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As a journalist who earned my first credit card sign-up bonus in 2013, I was immediately drawn into the world of points and miles. These rewards allowed me to indulge in free and discounted trips around the world, all while creating priceless memories with my children. However, I recently made the decision to transition from travel credit cards to cash-back cards for my everyday spending.
After being diagnosed with ADHD, I realized that the overwhelming options in rewards programs led to decision paralysis. Constantly strategizing the best way to use my points and miles became a burden, causing me to cancel travel plans to avoid the stress. Switching to cash-back cards has simplified my reward redemption process, allowing me to focus less on maximizing value and more on flexibility.
While travel rewards were once my sole means of exploring the world, my career growth and changing priorities have shifted my focus. By switching to cash-back cards with no annual fees, I’ve saved thousands of dollars previously spent on premium travel cards. I’ve found that cash-back cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Card better suit my current lifestyle and spending habits.
Although travel rewards still hold value for frequent travelers, cash-back cards offer simplicity and flexibility for those looking to streamline their rewards experience. By finding the right mix of cards for my budget and lifestyle, I’ve been able to maximize my everyday spending without the hassle of managing multiple rewards programs.