Makes a lot of sense. There’s also an added value in the feeling of saving money on travel. When you get free (or partially comped) flights it makes travel feel even better.

I agree, the best value is in travel rewards. But if you aren’t going to use those rewards then it makes sense to stick to cash back.

I agree. If you really want maximum value, travel is where you’ll get that. But if you can’t fit it into your schedule and you don’t end up using the points all that extra effort really isn’t worth it.

Very true! There has definitely been cards like the United card that I’ve renewed not just once, but twice because I haven’t used all the rewards within a year. It works out as I shift all our Chase Points to the United rewards program, but not having a plan for travel credit cards can be costly over time.

I think this is true as well. I only have a cash rewards card right now, but it seems to me that my friends who have travel rewards cards never have to pay for their flights. Like, ever.
However, with 2 toddler boys, we don’t travel much right now, so the value of the travel rewards is lower for us.
Hopefully that will change in the future!