10 Credit Card Lessons I Learned in 2025 (and What's Next for 2026!)

Hey friends, what's up? Phillip here with Points of Phillip, and today I'm going to dive into the 10 invaluable lessons I learned about credit cards, points, and miles throughout 2025. Before we get into it, make sure you hit that like and subscribe button!

Now that's out of the way, let's jump into the first lesson that's really shaped my strategy this year.

Lesson 1: Lounge Access Actually Matters More Than I Thought

For those who don't know, I'm currently rocking the Venture X, several Platinum cards, and the Ritz Carlton credit card. This means I've got access to all the major bank lounge programs: Capital One, Centurion, and Chase Sapphire lounges. Plus, with my Platinum card, I can hit up Delta Sky Clubs and, of course, Priority Pass (which I often use via Chase for those awesome Express Spas, massage "thingies," and Minute Suites).

What I've really learned is that even if it's just for a coffee, a bagel, or a can of soda for the plane, having lounge access truly elevates the airport experience. In Orlando, we've got a Sky Club, a couple of Priority Pass lounges, and a fantastic-looking new lounge in Terminal C. I've been to the Centurion Lounge six times this year and a Sapphire Lounge once already!

It's not just about escaping the crowds (though that "elitist" feeling is nice!). It's about having a place to decompress, get some work done (the Centurion Lounge's fast internet is a game-changer for travel days), and even grab some quality food and drinks. Lounge access will absolutely remain a priority for me in 2026, and I plan to keep at least one bank lounge access card.

Lesson 2: Speculative Transfers Can Be a Good Thing

I made two speculative transfers this year, and they paid off big time! One was to Virgin, snagging a 40% bonus. The other was a 300,000 AMEX point transfer to Hawaiian Airlines (now closed off) which then transferred to Alaska Airlines, becoming Atmos points.

These Atmos points have been incredible. My wife and I discovered we can get first-class seats on American Airlines from Orlando to DC or New York for just 15,000 points! Economy seats are even cheaper at 6-7,000 points. Having 160,000-170,000 Atmos points in reserve to potentially get us home from our Scotland trip is a huge relief.

Virgin points are also great to hold. I use them for Delta flights when it works with my schedule, or for Virgin hotel stays (around 50-60k points/night). Since my wife and I fly Delta frequently, these points always find a purpose.

Lesson 3: Imperfect Redemptions Are Okay (The Big Picture Matters)

Picture this: last February, my wife and I decided on a whim to book a spring break trip to England and Paris. I quickly booked premium economy with Virgin from Atlanta to London Heathrow, even using an AMEX offer to offset some taxes.

But after the redemption, I realized two things: I missed a Capital One offer for 2x points, and my wife wanted to arrive a day earlier for Sunday Roast in London. It cost an extra 10,000 points to change, but because it was within 24 hours, no fees!

The lesson? There will always be something you could have done "better" with a redemption. Someone online will always point out a more optimal path. But the important thing is you used your points for travel, you made the trip happen, and it's going to be great. Don't let the pressure of perfection overshadow the joy of the experience.

Lesson 4: Credits Are Frustrating, But Hugely Beneficial (If Used Right)

Credits are a double-edged sword. I recently got the Business Platinum card because I knew a significant expense was coming in January, and I wanted to hit that signup bonus. By getting it a few weeks earlier in December, I realized I could double-dip on calendar year credits – getting almost $650 in value immediately (FHR, studio light, United Travel Bank) and another $650 come January. All for an $895 annual fee that essentially pays for itself.

However, credits can also be a burden. My Delta Business Gold card has a $150 Delta Stays credit. I used it for a Hyatt stay in Greenville, saving about 5,000 Hyatt points. But I had to book through a third-party portal, meaning I couldn't add my Hyatt loyalty number or track the stay. It was a hassle that makes me question keeping the card after the annual fee hits.

Gift Card Fatigue is Real! I've always believed that if I have to go out of my way or buy gift cards to make a credit "make sense," then the card isn't for me. That's why I avoid cards like the Delta Platinum or Reserve; I'm not doing a Resy restaurant or rideshare every month just to save $10. My Platinum card's Resy credit works because I can use it once a quarter for a meal I'd already have. But for something like the Hilton Aspire's $200 Hilton Resort credit (every six months), if you don't live near a resort, the "internet workarounds" (like buying Starbucks gift cards at a specific Hilton) are just too much stress. If using a credit causes stress, it's not worth it.

Lesson 5: You Can Use Other Options for Stays Sometimes (Don't Be Brand Loyal!)

This summer, my wife and I took a trip to DC and then Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our planned Hampton Inn in Hershey was abysmal, so we walked out. It was too late for a good points deal at a nearby Marriott.

