The RewardsMaxing Blog
Expert strategies, card reviews, and data-backed guides to help you earn more points, miles, and cashback on every dollar you spend.
Best Way to Use Capital One Miles for Travel in 2026
Capital One miles give you two paths: redeem at 1 cent each against any travel charge, or transfer to airline partners for significantly higher value. Here is how to get the most from both.
Best Way to Use Amex Membership Rewards Points
American Express Membership Rewards points are worth 1.0 cent through the Amex Travel portal — and 2–10 times more through the right airline transfer. Here's how to close that gap.
How to Maximize a Credit Card Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus is the fastest way to earn a large number of points or miles at once. Here's how to hit the spending requirement reliably — and make the most of what you earn.
Can You Pay Taxes to Earn Credit Card Rewards?
The IRS accepts credit cards through two processors — both charge a fee. Whether paying taxes with a card is worth it depends almost entirely on what you're trying to accomplish.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards Beginners in 2026
Starting with travel rewards doesn't require a complicated setup. Here's how the most beginner-friendly cards compare — and how to pick the right first one.
Best Credit Cards for Earning Points on Dining in 2026
Dining is one of the easiest categories to earn outsized rewards. The right card can turn restaurant spending into flights, hotel stays, or straight cash — depending on what you want.
Best Credit Cards for Earning Points on Groceries in 2026
Groceries are one of the highest-spend categories in most households. The right card can turn that routine spending into hundreds of dollars in rewards every year.
How to Use Rent to Hit a Credit Card Welcome Bonus
Rent is one of your largest monthly expenses. Here's how to put it to work toward a credit card welcome bonus — and when it makes sense to do so.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Worth It in 2026?
The $95 annual fee is offset by a $50 hotel credit and a points program that can deliver far more than cash back — if you use it right.
Chase Transfer Partners Explained in 2026
Every Chase transfer partner, the portal-versus-transfer decision for flights, and the sweet spots where points return 3-10x their portal value — the full Ultimate Rewards reference.
Best Credit Card Combo Strategy in 2026
One card is rarely enough to maximize what you earn. Here is how to build a two- or three-card setup that covers every dollar at the highest possible rate.
How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards in 2026
The gap between average and optimized credit card rewards can be thousands of dollars per year. Here is how to close it.