What’s in My Wallet?

It is no secret that one of the best ways to earn miles and points is to use credit cards. People that I talk to about miles and points are amazed at I have more than one credit card in my wallet on a daily basis. I try to explain to them that each one has a purpose and their amazement turns into disbelief! Here is what credit cards are in my wallet for Winter/Q1 2020. All information is accurate at the time of writing/update (Dec. 8, 2019).

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Chase Freedom/Discover It

The Chase Freedom and Discover It cards have the rotating quarterly category bonus. For Q1 2020, these cards will earn you 5 points per dollar spent at grocery stores, Walgreens & CVS. The only caveat is that you have to remember to register for each quarter’s bonus – though it only takes about 15 seconds.

The current sign up bonus for this card is 15,000 points (worth at least $150) after spending only $500 in the first 3 months and has no annual fee.

Why I Like the Chase Freedom This Quarter

I can buy gift cards at most grocery stores & drugstores. That means I can essentially get 5 points per dollar everywhere, which I can then combine with my other Ultimate Rewards points to get even more value from them

The Chase Freedom currently has a 20,000 point sign-up bonus, after spending $500, and has no annual fee! To sign up for the Chase Freedom card, click here.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

I personally love getting 3 points per dollar on dining and travel. It does have a high annual fee at $450. With great cost comes with great benefits – not just the earning rate on dining and travel. Just to name a few of the benefits: $300 annual travel credit (this is automatic and is per calendar year), Priority Pass lounge membership, Global Entry credit and much more! Best of all you can transfer the points (usually at a 1:1 ratio) to over a dozen airline and hotel programs.

I realize that the $450 annual fee might dissuade you. Doing the math, I feel like it has tremendous value because of the $300 annual travel credit – it’s just like paying $150.

The sign up bonus for this card is 50,000 points (worth $750) after minimum spend of $4000 in the first 3 months. This bonus plus the annual travel credit makes you $800 in the first 12 months of having this card!

Why I Like the Chase Sapphire Reserve This Quarter

Since the $300 annual travel credit is per calendar year, my $300 has been reset. That means I have $300 in free travel in my pocket. How cool is that? To apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, click here.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

This credit card is my go-to for my everyday spend that doesn’t fall under a bonus category with the Freedom (or Discover It) and Sapphire Reserve. It is pretty straight-forward and earns 1.5 points per dollar with no annual fee. If you don’t want to deal with having to remember to register every 3 months or want a card with an annual fee, I recommend the Freedom Unlimited.

Currently, the sign-up bonus for the Chase Freedom Unlimited is 20,000 points (worth $200) after spending $500 in the first 3 months and has no annual fee.

Why I Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited This Quarter

In the event that I can’t get an appropriate gift card using the Chase Freedom (or Discover It) and it isn’t a travel or dining expense, this is my highest earning card at 1.5 points per dollar. I can then combine those points with the points from my Chase Sapphire Reserve card for even better value.

Click here to apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited

Do you find this confusing?

Miles & Points can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting. I can help! Feel free to contact me and I’ll be happy to guide you along.