viewing your redemption options.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"worth\" data-position=\"4\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-4-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"How much are credit card points worth?\" data-outcome=\"\">How much are credit card points worth?<\/h2>\n<p>Credit card points can have different values \u2014 it all depends on how an issuer\u2019s points system works and how you redeem them. You\u2019ll <strong>usually get about 1 cent in value per point<\/strong>, although credit card issuers may adjust that value at any time. Some options, like redeeming for gift cards or shopping with points on Amazon, may provide less than 1 cent in value.<\/p>\n<p>With that said, you may be able to get more than 1 cent in value for specific redemption options, such as if you transfer them to a high-value transfer partner.<\/p>\n<p>Read your credit card\u2019s fine print to learn how much your points are worth, and pay attention to whether point values go up or down depending on how you redeem them. That way you can get the most out of every point you earn and every dollar you spend.<\/p>\n<section class=\"editorial-insight-box --insight-box +mg-vertical-md\" data-template=\"insight_box\">\n<div class=\"card-body border-l-4 border-blue-800\">\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<p>\n                    Bankrate&#8217;s take\n                <\/p>\n<div class=\"content wysiwyg wysiwyg--flush\">\n<p>Points have \u201cmonetary\u201d value and \u201cexperiential\u201d value. For example, if you were looking to book a cruise and found your points would only be worth 0.8 cents apiece, then your monetary value may not be very high. But if you still took the trip that you wouldn\u2019t have otherwise taken if you\u2019d paid in cash, then that\u2019s highly beneficial to you in a different way and still provides excellent experiential value.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<h3>How to calculate point values<\/h3>\n<p>Determining your points value with a certain redemption option often takes some quick division. Divide the dollar value of a booking by how many points you\u2019d need to redeem for it:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cost in dollars \/ cost in miles = point value <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For example, let\u2019s say a round-trip flight from Cincinnati to New York on Delta Air Lines \u2014 a transfer partner for those with American Express travel cards \u2014 is available for $215 for Basic Economy. It also goes for 9,300 miles. Your point redemption value would be 2.3 cents per point if you went for the miles option \u2014 a great deal if you can find it.<\/p>\n<h3>Baseline value vs. potential value<\/h3>\n<p>Issuers have clear measures for how much their points are worth, but if you\u2019re savvy you can stretch your points even further.<\/p>\n<p>Here are Bankrate\u2019s latest points and miles valuations for popular credit card rewards programs.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"choose\" data-position=\"5\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-5-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"How to choose a rewards card\" data-outcome=\"\">How to choose a rewards card<\/h2>\n<p>Because everyone\u2019s spending needs are different, there is no one \u201cbest\u201d rewards card. To find one that can offer you the best value, you\u2019ll want to review your spending habits and financial needs, and think about what you want to redeem your rewards on. Ideally, you want to earn the most rewards in categories you\u2019re already spending in.<\/p>\n<h2 data-position=\"6\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-6-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"The bottom line\" data-outcome=\"\">The bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>The better you understand how credit card points systems work, the more you\u2019ll get out of your rewards, putting you in a position to leverage the top rewards credit cards on the market. With a little practice, you\u2019ll be able to fully maximize your credit card rewards.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\" data-position=\"7\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-7-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Frequently asked questions about how to use credit card points\" data-outcome=\"\">Frequently asked questions about <strong>how to use credit card points<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"Accordion w-full align\">\n<li x-id=\"['panel-whats-the-difference-between-points-and-cash-back', 'heading-whats-the-difference-between-points-and-cash-back']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-whats-the-difference-between-points-and-cash-back')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-whats-the-difference-between-points-and-cash-back')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    What\u2019s the difference between points and cash back?