How did you move from cashback to reward points card? Share your story

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

Hi All,

Most credit card users fall into two categories — those who prefer cashback and those who go for reward points or airmiles. Cashback is simple. The benefit is direct and easy to understand. It shows up as a statement credit or wallet balance, and there’s no need to track or plan anything.

Reward points, on the other hand, require some planning. The value of the rewards depends on how you redeem them. Some redemptions offer better value than others, which makes it more complex. While both cashback and reward points have their pros and cons, many people start with cashback because it’s more straightforward.

There is often hesitation in switching to reward points. Reasons include:

• Lack of information
• Fear of complexity
• Difficult redemption processes
• Belief that it’s only useful for frequent travelers

If you're comfortable with your cashback card, there’s no real need to switch. For example, if you have a card like Tata Neu that offers 1.5% base cashback and 5–10% on select categories, you’re already getting decent value. Moving to reward points is optional, not necessary.

Premium cards work differently. They often offer:

• Higher base rewards (like 3% on all spends)
• Points instead of cashback
• The ability to transfer points to hotel or airline partners

These transfers can provide higher value if used smartly. But again, this depends on your usage and travel habits. I’ve mostly used cashback cards like Amazon Pay, Swiggy, and Tata Neu. The rewards go into wallets or as coins, which I use for bookings or bill payments. These are fixed-value rewards and behave more like simple cashback.

Recently, I’ve started earning points on some spends, and I’ve become more interested in understanding how the reward system works. My use is still basic, but I’m exploring how to use points for better value, especially through partner transfers. Learning this hasn’t been simple. Most content online assumes prior knowledge. I had to go through multiple videos, posts, and use tools like ChatGPT to understand the basics. The learning curve is real, especially when you’re starting from scratch.

That’s why I’m starting this thread — to collect experiences from people who have moved from cashback to reward points. If you’ve made that switch, please share:

• What made you switch?
• How did you learn the system?
• Have you used points or miles for any bookings?

This thread is meant for beginners, not experts. Feel free to share your experiences so others can understand how the transition works. I’ll also post updates as I learn more.

 

[RajdeepMaity]

Hi, as someone who has recently started to switch, specially in the last six months, reward points are better if you value experiences and travel frequently. I travel with my partner 4-5 times a year and only this year I was able to have stays at Marriott and ITC using Amex Plat Travel points combined with the HDFC Marriott Bonvoy card free night. Currently I'm spending on Atlas to accumulate reward points which I'm planning to use on a foreign vacation late this year or early next year.
I switched mainly because of Amex points and then started using Atlas after learning about edge miles.
The Great Indian Points and Miles podcast on YouTube is a great start for beginners to learn more about the miles game, I have still not done any airmiles redemption yet so still learning.
Also another tip, you can use Tata Neu card to accumulate a good number of NeuCoins . In one of my trips, I got a 2 day discounted stay at Taj Kumarakom by booking via Tata Neu card (there's 25% offer + 10% infinity card offer on Thursday/Friday ) and then paid the hotel expenses via NeuCoins.

 

[vchouksey80]

I'm a middle class person with middle class mentality so I just prefer conversion to real money or amazon money that's why using rewards card as well as cashback cards, just to be honest I have amex mrcc as my first card from amex and I have almost accumulated 31k points and going to redeem against amazon voucher not transferring to any hotel or air miles,

I judge card based on what charges I'm paying for and what I return in the sense benefit can get it

Like Kiwi, 5% CB very good one on scan and pay and transfer points to bank account,

Tata Infinity, I mostly spend for 1MG and Bigbasket spends, combining with Airtel Axis on Wednesday and RCB match day, almost gives 30% coins

Kotak Super 811, again 5%CB on offline spends, I prefer in hospital and diagnostic center offline swipe

And I have other cards LTF, I use them for instant discount on Amazon, Flipkart etc

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

@RajdeepMaity Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This was exactly the type of response that I was expecting.
Yes, I am also a regular watcher of their shows and it has been really amazing and inspiring.

I am also starting slow. I travel 4-5 times a year with my wife for work related purposes and we book indigo flights on amazon pay with 5% cashback.
Then I retro claim bluchip points in Indigo site later. Now I have around 3k bluchips and I may redeem my first indigo bluchip flight sometime soon.

Next hotel stay, we usually book local hotels from amazon, that too gets 5% cashback. Sometimes we have booked better hotels also. But all of this was on csah. This is my another thread on this hotel and flight stay.

