Here are the credit cards I use every day (& why)

Every now and then, I write a blog post outlining which cards I’m carrying in my wallet. While I keep many cards open, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I use them frequently. There are others that are simply lying in my drawer and I only use those cards once every few months to keep them active. However, here’s a list of cards that are always in my wallet and the ones that I use quite often.

Credit Cards that I use Frequently

To make things easier, here’s a breakdown of how I use these cards. I’ve sorted these based on the categories in which I primarily use them.

Groceries

I no longer carry the Amex Gold Card. I canceled the card after Amex hiked the fee all the way up to $325. However, I still use my Chase Sapphire Preferred for online grocery and get 3x points per dollar spent. This also works well when I’m ordering grocery online while outside the US. For all other spend in the US, I simply get 2x on all purchases with my Blue Business Plus card.

Airlines

One of my frequent purchases is that of airline tickets. In most cases, I purchase airline tickets directly from the airline, be it for my own travels or while booking for family or friends. I have the Charles Schwab Platinum Card by Amex and it gives me a handy 5x points on all airfare bookings.

I’m not loyal to any domestic US airline, so I don’t see any merit in carrying any co-branded airline credit card.

Hotels

• If I’m booking a Marriott property, then I use my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. Thanks to Platinum status with Marriott, I earn well over 20x points per dollar spent.
• If’ it’s a direct hotel property booking with another chain, then I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Blue Business Plus, depending on whether I want to earn 2x Chase or Amex points on the booking.

Restaurants

Here, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the clear winner as it gives me an easy 3x on dining worldwide.

Cable, Internet and Phone Services

Here,  the Ink Business Cash card does the job, as it gives an easy 5x on the category.

Generic Spend

If I’m out and about and  run into spend that doesn’t fall into any of the above categories, then I usually tend to use my Blue Business Plus card as it gives me 2x points on all spend. However, the card charges a foreign transaction fee. So, for all non-bonused spend outside the US, I simply use the Amex Platinum Card (where Amex is accepted) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

The Pundit’s Mantra

After Covid-19, my strategy has changed. I’m not traveling as much as I used to before Covid-19. Also, issuers have increased annual fees across the board, especially on premium credit cards. So, going forward, my strategy is very focused on making the most of everyday spend, while avoiding annual fees from piling up.

That’s precisely why I’ve stuck my neck out and held on to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, refusing to jump on to the hype bandwagon after the Chase Sapphire Reserve was refreshed recently. The Amex Platinum Card works very well for me with Centurion lounge access, 5x on airfare and also offers me complimentary Hilton Honors Gold.  The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card by Amex gives me Platinum elite status, in addition to a free night certificate that I can use at aspiration properties, on top of a $25 dining credit which works globally.

With this strategy I achieve a few goals:

• Elite status with two of the biggest hotel chains around the world: Marriott and Hilton (gives me complimentary breakfast at most properties around the world with this strategy)
• 3x earn on dining, 5x on airfare and 2x on all other spend

Which credit cards do you use frequently for purchases every day? Tell us in the comments section.

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