Key takeaways. Cash back credit cards are generally the better choice if you want to earn simple rewards on your regular purchases. A points or miles card may be a better option if you travel often or want to start earning travel rewards on your purchases.

In 2026, the choice between airmiles and cashback depends entirely on your spending habits and travel goals. Cashback is generally better for the average consumer because of its simplicity and flexibility; it offers a fixed value (usually 1.5% to 2%) that can be used for anything from groceries to utility bills. However, airmiles (or travel points) can be significantly more valuable—often reaching a "cents-per-point" value of 2.0 or higher—if you frequently book premium cabins (Business or First Class) or stay at luxury hotels. For someone who only flies Economy once a year, the effort to track and redeem miles often results in a lower return than straightforward cash. But for "travel hackers" who maximize transfer partners and high-value redemptions, airmiles remain the undisputed king of luxury travel rewards, providing experiences that cash alone rarely makes affordable.