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-whats-the-difference-between-points-and-cash-back')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-whats-the-difference-between-points-and-cash-back')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<div class=\"Accordion-content text-gray-700 px-3 pb-4 sm:px-6 sm:pb-6\">\n<p>Cash back offers benefits like straightforward value and easy redemption \u2014 usually, you can redeem your cash back as a statement credit or have it deposited directly into your checking account. Credit card points, on the other hand, vary in value based on the redemption method, though may offer more value than cash back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-is-it-better-to-get-a-credit-card-for-points-or-cash-back', 'heading-is-it-better-to-get-a-credit-card-for-points-or-cash-back']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-is-it-better-to-get-a-credit-card-for-points-or-cash-back')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-is-it-better-to-get-a-credit-card-for-points-or-cash-back')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Is it better to get a credit card for points or cash back?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-is-it-better-to-get-a-credit-card-for-points-or-cash-back')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-is-it-better-to-get-a-credit-card-for-points-or-cash-back')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<div class=\"Accordion-content text-gray-700 px-3 pb-4 sm:px-6 sm:pb-6\">\n<p>It ultimately depends on how you plan to use your credit card rewards. If you want a simple way to earn money back on your purchases, a cash back card is your best bet. If you travel frequently or want redemption options like gift cards or merchandise, then a points credit card will be more beneficial for you.<\/p>\n<p>Many people have both in their wallets so that they can take advantage of cash back as well as points programs geared toward travel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-how-much-is-1000-credit-card-points-worth', 'heading-how-much-is-1000-credit-card-points-worth']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-how-much-is-1000-credit-card-points-worth')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-how-much-is-1000-credit-card-points-worth')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    How much is 1,000 credit card points worth?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Caret Down Icon<\/default:title><br \/>\n<default:path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-how-much-is-1000-credit-card-points-worth')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-how-much-is-1000-credit-card-points-worth')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            Rewards values depend on the card you\u2019re using. Generally, credit card rewards are worth around 1 cent per point \u2014 so if you earn 1,000 points, that would be worth about $10. However, they could be worth even more if transferred to a high-value transfer partner.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA mx-auto flex flex-col items-center gap-6 my-6 py-12 text-base border-y border-gray-200\" data-helpful-cta=\"\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" id=\"did-you-find-this-helpful\" data-type=\"cta\" data-location=\"article-bottom\" data-position=\"banner\" data-text=\"Did you find this page helpful?\">\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-initial w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-4\" data-cta-initial=\"\">\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-question text-lg font-bold text-center text-gray-900\">\n            Did you find this page helpful?<\/p>\n<div id=\"hQLgY4s8cX\" class=\"hidden\">\n<div class=\"wysiwyg wysiwyg--sm wysiwyg--flush max-w-xs\">\n<p class=\"mb-6 text-base\">\n                            <strong class=\"block font-bold text-gray-900\">Why we ask for feedback<\/strong><br \/>\n                            Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to<br \/>\n                            complete.