Now coming to Tata Neu, yes it has been a great experience. I started booking Air India express Lite (available only on AIX website) and is cheaper than other options, use Neu coins to redeem some of the flight charges. AIX loyalty program is not bad, take 10 flights and you are in the HighFlyer level, you get better benefits altogether.

Hotels too, I started booking Ginger hotels (budget range) and they are fit for our purpose. Not booked any Taj yet!

But like I told in the original post, I am starting to explore the real points and miles game. I have been exploring the card ecosystems - Axis, Amex and HDFC. I was very hesitant till last few months back to switch. One main reason is I have to change my spending pattern. I need to get into the voucher game.
I need to understand how these multiplier sites work - Traveledge & EdgeRewards for Axis, Smartbuy for HDFC, and Amex Rewareds Multiplier. Still I havent explored them.

I have a salary account with HDFC and that is one reason why I am planning to go with the HDFC ecosystem. I may get a Regalia Gold card, which is a generic card and I can test the waters on Smartbuy and also redemptions. I need to see how I can use it for vouchers.
Amex - I am only hesitant because of its offline acceptance. + They are not issuing any cards now. So that is parked for a while.
I know that Atlas has a lot of restricted categories where we do not get any rewards, and I have not thought about getting into the Axis ecosystem yet.
ICICI is fairly new in the game with iShop, also I do not have an EPM, it is too difficult for me to get that.
I didn't have a good experience with HSBC earlier, so I have parked that also for a while.

But yes, it is overall interesting to get into the game and start, rather than sitting at the shore and watching. Thanks for your response again.

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

I'm a middle class person with middle class mentality so I just prefer conversion to real money or amazon money that's why using rewards card as well as cashback cards,

Lovely, thanks for the inputs. Yes Tata Neu infinity is an amazing card with many benefits. Legent tier + Infinity card can do wonders.
I do not have an Amex card so I haven't experienced anything on the MR points yet.
But yes, staright 5-10% or more cashback as coins in wallet is also good, we can use it for whatever needs we have. I have been in this boat so I understand the feelings. Thanks!

 

[akiratoriyama]

@RajdeepMaity Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This was exactly the type of response that I was expecting.
Yes, I am also a regular watcher of their shows and it has been really amazing and inspiring.

I am also starting slow. I travel 4-5 times a year with my wife for work related purposes and we book indigo flights on amazon pay with 5% cashback.
Then I retro claim bluchip points in Indigo site later. Now I have around 3k bluchips and I may redeem my first indigo bluchip flight sometime soon.

Next hotel stay, we usually book local hotels from amazon, that too gets 5% cashback. Sometimes we have booked better hotels also. But all of this was on csah. This is my another thread on this hotel and flight stay.

Now coming to Tata Neu, yes it has been a great experience. I started booking Air India express Lite (available only on AIX website) and is cheaper than other options, use Neu coins to redeem some of the flight charges. AIX loyalty program is not bad, take 10 flights and you are in the HighFlyer level, you get better benefits altogether.

Hotels too, I started booking Ginger hotels (budget range) and they are fit for our purpose. Not booked any Taj yet!

But like I told in the original post, I am starting to explore the real points and miles game. I have been exploring the card ecosystems - Axis, Amex and HDFC. I was very hesitant till last few months back to switch. One main reason is I have to change my spending pattern. I need to get into the voucher game.
I need to understand how these multiplier sites work - Traveledge & EdgeRewards for Axis, Smartbuy for HDFC, and Amex Rewareds Multiplier. Still I havent explored them.

I have a salary account with HDFC and that is one reason why I am planning to go with the HDFC ecosystem. I may get a Regalia Gold card, which is a generic card and I can test the waters on Smartbuy and also redemptions. I need to see how I can use it for vouchers.
Amex - I am only hesitant because of its offline acceptance. + They are not issuing any cards now. So that is parked for a while.
I know that Atlas has a lot of restricted categories where we do not get any rewards, and I have not thought about getting into the Axis ecosystem yet.
ICICI is fairly new in the game with iShop, also I do not have an EPM, it is too difficult for me to get that.
I didn't have a good experience with HSBC earlier, so I have parked that also for a while.

But yes, it is overall interesting to get into the game and start, rather than sitting at the shore and watching. Thanks for your response again.

