PointAlchemy Blog
Point valuation updates, strategy insights, and credit card news.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth It in 2026?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve costs $495 after credits but beats the Preferred only if you spend at least $6,200 in the travel portal annually. Here's who should actually get it.
The Best Credit Cards for Travel in 2026
From the $895 Amex Platinum to the $95 Citi Strata Premier, here is how to match the right travel card to your actual travel style — with real fee math, lounge access comparisons, and break-even analysis.
The Best Credit Cards for Dining Out in 2026
The Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire cards all claim to be top dining cards — but when you run the actual numbers, the differences are more nuanced than the marketing suggests.
The Best Credit Cards for Groceries in 2026
From the Amex Gold's 4x Membership Rewards to the no-fee Citi Custom Cash, here's exactly which grocery card makes sense at every spend level — and why the earning caps matter more than you think.
How Credit Card Transfer Partners Work: The Complete Explainer
Transfer partners are the reason flexible points currencies are worth 2-3x more than cash back. Here's exactly how they work, when to use them, and why ratios matter more than you think.
Understanding Cents Per Point: The Single Most Important Metric
Cents per point (CPP) is the one number that tells you whether a redemption is brilliant or terrible. Here's how to calculate it, why it varies so wildly, and the three-tier framework that makes sense of it all.
Cash Back vs Points vs Miles: Understanding the Three Reward Types
Cash back gives you certainty. Points give you flexibility. Miles give you the highest ceiling. Here's how the three reward types actually compare — with real numbers.
Credit Card Rewards Explained: A No-Jargon Starter Guide
Credit card rewards aren't complicated — they're just poorly explained. Here's a plain-English breakdown of how rewards work, the three types that exist, and how to start getting more from cards you already have.