Points are tiny travel batteries. Charge them correctly.

This section will explain which credit card points are useful, where to transfer them, when to use cash instead, and how to avoid turning rewards travel into a cursed math dungeon.

Transferable points usually provide the most flexibility.

A good redemption saves real money on a trip you were already willing to take.

Annual fees only make sense when the benefits are actually used.

Hotel points can be excellent when cash prices are high and award rates are reasonable.