Instead, my wife found an amazing Airbnb nearby – a full house with a hot tub and a fantastic kitchen. It offered space for video recording and was just a truly solid experience. Taking a step back from the traditional hotel model and exploring options like Airbnbs (especially as my family grows) will be a key part of my strategy in 2026.

Also, don't be blindly loyal to one hotel brand. Different brands are stronger in different locations. In Atlanta, for instance, Hilton properties in Perimeter Center are older, while Marriott offers newer options. If I were only loyal to Hilton, I'd be settling for a subpar experience. An open mind ensures you get the best stay for your needs and location.

Lesson 6: Get In While You Can (Opportunities Don't Last Forever)

I've successfully leveraged some incredible opportunities this year. My wife and I snagged the Chase Sapphire Preferred with its all-time high 100,000-point offer. Those points went a long way, including booking our Wild Dunes trip for next Labor Day weekend.

Then there was the "Mesa" credit card, which spectacularly failed (in a good way for me!). I got almost 150,000 points with no annual fee, covered my Costco membership, and got various Lowe's credits. I transferred 126,000 points out, saving thousands on a trip. It didn't even hit my credit report!

We also jumped on the Venture X's 100,000-point offer. The lesson here is clear: if there's a great signup bonus or a card that perfectly fits your lifestyle, get it! Things in the credit card world tend to get worse, not better. Seize the value while it exists, and sometimes, it's best not to talk about those "exploits" too loudly, or they disappear!

Lesson 7: Hotel Cards Can Really Be Worth It

Hotel credit cards can make a massive difference. Our Hilton Aspire card gives us Hilton Diamond status, which has saved us hundreds of dollars in free breakfast and upgrades. It's an insanely good card for us.

Similarly, the Ritz Carlton card provides Marriott Gold status. While it doesn't offer free food, it got us early check-in (at a hotel that normally charges!) and late checkout, which perfectly aligned with our travel schedules. Access to a little bit higher status through credit cards is genuinely nice.

Airline cards are no different – free checked bags, upgraded boarding, and sometimes even upgraded check-in. These real-world benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Lesson 8: Special Hotel Programs Elevate the Experience

I've made several bookings through Amex's Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR), and they've been game-changers. Getting a free resort credit, free parking, and free breakfast at places like the Conrad in Fort Lauderdale, the Canopy in West Palm Beach and Paris, and the Conrad in London made those stays intensely better.

These credits remove the typical worries of ordering room service or using the spa. A $100 credit toward a massage for my wife makes a huge difference. These programs make luxury experiences more seamless and accessible, making the trip feel a lot more worth it.

Lesson 9: Every Credit Card Needs a Purpose Beyond the Signup Bonus

I've been quite prolific with applications, and I've learned that some cards lose their luster after the initial signup bonus. Take the Amtrak Preferred Mastercard: I got it for the 40,000-point bonus, which is great for Acela trips between DC and New York. But after that, it just sits there. I don't need to continuously earn Amtrak points because I live in Orlando, and Amtrak trips from here are long and expensive. There's no long-term spending purpose for me.

The same goes for the Venmo card I got two years ago. The $250 signup bonus was fantastic, but I have other cards that earn better in most categories.

Moving forward, I'm being more intentional. While checking account bonuses are great, if the associated credit cards don't offer a path beyond the initial bonus (like ongoing high earning rates or valuable perks), I'm passing on them. A card like the Venture X, with its 2x earning on everything and Capital One lounge access, has that clear long-term purpose.

Lesson 10: Manage Bonuses with Your Actual Spending (Don't Overextend!)

My wife and I have earned a lot of points this year: 200k Chase, 95k Delta, 90k American Airlines, 1.2M AMEX, and 150k Venture One miles. But there were a couple of times where we got a little crazy with the budget.

The Business Gold card required $15,000 in spend over three months. We hit it with normal spending (thanks to our March Europe trip!), but we did take advantage of the 0% APR balance and didn't pay it off until the last minute. We stretched ourselves thin for that bonus, though fortunately, a bonus from my wife covered it in time.

The "Mesa" card also required $10,000 in 3 months. We earned the 50,000 points, but it pushed us closer to the edge than we'd have liked that month. The big takeaway is crucial: always manage your bonuses with your actual spending. Don't overspend just to hit a bonus; it negates the value.

Bonus Lesson: This Community is Amazing!

Finally, a bonus lesson that really stands out: this credit card community is truly amazing. I've met incredible people who I now count as friends. Everyone – viewers, commenters, and people in the Discords – has been supportive and fantastic. Thank you for being a part of this community and for allowing me to be a part of it. It's been an incredible year, and I can't wait to see what 2026 brings!

Those are my biggest lessons from 2025. What did you learn this year? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks so much for watching, I truly appreciate you, and I look forward to seeing you next year. Have a great year and a Happy New Year! Bye!