Regalia gold is a decent card, esp with smartbuy. Milestone benefits and quarterly benefits up the reward rate a bit too. I've heard from a few people that Accor point transfer is the best option for regalia gold but haven't done it. Hope you can upgrade it to DCB/Infinia at some point.

 

[RajdeepMaity]

@RajdeepMaity Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This was exactly the type of response that I was expecting.
Yes, I am also a regular watcher of their shows and it has been really amazing and inspiring.

I am also starting slow. I travel 4-5 times a year with my wife for work related purposes and we book indigo flights on amazon pay with 5% cashback.
Then I retro claim bluchip points in Indigo site later. Now I have around 3k bluchips and I may redeem my first indigo bluchip flight sometime soon.

Next hotel stay, we usually book local hotels from amazon, that too gets 5% cashback. Sometimes we have booked better hotels also. But all of this was on csah. This is my another thread on this hotel and flight stay.

Now coming to Tata Neu, yes it has been a great experience. I started booking Air India express Lite (available only on AIX website) and is cheaper than other options, use Neu coins to redeem some of the flight charges. AIX loyalty program is not bad, take 10 flights and you are in the HighFlyer level, you get better benefits altogether.

Hotels too, I started booking Ginger hotels (budget range) and they are fit for our purpose. Not booked any Taj yet!

But like I told in the original post, I am starting to explore the real points and miles game. I have been exploring the card ecosystems - Axis, Amex and HDFC. I was very hesitant till last few months back to switch. One main reason is I have to change my spending pattern. I need to get into the voucher game.
I need to understand how these multiplier sites work - Traveledge & EdgeRewards for Axis, Smartbuy for HDFC, and Amex Rewareds Multiplier. Still I havent explored them.

I have a salary account with HDFC and that is one reason why I am planning to go with the HDFC ecosystem. I may get a Regalia Gold card, which is a generic card and I can test the waters on Smartbuy and also redemptions. I need to see how I can use it for vouchers.
Amex - I am only hesitant because of its offline acceptance. + They are not issuing any cards now. So that is parked for a while.
I know that Atlas has a lot of restricted categories where we do not get any rewards, and I have not thought about getting into the Axis ecosystem yet.
ICICI is fairly new in the game with iShop, also I do not have an EPM, it is too difficult for me to get that.
I didn't have a good experience with HSBC earlier, so I have parked that also for a while.

But yes, it is overall interesting to get into the game and start, rather than sitting at the shore and watching. Thanks for your response again.

I recently used Air India Express because they had direct flights to my destination and had a horrible experience. Both my direct flights were changed to 1 stop flights and the departure flight was even delayed by 3hrs the same morning. So even though I got a good deal not sure if I'm going to book them again.
Indigo Bluechips I'm also using same way, also linked with Swiggy and Eazydiner, hoping for redemption soon.
I have Regalia Gold LTF upgraded from Regalia LTF, it's a good card. Specially if you can reach 1.5L quarterly milestone and 4L milestone yearly.
For Amex, I use gold charge and MRCC for apay vouchers. MRCC / Plat travel for mobikwik wallet load for UPI spends and rest Plat Travel for restricted categories or transactions where I don't trust the merchant.

 

[AllThatStuff]

DEFINITELY following this !!

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

I recently used Air India Express because they had direct flights to my destination and had a horrible experience. Both my direct flights were changed to 1 stop flights and the departure flight was even delayed by 3hrs the same morning. So even though I got a good deal not sure if I'm going to book them again.
Indigo Bluechips I'm also using same way, also linked with Swiggy and Eazydiner, hoping for redemption soon.
I have Regalia Gold LTF upgraded from Regalia LTF, it's a good card. Specially if you can reach 1.5L quarterly milestone and 4L milestone yearly.
For Amex, I use gold charge and MRCC for apay vouchers. MRCC / Plat travel for mobikwik wallet load for UPI spends and rest Plat Travel for restricted categories or transactions where I don't trust the merchant.

Sad for the Air India express fiasco. yes sometimes they are reallu unreliable.
I like your Amex + Mariott Bonvoy plan. That is something that I am also thinking of doing.
Step 1 - HDFC Mariott Bonvoy, I shall get it anytime. Just for the joining bous + silver status, it is nice.
Step 2 - Amex - when they start issuing new cards I will get it.

