Is Pursuing Points and Miles Still Worth It in 2026?

When I first started in the points and miles world, my goal was simple. I just wanted to travel once a year as close to free as possible.

That’s it.

I wasn’t trying to fly first class around the world or stay in five-star hotels. I just wanted to see more, experience more, and do it without blowing up our budget.

If you’re new to this space, I want to say this clearly right up front.. yes, points and miles are worth it.
But no, it’s not “free.”
And no, it’s not effortless.

It’s as simple or as complex as you decide to make it.

You can remain at a very basic level. You’ll still get great value. Alternatively, you can go deeper like many of us who live in this space. We enjoy optimizing every detail. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

---

Where It All Started

It took me a full year of research before I ever opened my first travel credit card. Yup, it’s true. A FULL YEAR!

My first redemption?
A Marriott hotel in downtown St. Louis while dropping our middle son off at college. Booked in the portal. 

I remember standing in that hotel room thinking, “How did I just pay $0 for this?”

That moment changed everything.

Not long after, I booked flights and hotels for what was supposed to be our 20th anniversary trip.. a cruise that had been postponed for two years. 

That’s when it really clicked for me that this hobby could genuinely change how we travel.

---

Fast Forward a Few Years

I’ve now been in this space for about 4.5 years.

In that time:

• We’ve taken over 20 trips just in the last two years alone
• Visited both coasts within days of each other
• Traveled to the Caribbean
• Gone to Europe
• And have Japan planned next

In our first year, I estimated we redeemed about $12,500 in travel.
The next year, closer to $18,000.
And in 2025 alone, we redeemed over $57,000 in travel.

That still blows my mind.

---

But Let’s Be Honest About the Cost

There is an opportunity cost to this hobby.

You have to:

• Stay organized
• Learn the rules
• Pay attention to changes
• Track cards, benefits, and deadlines
• AND there are the annual fees

It takes time. And yes, sometimes it can feel overwhelming.

But for me, travel has always been the thing I wanted more of in life. I just didn’t know how to afford it responsibly until I found points and miles.

And honestly?
Learning this has been worth every minute.

---

Are You Financially Ready for Points & Miles?

Before 2021, I hadn’t touched a credit card in years.

I had poor financial habits in my 20s and 30s. I’ll be honest, both my husband and myself came from extremely financially illiterate parents. It took me until my early 40s to learn literacy around finances and retirement. to rebuild confidence and discipline. By the time I applied for my first travel card at 47, I finally felt ready.

I started slow:

• One card
• Paid it off every month
• Kept utilization low

Now I hold 18 cards currently and will be canceling or downgrading a few in 2026. The key?
Never carrying a balance. Never spending more then what I could pay off.

That part matters more than anything else!!

---

My Honest Advice

If you’re just starting out and feeling overwhelmed.. that’s normal.
If you’re confused by conflicting advice.. I’ve been there.
If you’re worried about messing it up.. we all do at first.

Take your time.
Learn at your own pace.
Ask questions.
Ignore the hype.

This hobby isn’t about copying what someone else does. It’s about finding what works for you.

For me, points and miles have been life-changing. Not because of luxury.. but because of access, experiences, and memories I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

And if travel is something you love?
This world might just change yours too.

💳 Support My Work

If my blog has helped you navigate this crazy fun world of points and miles, I’d love your support! 

But please, always double-check that you’re getting the best available welcome offer. If you do choose to use one of my links, thank you! It helps me keep creating free, transparent travel content for this community.

Ready for more?
👉 Check out all my points and miles posts [here] for more tips on maximizing your travel rewards.

---

You can also follow me on any of my socials for real-life strategies. Feel free to DM me. I’m here to help! 

Instagram, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, Facebook, Private Facebook Group

Heads up: this post includes a few referral links. Using them doesn’t cost you anything extra. It helps support my research. This allows me to keep creating points and miles content for free. Thank you if you do!