There are apps that will tell you which credit cards offer the biggest return on different types of spending, but there is a degree of personal preference involved so I like to make that determination for myself – for example: I value Chase points more than Citi points so if the rewards rate is the same, I’ll choose to use a Chase card.
I’ve opened dozens of credit cards over the years and we’ve been traveling the world on those welcome bonuses for well over a decade. There are a handful of cards that I keep long-term because we value the benefits or the strong rewards earning rates.
Between my husband and I we currently have over 30 credit cards – we certainly don’t carry that many around with us and most of those are tucked away collecting dust.
So which card do I use when?
If I’m meeting the spend requirement on a new card, that’s usually the card I put everything on until that spend is met and the bonus is earned. If we don’t have a new card OR we can meet the spend requirement WHILE maximizing the rewards we earn on specific categories I will use whichever card gives us the highest return for that specific purchase.
NOTE: I am passionate about maximizing the rewards we earn on just living our life and we have been opening credit cards since 2012 so my list of cards may look VERY DIFFERENT from your list of cards and that’s okay.
Your points and miles journey can be as simple (or advanced) as you want it to be!
Holly @onpointwithholly is part of an affiliate network and may receive commission when you support her efforts to continue to provide FREE content, resources and guidance. Send me a DM if I can help you along your credit card journey! Thanks for your support!
I offer FREE credit card consultations if you’d like help choosing the best card for YOU!
TOP CHOICE: Amex Gold (4x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Freedom Flex (5x points historically during Q1)
RUNNER-UP: Capital One Savor (3x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Sapphire (3x points online or possibly using app QR code in store)
RUNNER-UP: Citi Strata Premier (3x points)
TOP CHOICE: Amex Gold Personal or Biz (4x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred (3x points)
RUNNER-UP: Bilt (3x points, 6x points on the 1st of each month)
TOP CHOICE: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (2x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Ink Business Unlimited (1.5x points)
TOP CHOICE: Amex Gold Business (4x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Freedom Flex (5x points historically during Q3)
RUNNER-UP: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (2x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Ink Business Cash (2x points)
RUNNER-UP: Costco Visa (5% cash back at Costco only, 4% all other gas stations) – I don’t recommend this card unless you have it already. Earning flexible points is more advantageous.
Be sure you pay with a card that includes travel insurance!
TOP CHOICE: Chase Sapphire Reserve* (1-8x points) or Chase Ink Business Preferred (3x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x points)
RUNNER-UP: Capital One Venture X (2x points)
* Cardholders that applied for the Chase Sapphire Reserve before July 2025 will continue to receive 3x points on ALL travel until October 26, 2025. The new earnings rates are:
- 8x points for travel booked through Chase Travel
- 4x points for flights booked directly with the airline
- 4x points for hotels booked directly
- 1x points on all other travel (cruises, vacation rentals, transit, etc…)
Be sure you pay with a card that includes cell phone insurance!
TOP CHOICE: Amex Gold Business (4x points) or Amex Platinum Business ($10 monthly credit, 1x point)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Ink Business Preferred (3x points)
RUNNER-UP: Capital One Venture X (2x points)
More info on ensuring you are covered with cell phone protection can be found HERE
Check portals and/or Rakuten for additional rewards
TOP CHOICE: Chase Freedom Flex (5x points on Amazon historically during Q2 and 5x points when paid via PayPal historically during Q4)
RUNNER-UP: Capital One Venture or Venture X (2x points)
If you don’t have Rakuten you can earn $30 or 3,000 points through my referral link
TOP CHOICE: Capital One Venture or Venture X (2x points)
RUNNER-UP: Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Ink Business Unlimited (1.5x points)
Send me a DM if you’d like more information on any of these cards!
leave a comment
Disclaimer: The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.