(Out of curiosity I even installed the Bonvoy app and found that a Le Meridian hotel near me, I can book for some 17k points for 2 nights)

I have some dumb questions on Mariott booking though. Please can you help to answer:
1. Can we use Mariott points to pay for food as well, or is it only the room charges that is covered using points?
2. Can we book any type of room, or is it restricted to some particular room type?
3. Can we book Mariott hotels from our account for other family members even when we are not the primary guest? (If we are not staying with them)
4. In some videos I have seen if you book 4 nights, 5th night is free. Is it applicable for all hotels, or some specific hotels or brands?

Thanks in advance and have more happy redemption stories to share!

 

[Hemang]

Sad for the Air India express fiasco. yes sometimes they are reallu unreliable.
I like your Amex + Mariott Bonvoy plan. That is something that I am also thinking of doing.
Step 1 - HDFC Mariott Bonvoy, I shall get it anytime. Just for the joining bous + silver status, it is nice.
Step 2 - Amex - when they start issuing new cards I will get it.

(Out of curiosity I even installed the Bonvoy app and found that a Le Meridian hotel near me, I can book for some 17k points for 2 nights)

I have some dumb questions on Mariott booking though. Please can you help to answer:
1. Can we use Mariott points to pay for food as well, or is it only the room charges that is covered using points?
2. Can we book any type of room, or is it restricted to some particular room type?
3. Can we book Mariott hotels from our account for other family members even when we are not the primary guest? (If we are not staying with them)
4. In some videos I have seen if you book 4 nights, 5th night is free. Is it applicable for all hotels, or some specific hotels or brands?

Thanks in advance and have more happy redemption stories to share!

I am too in your stage bhai, have regalia gold card, will change our course from cashback to rewards definitely if it is more suitable to our use and more rewarding of course.
And from quite some time i am trying to consolidate the number of cards so that it gets easier to manage and comfy.

 

[RajdeepMaity]

Sad for the Air India express fiasco. yes sometimes they are reallu unreliable.
I like your Amex + Mariott Bonvoy plan. That is something that I am also thinking of doing.
Step 1 - HDFC Mariott Bonvoy, I shall get it anytime. Just for the joining bous + silver status, it is nice.
Step 2 - Amex - when they start issuing new cards I will get it.

(Out of curiosity I even installed the Bonvoy app and found that a Le Meridian hotel near me, I can book for some 17k points for 2 nights)

I have some dumb questions on Mariott booking though. Please can you help to answer:
1. Can we use Mariott points to pay for food as well, or is it only the room charges that is covered using points?
2. Can we book any type of room, or is it restricted to some particular room type?
3. Can we book Mariott hotels from our account for other family members even when we are not the primary guest? (If we are not staying with them)
4. In some videos I have seen if you book 4 nights, 5th night is free. Is it applicable for all hotels, or some specific hotels or brands?

Thanks in advance and have more happy redemption stories to share!

Yes Amex + HDFC MB card is the easiest way to get into Marriott game. Now for your questions :
1. You can pay for food using points but that's not good value, around 0.25 value per point. It's better to dine in the restaurant and pay via Swiggy / Zomato / Eazydiner or HSBC Live+ card. Later is what I did in Le Méridien Kochi for 3 meals and saved around 4/5k.
2. You can normally book some types of rooms starting from base category using points but not all. You can also ask for upgrade quoting your elite status or special occasion. They may oblige or not. I have got upgrades couple of times and also complimentary breakfast.
3. You can book Marriott hotels for other family members via gifting a stay.
4. Yes, in all Marriott properties if you book 4 consecutive nights, 5th night is free.

 

[Stephen25]

Am Also interested to move from Cashback to Miles game Bro.... Btw dunno where to start and how to through..
First have to get Amex card once they started to issue..

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

Regalia gold is a decent card, esp with smartbuy. Milestone benefits and quarterly benefits up the reward rate a bit too. I've heard from a few people that Accor point transfer is the best option for regalia gold but haven't done it. Hope you can upgrade it to DCB/Infinia at some point.

Yes bro. Even I've heard similar things about Regalia Gold. First I need to get hold of it.

Also it looks like there are redemption charges (99+GST) on smartbuy, but I still think those 5x or 10x are not bad. I haven't used it earlier so I need to get a hang of it. Getting the first experience, taking the first plunge is the most difficult step I think. Once we get started it will keep going. Cashback to reward points is a steep step to cross.