PointAlchemy Blog
Point valuation updates, strategy insights, and credit card news.
Earning Caps Explained: What Happens When Your Bonus Category Runs Out
Most credit card bonus categories have spending caps that drop your earning rate to 1x after a threshold. Here's the math on how caps affect the Amex Gold, Citi Custom Cash, Freedom Flex, and more — and why families should pay extra attention.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold: The Ultimate Showdown
Both cards are the most popular mid-tier travel cards on the market, but they're built for different spenders. Here's the math at three different spending profiles.
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.