Credit Cards

Credit cards, especially the ones with annual fees, might seem daunting at first, but it has helped me travel a lot and given me so much free stuff in return like points, food, and entertainment. Here are my credit cards and which ones I recommend to others.

Links if you are interesting in getting any of the cards with big points sign up bonuses and it supports me!

American Express Cards (“View All Card Offers“): https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/gold-card?ref=ANDYLnTKu&xl=cp10qd

Chase Cards (Preferred or Reserve): https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19x/8MAWTPW3GI

Bilt Cards: https://www.bilt.com/card?invite=CGMPSK6T

American Express

· Chase

· Bilt

· Capital One

· Wells Fargo

· American Express · Chase · Bilt · Capital One · Wells Fargo ·

Card Issuers

Chase

Most popular and for most people. It is best to start with them as they have good beginner cards and are accessible. Get cards through them first as they restrict those that recently opened a lot of cards.
Overall card: Preferred (Travel)
American Express

Great for those who can spend a bit more for better benefits. Has higher annual fee cards but offers the most rewards. You know if you are qualified for card before a credit score check.
Overall card: Gold (Food)
Wells Fargo

A popular bank with many beginner cards but does not have any high tier credit cards.
Overall card: Active Cash (2%)
Bilt

Best known for getting benefits when paying for your rent. Bilt points are also the best rewards system being able to transfer to the most airline and hotel partners.
Overall card: Obsidian (Rent)
Capital One

A hybrid between Chase and Amex with few but very good cards.
Overall card: Venture (2X)
Citi

The one mainly known for Costco.
Overall card: Strata Premier (Travel)
Bank of America

Overall card: Customized Cash Rewards (1%-6%)
Others

Smaller ones that are really specific.
Discover, USAA, Synchrony, Retail Stores
Overall card: Any with 5% cash back for a specifc store

My Credit Card History

Wells Fargo Active Cash

Amazon Store

American Express Gold

American Express Delta SkyMiles credit card in purple with chip, card number partially visible, and name C F Frost.

Delta Reserve

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Red American Express credit card with a chip

Target Debit

Southwest Priority (Old: Plus)

American Express Platinum

Hilton Honors Aspire

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(Old: eBay) Synchrony Premier

Military Star

Close-up of a Sapphire Reserve credit card with a dark blue gradient background and a chip.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Bilt Palladium

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Optimal order of obtaining credit cards (bold = personal recommendation). Try to get Chase cards first as they their 5/24 rule, can’t open 5 cards within 24 months.

Guaranteed no annual fee card: Wells Fargo Cash, Chase Freedom Unlimited
1. Gives you cash back either 2% on everything or more on specific categories but less on others
Low-tier card (≈$100-$150): Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95), Capital One Venture ($95)
1. Introduce you to using credits and earning points
Mid-tier card (≈$325-$495): Amex Gold ($325), Bilt Palladium ($495), Capital One Venture X ($395)
1. Higher fee but covers your biggest expense category: food, rent, or travel respectively
Airlines card: United Explorer ($150), Delta Gold ($150), Atmos Summit ($395), Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite ($595)
1. Choose whatever airlines you fly the most
Hotel card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ($95), Hilton Honors Aspire ($550), World of Hyatt ($95), IHG One Rewards ($95)
1. Either get the best Hilton Honors Aspire or any hotel card under $100 as they all give a free night certificate.
High-tier card (≈$550-$895): Amex Platinum ($895), Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795), Citi Strata Elite ($595)
1. Experienced enough to decide which top premium card is for you
Optional business card: Chase Ink Business, Amex Blue Business Card, Capital One Spark
Repeat and keep deciding between 4-7 (Recommend: Palladium → Reserve → Delta Gold → Aspire)