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Do you want to travel for free? Learn how with our guide below.
Did you know you could be earning rewards on every purchase you make? How much do you get back on your typical credit card? In addition to secure transactions, purchase and fraud protection, you could be earning 6% + on all your purchases. You should decide how far you want to dive in. Do you want to do the basics or dive into the deep end for maximum rewards.
Step 1: Decide if you want to keep it simple and only use 3-5 cards, or play the game and routinely open new cards for maximum welcome bonuses. If your in advanced mode you'll want to map out a plan and keep in mind the 5/24 rule.
If you are just beginning and want to earn maximum cash back and get reward points, I suggest opening these cards. Click the link to be taken to a promotional portal when opening the card.
Chase Freedom Unlimited : No annual fee. This card should be used in conjunction with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The Freedom Unlimited earns points at a higher rate (1.5%), vs 1%, however the redemption options with the Freedom Unlimited are limited. The key move here is to spend on the Freedom Unlimited and transfer points to the Sapphire Unlimited in the Chase Travel portal. Keep in mind this card earns minimal rewards so it should only be used for purchases that don't fit into other categories.
Chase Sapphire Preferred : $95 annual fee. Excellent travel protections for a $95 card, including primary rental car insurance $50 hotel credit will be useful for some folks (although it requires booking through Chase, which will usually negate elite benefits and points earning). Points can be redeemed at 1.25 cents each for travel through the Chase Travel Portal Cons 2x on travel and 3x on dining is ok, but it doesn’t stand out like it used to and there are better earners out there with the same annual fee (or less) Outside of the hotel credit and travel protections, there’s not much in the way of perks. Best used to transfer rewards points to and redeem for travel.
Blue Cash Preferred : $95 annual fee. We all buy groceries, so why not earn cash back while doing it? This card offers an impressive 6% cash back at grocery stores, which can be redeemed as a statement credit—essentially putting money back in your pocket. Not using this card is like leaving money on the table. However, keep in mind that Costco and Walmart do not code as grocery stores, so purchases there won’t earn the 6% reward. With a $95 annual fee, the savings from cash back can quickly offset the cost, especially for frequent shoppers. Plus, the card typically comes with a $150 cash welcome bonus, adding even more value. Just be aware that the 6% cash back is capped at $6,000 in grocery store purchases per year—after that, it drops to 1%, so high spenders may need to consider a second card to maximize rewards.
Bonvoy Business Amex Card : $125 annual fee. If you stay at Marriott hotels more than a few nights per year, this card can easily be worth it. The welcome bonuses are typically generous, often offering over 100,000 points or three premium free night stays, making it a strong value right from the start. The annual benefits more than justify the card’s fee, including Complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status, a 35,000-point Free Night Award each year after renewal, and premium internet access at Marriott properties. Having personally stayed at Marriott hotels for several years, I’ve found the benefits useful, but it’s worth noting that Marriott has been devaluing points recently, which might make me reconsider my loyalty. New users should carefully evaluate their preferred hotel chain before committing to a hotel-branded credit card, as other brands may offer better value depending on travel habits.
Business Gold Card : $395 annual fee. The Amex Business Gold may not be the best fit for everyone, especially given its high spending requirement ($15,000) to earn the welcome bonus. For many, that threshold can be difficult to reach, making the initial bonus less accessible. While the card does offer solid daily-use benefits, such as 4x points on restaurants, gas stations, and shopping, as well as up to $20 in monthly statement credits for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores, its long-term value is questionable. The inclusion of a monthly Walmart+ membership is a nice perk, but for those who don’t maximize these benefits, the card may not justify its cost beyond the first year. That’s why this will likely be a card I close after earning the welcome bonus, as the ongoing benefits don’t provide enough value for my spending habits.
You might think you don't qualify for a business card but you'd be mistaken. Click here to learn how to open a business credit card.
Amex offers numerous transfer partners. Periodically Marriott and other businesses offer transfer bonuses which increase the redemption value.
COSTCO ANYWHERE VISA CARD BY CITI : No annual fee. This guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning the famous Costco card. This is a good all around card for the basic user who wants to get the minimum 1% back all around. This is an excellent card for gas purchases: users earn 5% cash back on gas purchases made at Costco. Previously, cardholders earned 4% cash back at Costco pumps.
You can take this game to the moon if you want. Below are resources I use to stay up to date and get the best deals.
https://www.chrishutchins.com/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/
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