Basics 2 minUpdated June 2026
Cash back vs travel: which wins?
Both are valid. The right choice depends on how much effort you want to put in.
Cash back: simple and flexible
Cash back is predictable — roughly 1 cent per point, no strings attached. It's the right choice if you value simplicity, don't travel much, or want maximum flexibility.
Travel: more value, more effort
Redeeming for travel — especially via transfer partners — can push your value to 1.5–2+ cents per point. The trade-off is more research and less flexibility.
Who should pick what
If you'd rather not think about it, earn cash back and move on. If you travel a few times a year and enjoy optimizing, travel redemptions can be worth 50–100% more.
Takeaway
No wrong answer: choose cash back for simplicity, travel for maximum value. Many people do both.