My Top 5 Credit Cards
I started my points/miles journey in 2015. I didn’t really understand how some people can go on luxurious trips for practically NOTHING until I learned how to do it. The Points Guy’s website fascinated me back then and now I’ve followed so many people on Instagram who is well versed in this points/miles game. With that said, one of the biggest thing you can do to get the points/miles in big quantities is to open up a credit card with a big opening bonus and prioritize which credit cards to use based on how many points you’ll receive. Keep in mind, paying your credit cards on time and in full make this worth it. Here are my Top 5 credit cards to build my points/miles.
American Express Hilton Aspire –This card is actually fairly new in my stash, opened in December 2021. Why is this so enticing even though it has a $450 annual fee?
First, I get a weekend night certificate when I open the card and annually after renewal. This weekend night certificate may be valued as much as over $1K depending on where you use it. For example, a standard room in Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos is over $1K.
Second, I get a $250 airline credit per calendar year. Since I opened it in December 2021, I get $250 in 2021 and $250 in 2022 before the next renewal.
Third, I get a $250 Hilton resort credit. This can only be used for any Hilton properties that’s classified as a resort. Fees that can be credited includes spa/restaurants charged to your room. Win!
Fourth, I get a Priority Pass which allows me to use lounges at most airports including internationally with a guest pass as well. There are also certain restaurants in the airport that you/your guest can get credit instead of using a lounge.
Lastly, I get 150,000 Hilton points after spending $4K in three months AND a complimentary Diamond status (yes, the highest loyalty tier!) which entitles me to a free daily breakfast or dining credit per stay and a room upgrade if available. Hence, so many benefits that equate to more than the $450 fee.
Image obtained from American Express
American Express Hilton Surplus — I’ve had this card for a few years now and loving it. I received a bonus for upgrading it from a $0 annual fee Hilton card. I believed it was also 150,000 Hilton bonus points. The annual fee is $95 but this card also has great benefits.
First, during the calendar year, I can get a free weekend night after spending $15K. During the pandemic, you can use these awards during the weekdays.
Second, the points earned for purchases is incredible as well. I get 12 points for Hilton charges, 6 points for gas/restaurants/groceries, 3 points for all other charges. These points definitely add up!
Third, the card gives you Gold status and the benefit includes free breakfast for me and a guest when I stayed at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos in 2020.
Lastly, this card also provides Priority Pass Select so 10 free lounge visits each year. Note that Priority Pass has different level of memberships and therefore, benefits with it.
Chase Sapphire Preferred –A few years ago, I applied for both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and its higher card, Chase Sapphire Reserved. I canceled my Preferred last year since I really wasn’t using it as much and I just downgraded my Reserve card in December 2021 for the same reason. The Preferred has a $95 annual fee while the Reserve has $550 annual fee. In recent months, Chase has revamped the benefits for the Preferred card which include a 10% bonus points based on spending during the year and given annually after renewal. The card also provides 3 points for online groceries which I use most often (hello, Instacart!) and a $50 travel credit annually. These new benefits are enough for me to downgrade my hardly used Reserve card.
Chase Amazon –I meannnnn…who doesn’t shop at Amazon? I wasn’t sure about getting this card since there really isn’t a big bonus when you open it. I believed I received $150 credit when I first opened it. However, this credit card gives me 5% of all my Amazon purchases. This is payable in points so then I use it to purchase the things I need on Amazon. I’ve definitely received a lot of credit the past few years. With $0 annual fee, I don’t think I’ll ever close this card unless I don’t shop at Amazon anymore which I doubt. haha!
Chase United –What I like about having United points is that it can get me to Asia or Europe for fewer miles than other airlines and lesser fees. Last time I used my United points was to purchase a flight to Asia in 2019. I also like the initial bonus which can be as much as 60,000 United points. This will give you a roundtrip ticket to Asia or Europe. This card can also be downgraded to a $0 annual fee card.
Overall, there are so many credit cards out there and so many points/miles to take advantage of. I have more than the five credit cards I mentioned here but these five stood out the most. I just LOVE getting points/miles. What’s your favorite credit card and why? Please comment below.
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