NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast Points and Miles vs Cash Back: Pick a Credit Card That Matches Your Spending
Learn how to choose your next credit card by weighing airline perks, annual fees, and simple cash back rewards.
How do you choose a credit card when the options feel endless? Should a family of four choose an airline credit card or a more flexible rewards card? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss travel rewards and everyday rewards to help you understand how to match a card to your real spending habits. Joined by credit card Nerd Sara Rathner, they discuss how co-branded airline cards differ from general travel cards, why store cards can be risky if you carry a balance, and how cash back cards can reward everyday spending like groceries and dining. They also discuss budgeting for annual fees, reevaluating cards at renewal time, tracking a sign-up bonus spending deadline without overspending, and what can happen to your credit score if you cancel or downgrade a card.
Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:
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Chase Sapphire Reserve Review: A High-End, High-Maintenance Card
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American Express Platinum Review: Top-Notch Lounge Access, Big Credits
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AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Review: Rewarding, for no annual fee
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To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.
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