PointAlchemy Blog
Point valuation updates, strategy insights, and credit card news.
Is the Amex Platinum Worth It in 2026? A Brutally Honest Break-Even Analysis
The Amex Platinum comes with $1,629 in credits against an $895 annual fee — but most people use less than half of them. Here is a realistic look at who should get it, who should cancel it, and why the card is overrated for most people.
February 20, 202611 min read
amex-platinum
annual-fee
break-even
lounge-access
membership-rewards
centurion-lounge
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.
February 8, 20268 min read
dining
amex-gold
chase-sapphire
bilt
restaurants
membership-rewards
ultimate-rewards
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.
February 5, 20269 min read
groceries
amex-gold
citi-custom-cash
chase-freedom-flex
cash-back
membership-rewards