Airline miles vs. cash back. Which is better?

Cash back credit cards can actually be the best airline credit cards. This might seem strange, but cash has some obvious virtues. For example, it can’t be devalued and can be redeemed for anything. Neither can be said of airline miles.

This is especially important for people who don’t fly or use their credit cards very often. Just think: If you aren't a heavy credit card spender, it might take a couple of years to get enough miles for a free flight. By that time, your travel interests, financial situation, or even the airline’s rewards program may have changed. And all the miles you’ve saved could prove far less valuable as a result.

With all of that being said, here's a quick overview of how airline credit cards and cash back credit cards currently compare: