I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[hsmamato2]

So another thread on the dis got me thinking.....

There are probably many of us on here (or lurking) that don't churn but do take advantage of CC's for the purpose of travel (or other perks). Maybe we can share our "non-churning strategy."

Here is mine:
DH and I have a total of 5 cards that we use. (We have a few others in the sock drawer.)
AMEX everyday - no AF - earn MRs - I use this card for groceries when there is not a better offer on another card and all small purchases to meet the 20 transactions bonus. It is my oldest card. I don't even think there was a SUB when I got it.
Discover IT - no AF - cash back - I use this card for the 5 rotating categories.
CSP - $95 AF (covered with Discover IT cashback) - this is my only AF card. I keep it to transfer to travel partners. I transfer all my other UR points from other cards to here each month. This was my first "travel" card.
CFU - no AF - This is the only card DH keeps in his wallet (more on that below). I use this whenever there is not a better bonus on one of the other cards.
CFF - no AF - I use this card for the bonus categories and the 5 rotating categories.

I value URs above MRs and cash back so tend to use the Chase cards before Amex. And I use Amex before DiscoverIT.

I put all organic spend on the cards. DH does not. He likes his debit card. It used to bother me, but I have come to terms with this and it is OK. He uses the CFU for online purchases and large (big ticket) items. I do use CC to pay any household bills that allow CCs.

We pay all cards off weekly. We never carry a balance or pay any fees or interest.

We exclusively use all points and cash back for travel related expenses and pay very little/nothing OOP when we travel (one-two vacations a year). I have also been able to fly my son to and from college and only pay the 5.60 fee.

We don't MS or churn. We are not looking to add any CCs anytime soon.

I am sure there are other non-churning strategies that work. This one works for us.

I like this post! Here's us....
I'm not a churner either. I do like to take advantage of deals however....and travel is my favorite thing to do (in a normal year) but I have to do it cheap to do what I want so...credit cards! Unless I'm working on MSR,I keep a basic set of cards in my wallet (marked with sharpie for categories)
Freedom Unlimited is great for all non category purchases at 1.5x UR
Freedom for the 5x categories
Flex for those 5x categories (I prefer flex to basic freedom when they overlap)
CSR for certain things like restaurant or PYB purchases
CiC fo when I stop at Staples for something
Discover when the category is something I'd use like warehouse etc for cashback.
At this moment no Amex in the wallet,bc I prefer the UR and I have no new cards this year except the Flex.
I'm coming to value cashback =UR right now bc I'm not traveling.
P2 just carries the FU for the 1.5x bc that's how he rolls.

 

[Limes96]

So another thread on the dis got me thinking.....

There are probably many of us on here (or lurking) that don't churn but do take advantage of CC's for the purpose of travel (or other perks). Maybe we can share our "non-churning strategy."

Here is mine:
DH and I have a total of 5 cards that we use. (We have a few others in the sock drawer.)
AMEX everyday - no AF - earn MRs - I use this card for groceries when there is not a better offer on another card and all small purchases to meet the 20 transactions bonus. It is my oldest card. I don't even think there was a SUB when I got it.
Discover IT - no AF - cash back - I use this card for the 5 rotating categories.
CSP - $95 AF (covered with Discover IT cashback) - this is my only AF card. I keep it to transfer to travel partners. I transfer all my other UR points from other cards to here each month. This was my first "travel" card.
CFU - no AF - This is the only card DH keeps in his wallet (more on that below). I use this whenever there is not a better bonus on one of the other cards.
CFF - no AF - I use this card for the bonus categories and the 5 rotating categories.

I value URs above MRs and cash back so tend to use the Chase cards before Amex. And I use Amex before DiscoverIT.

I put all organic spend on the cards. DH does not. He likes his debit card. It used to bother me, but I have come to terms with this and it is OK. He uses the CFU for online purchases and large (big ticket) items. I do use CC to pay any household bills that allow CCs.

We pay all cards off weekly. We never carry a balance or pay any fees or interest.

We exclusively use all points and cash back for travel related expenses and pay very little/nothing OOP when we travel (one-two vacations a year). I have also been able to fly my son to and from college and only pay the 5.60 fee.

We don't MS or churn. We are not looking to add any CCs anytime soon.

I am sure there are other non-churning strategies that work. This one works for us.

This is a great write up! With this year of not traveling, I’ve taken the opportunity to somewhat “rest” my credit report and have been able to be really picky with which cards I do get. Which isn’t really what you’re talking about, but it sort of is. With my two college age boys being home more than would be normal this year, I focused on my grocery spend. The 5x UR on my freedom, plus 10x MR on the plat for groceries is a major focus for me right now.

And taking advantage of special deals like this new Google pay deal at target for example has been helpful. Amex and chase offers of course, and one of my most lucrative regular deals, Kroger fuel points. We’re a family that the fuel points deals are particularly good for - multiple vehicles including 2 20 gallon tank vans and 6 acres to mow from April-October. Great topic.

 

[Babars_Wife]

You should be fine just toss in some groceries with your purchase.

Praise hands praise hands. Woohoo

 

[Killer Fish]

What is the best CC to use for buying electronics? (Specifically a laptop.)

I have always appreciated my Best Buy Credit card and get 6% back at Best Buy based on status.....plus they have a lot of rolling reward categories. That being said I think I have had the card open for 17 years and it is probably not worth wasting a 5/24.

 

[Judique]

Praise hands praise hands. Woohoo

I just want to elaborate a little that the biggest restriction when buying gift cards is 'cash equivalents' which refers to visa, master card, money orders and other forms of cash transactions. Don't buy those when doing an Amex MSR. Buying gift cards which are pre spent money for entertainment or food usually are okay.

 

[Alexle2007]

What is the best CC to use for the extended warranty when buying electronics? (Specifically a laptop.)

 

[Alexle2007]

I have always appreciated my Best Buy Credit card and get 6% back at Best Buy based on status.....plus they have a lot of rolling reward categories. That being said I think I have had the card open for 17 years and it is probably not worth wasting a 5/24.

Thanks. I was thinking more about the extended warranty.

 

[ctinct]

Praise hands praise hands. Woohoo

I don’t have any Amex cards yet, but I have bought tons of gift cards at the grocery store to make MSRs. I am cautious and never buy more than $150 at a time, plus a few groceries so it’s not an even amount. I just feel like if there were eyes on my account, $162 at the grocery store is a reasonable amount to spend. $512? Not so much.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Looking to open a new credit card with good rewards and/or a good SUB.

I probably put $600 baseline monthly expenses on credit cards, plus random extras which might average another $100-200/mo. I think that means that I'm really not going to earn enough rewards to cover annual fees. I pay off all my credit cards monthly and have never paid interest on any.

12/18-Target Redcard
01/19-Chase Freedom

I also have a Kohls card which I'm sure is older than the Target card but I can't seem to find an account opening date for it. I have no problem waiting a few months if that would matter, since I've had my most recent cards almost 2yrs already.

I fly Southwest or Jetblue, since they tend to be cheapest. I usually fly out of Providence, also Hartford and would consider Boston. Planning a friends trip likely out of Manchester this spring. I actually don't travel all that much but would like to increase. Have done about 1 trip/yr recently, less before that. This year I have at least 2 trips planned to MCO (Apr/May & Halloween). Next large trip would probably be 2023 to finally hit up Disney, otherwise I plan shorter trips to Universal, Sea World, would love to branch out to other locales too. Typically travel with a friend, so 2 adults only.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[alryan]

Looking to open a new credit card with good rewards and/or a good SUB.

I probably put $600 baseline monthly expenses on credit cards, plus random extras which might average another $100-200/mo. I think that means that I'm really not going to earn enough rewards to cover annual fees. I pay off all my credit cards monthly and have never paid interest on any.

12/18-Target Redcard
01/19-Chase Freedom

I also have a Kohls card which I'm sure is older than the Target card but I can't seem to find an account opening date for it. I have no problem waiting a few months if that would matter, since I've had my most recent cards almost 2yrs already.

I fly Southwest or Jetblue, since they tend to be cheapest. I usually fly out of Providence, also Hartford and would consider Boston. Planning a friends trip likely out of Manchester this spring. I actually don't travel all that much but would like to increase. Have done about 1 trip/yr recently, less before that. This year I have at least 2 trips planned to MCO (Apr/May & Halloween). Next large trip would probably be 2023 to finally hit up Disney, otherwise I plan shorter trips to Universal, Sea World, would love to branch out to other locales too. Typically travel with a friend, so 2 adults only.
Thanks for any suggestions!

Welcome!! Glad you joined in and asked a question. First, I'll address your comment about your spend not being able to earn enough rewards to cover an annual fee. That would only be true if you weren't considering the initial sign up bonus, which is what a majority of us are after. Although as @trenty pointed out your monthly spend can enable you to get rewards if that is what you want. For example since you fly Southwest you can open a card and earn $50,000 points with $2000 spend in three months, which is doable with your monthly spend. There is also an additional 30,000 points if you spend $8000 more in the first 9 months. That could be a stretch, but there are ways to get there without MS, such as timing a large spend. We can help if needed. But even if you couldn't do that 50,000 SW points could fund one person's flights for a few years, and you would get that for a $69 AF. Most of us will then cancel that card after the first year. If you are interested in getting a card or two, consider joining our Dischurners group on Reddit if you already haven't.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Do you retain the SW points if you cancel the card?

 

[Psychodisney]

Do you retain the SW points if you cancel the card?

Yes, they go to your RR account each statement close.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Looking to open a new credit card with good rewards and/or a good SUB.

I probably put $600 baseline monthly expenses on credit cards, plus random extras which might average another $100-200/mo. I think that means that I'm really not going to earn enough rewards to cover annual fees. I pay off all my credit cards monthly and have never paid interest on any.

12/18-Target Redcard
01/19-Chase Freedom

I also have a Kohls card which I'm sure is older than the Target card but I can't seem to find an account opening date for it. I have no problem waiting a few months if that would matter, since I've had my most recent cards almost 2yrs already.

I fly Southwest or Jetblue, since they tend to be cheapest. I usually fly out of Providence, also Hartford and would consider Boston. Planning a friends trip likely out of Manchester this spring. I actually don't travel all that much but would like to increase. Have done about 1 trip/yr recently, less before that. This year I have at least 2 trips planned to MCO (Apr/May & Halloween). Next large trip would probably be 2023 to finally hit up Disney, otherwise I plan shorter trips to Universal, Sea World, would love to branch out to other locales too. Typically travel with a friend, so 2 adults only.

Thanks for any suggestions!

with your monthly spend...I’d suggest the Chase Freedom Flex or Chase Freedom Unlimited...both have no annual fee...the sign up bonus is 20,000URs (or $200 cash back) after a $500 minimum spend in the first 3 months. In addition you earn 5x on groceries up to $12k the first year
Or one of the SW personal cards...they do have an annual fee...but you earn 50k RR point after spending $2k in the first 3 months

 

[Judique]

I'm wondering about using my two free nights locally,just for the indoor pool.... would my nephews be allowed to come and swim with me? or is that against the rules I wonder....

List 4 people coming and the hotel doesn't ask for names as does Disney. It should be okay. But - contact the hotel and make sure the pool is available, and double check for their use rules.

 

[trenty]

Welcome!! Glad you joined in and asked a question. First, I'll address your comment about your spend not being able to earn enough rewards to cover an annual fee. That would only be true if you weren't considering the initial sign up bonus, which is what a majority of us are after. Although as @trenty pointed out your monthly spend can enable you to get rewards if that is what you want. For example since you fly Southwest you can open a card and earn $50,000 points with $2000 spend in three months, which is doable with your monthly spend. There is also an additional 30,000 points if you spend $8000 more in the first 9 months. That could be a stretch, but there are ways to get there without MS, such as timing a large spend. We can help if needed. But even if you couldn't do that 50,000 SW points could fund one person's flights for a few years, and you would get that for a $69 AF. Most of us will then cancel that card after the first year. If you are interested in getting a card or two, consider joining our Dischurners group on Reddit if you already haven't.

@CAPSLOCK I did get the SUB on my Chase and Discover cards and did get these cards specifically for the rewards. I also did have the SW card at one point - got it for the SUB, cancelled it after a year. DH has the United Card - also got that for the SUB, PC'd it after a year and keep it in the sock drawer now. The SUBs allow you to get a hefty start into the hobby. My organic spend (pretty high) helps me keep the "portfolio" funded and growing. I personally started with the CSP and then added the CFU, CF and CFU (no longer have the CFU). I then went to Discover IT. Somewhere along the way I added and removed/changed the Southwest and United cards.

The point is you can do whatever level you are comfortable with from less than what I do (which is minimal) to what the heavy hitters here do.

 

[Judique]

Costco has a 2 year warranty, without the credit card coverage. And a 90 day return policy. Don't know if that would work for you or not but it's a great original warranty.

So, now you have me considering calling their warranty department to ask about what the card would do in addition. With appliances it's an extra 2 years with the Citi card. I checked the website and didn't find an answer but did not look at the Citi site.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I’d suggest the Chase Freedom Flex or Chase Freedom Unlimited...both have no annual fee...the sign up bonus is 20,000URs (or $200 cash back) after a $500 minimum spend in the first 3 months.

If I already have a Chase Freedom, would I be considered as a new cardmember for the CFU or CFF SUB?
"This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months."
I don't know whether they consider all their Freedom cards "the same" or not.

Although it might be worth it to sign up for CFF and then just cancel the CF card, since it only earns 1% CB on everything plus the 5% categories, which is less than the CFF offers.

Yes, they go to your RR account each statement close.

Excellent, that is definitely worth an AF then. Hmmm.... pondering options

 

[palhockeymomof2]

If I already have a Chase Freedom, would I be considered as a new cardmember for the CFU or CFF SUB?
"This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months."
I don't know whether they consider all their Freedom cards "the same" or not.

Although it might be worth it to sign up for CFF and then just cancel the CF card, since it only earns 1% CB on everything plus the 5% categories, which is less than the CFF offers.


Excellent, that is definitely worth an AF then. Hmmm.... pondering options

Yes you can get the bonus for the CFF and CFU while holding the CF....they are all considered different products. I have all 3 freedoms

 

[Limes96]

If I already have a Chase Freedom, would I be considered as a new cardmember for the CFU or CFF SUB?
"This product is available to you if you do not have this card and have not received a new cardmember bonus for this card in the past 24 months."
I don't know whether they consider all their Freedom cards "the same" or not.

Although it might be worth it to sign up for CFF and then just cancel the CF card, since it only earns 1% CB on everything plus the 5% categories, which is less than the CFF offers.


Excellent, that is definitely worth an AF then. Hmmm.... pondering options

Not really any benefit to closing your CF since there’s no annual fee, plus having it open helps with your credit score.

 

[hsmamato2]

List 4 people coming and the hotel doesn't ask for names as does Disney. It should be okay. But - contact the hotel and make sure the pool is available, and double check for their use rules.

thanks I will call and ask about that.