\n                        <\/p>\n<p>Your responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Help us improve our content<\/p>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-actions flex gap-4 mt-2\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"HelpfulCTA-btn HelpfulCTA-btn--yes border border-2 border-blue-600 text-blue-600 rounded px-6 py-2 transition font-semibold flex items-center gap-2 hover:bg-blue-50\" data-cta-yes=\"\" data-beam-element-clicked=\"\" id=\"did-you-find-this-helpful-yes\" data-type=\"button\" data-location=\"article-bottom\" data-position=\"banner\" data-text=\"Yes\" data-outcome=\"response submitted\"><br \/>\n                <span class=\"Icon\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><default:title>Thumbs Up Icon<\/default:title><default:path d=\"M13.165 2.175c.322 0 .57.022.774.065.796.161 1.43.624 1.85 1.345.71 1.216.722 3.067.023 5.499h.516c2.28 0 3.422 0 4.337.548a3.844 3.844 0 0 1 1.721 2.25c.29 1.032 0 2.13-.592 4.336l-.516 1.926c-.312 1.151-.484 1.786-.882 2.324a3.368 3.368 0 0 1-1.442 1.098c-.625.247-1.28.248-2.475.248l-.021.01h-4.595c-.42 0-.636 0-.84-.032a4.19 4.19 0 0 1-.635-.15c-.204-.065-.387-.162-.763-.355l-1.69-.856c-.014.034-.026.069-.043.102a2.334 2.334 0 0 1-1.044 1.044c-.495.247-1.012.248-1.948.248h-.161c-.936 0-1.453 0-1.947-.248a2.333 2.333 0 0 1-1.044-1.044C1.5 20.038 1.5 19.52 1.5 18.585v-7.683c0-.936 0-1.452.248-1.947A2.387 2.387 0 0 1 2.792 7.91c.494-.248 1.01-.247 1.947-.247h.16c.937 0 1.454 0 1.95.247.353.177.653.44.875.763.64-.606 1.788-2.184 3.31-5.142.183-.366.312-.603.538-.819.193-.193.462-.355.72-.441.302-.097.539-.097.873-.097ZM4.739 9.288c-.624 0-1.076 0-1.227.076a.721.721 0 0 0-.323.322c-.075.15-.075.603-.075 1.216v7.683c0 .624 0 1.076.075 1.227.065.14.183.248.323.323.151.075.603.075 1.227.075h.16c.625 0 1.078 0 1.228-.075a.722.722 0 0 0 .323-.323c.075-.15.075-.603.075-1.227v-7.683c0-.624 0-1.065-.075-1.227a.672.672 0 0 0-.323-.322c-.15-.075-.603-.076-1.227-.076h-.161v.01ZM13.057 3.8c-.14 0-.226 0-.259.011-.032 0-.086.043-.107.064a2.98 2.98 0 0 0-.226.399c-2.187 4.272-3.53 5.647-4.33 6.092.003.162.004.34.004.536v7.82l2.217 1.122c.28.14.42.216.56.27.107.032.214.064.332.075.151.021.314.021.626.021h4.594c1.022 0 1.539 0 1.862-.129a1.84 1.84 0 0 0 .763-.58c.215-.28.355-.808.613-1.765l.517-1.927c.495-1.85.775-2.873.603-3.475a2.309 2.309 0 0 0-1-1.313c-.538-.323-1.594-.323-3.51-.323h-1.129c-.226 0-.473 0-.72-.15a1.087 1.087 0 0 1-.464-.614c-.075-.301 0-.528.076-.754.957-2.97.603-4.26.301-4.777-.183-.312-.44-.506-.774-.57-.14-.033-.377-.033-.549-.033Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span> <span class=\"text-base leading-4\">Yes<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button><br \/>\n            <button type=\"button\" 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1-.722.441c-.258.086-.484.097-.742.097l.022-.011a5.39 5.39 0 0 1-.905-.064 2.741 2.741 0 0 1-1.852-1.345c-.71-1.216-.721-3.066-.022-5.496h-.516c-2.283 0-3.424 0-4.34-.548a3.843 3.843 0 0 1-1.722-2.248c-.29-1.033 0-2.13.593-4.324l.517-1.925c.312-1.162.484-1.786.882-2.323.377-.495.872-.871 1.443-1.097.624-.248 1.281-.248 2.476-.248h4.597c.42 0 .635 0 .84.032.215.032.431.086.636.15.193.065.387.162.753.345l1.702.864c.017-.04.033-.082.053-.122a2.333 2.333 0 0 1 1.044-1.043c.496-.247 1.013-.247 1.95-.247h.16ZM7.503 3.798c-1.022 0-1.54 0-1.862.13-.302.118-.56.322-.765.58-.215.28-.345.775-.614 1.753l-.517 1.926c-.495 1.85-.775 2.871-.602 3.474a2.308 2.308 0 0 0 1 1.312c.539.323 1.594.322 3.51.322h1.142c.236 0 .473 0 .72.15.227.14.388.367.453.625.075.28 0 .516-.075.742-.959 2.969-.603 4.27-.301 4.775.183.312.44.506.774.57.162.033.41.033.572.033.128 0 .203 0 .236-.01.021 0 .085-.044.107-.065.032-.032.14-.237.227-.399 2.208-4.308 3.556-5.671 4.352-6.102a39.945 39.945 0 0 1-.003-.523v-7.79L13.63 4.175c-.28-.14-.41-.215-.56-.27a1.796 1.796 0 0 0-.344-.085c-.151-.022-.313-.01-.625-.022H7.503Zm11.596.001c-.625 0-1.077 0-1.228.076a.72.72 0 0 0-.323.322c-.075.15-.075.603-.075 1.226v7.68c0 .623 0 1.075.075 1.226.075.14.183.247.323.322.15.075.603.075 1.228.075h.16c.625 0 1.078 0 1.228-.075a.778.778 0 0 0 .324-.322c.075-.151.075-.603.075-1.227V5.423c0-.623 0-1.076-.075-1.226a.722.722 0 0 0-.324-.322c-.15-.076-.603-.076-1.227-.076h-.161Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span> <span class=\"text-base leading-4\">No<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <!-- Yes Form --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No Form --><\/p>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-thankyou flex flex-col items-center gap-2\" data-cta-thankyou=\"\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<p>Thank you for your<br \/>\n            feedback!<\/p>\n<p>Your input helps us improve our<br \/>\n            content and services.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Read the full article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/credit-cards\/rewards\/how-do-credit-card-points-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Credit card points are a type of rewards currency that you can earn in exchange for eligible credit card spending.&#13; &#13; &#13; To earn boosted points on your credit card, you\u2019ll need to maximize bonus category spending, earn any available welcome bonus and take advantage of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22840,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-22839","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-homes"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - 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