I got Best Credit Cards into this whole mess around 2019 when we were broke-ish with a toddler and I read some random Reddit thread about sign-up bonuses. Thought it was a scam. Signed up for one card anyway (Chase Sapphire Preferred, classic), spent the minimum on groceries and bills, boom—60k points. Booked our first “free” flight to Orlando. Kid was 3, screamed the whole plane ride, but we were in Disney on points. Hooked ever since. We’ve done Italy, Hawaii, random NYC weekends, mostly free or dirt cheap. Not bragging, just saying if a scatterbrained mom from the Midwest suburbs can pull this off (I once applied for two cards in the same week and got denied because of Chase’s stupid 5/24 rule—lesson learned the hard way), you probably can too.
The trick isn’t having 15 cards. It’s picking 2-3 good ecosystems (Chase, Amex, Capital One mostly), stacking bonuses without getting shut down, and actually spending the points before airlines devalue them again (looking at you, United). Annual fees? They hurt until the credits kick in—then it’s basically printing money. Here’s my messy, honest take on what’s worth it right now.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Best Credit Cards – Still the Gateway Drug
Why it’s still king for beginners: Transfers to Hyatt are insane value—one time we got a Park Hyatt room that was $800 cash for 15k points. Felt dirty. I keep this card open even though I have the Reserve now—don’t cancel keepers, you’ll regret it.
Capital One Venture X – My Current Obsession
$395 fee but they give you $300 travel credit every year (use on anything—flights, hotels, even Airbnb), plus 10k bonus miles annually (~$100 value). Priority Pass lounges + their own Capital One lounges (the DFW one has showers and decent food). 10x hotels/cars through portal, 5x flights, 2x everything else.
Got approved last year, used the $300 credit on part of our Europe hotel, lounges were lifesaver with cranky kids during delays. 75k mile bonus booked us round-trip to Rome basically free (just taxes). Simpler than Amex Platinum, fee nets out way lower after perks. If you’re doing 3-4 trips a year, this one pays you to exist.
People whine about “but Amex has more lounges”—sure, but Venture X lounges are newer/cleaner and the math is better for normal humans.
Amex Platinum Best Credit Cards -The Fancy One That Hurts
$695 now (they jacked it up again in ’25, rude). But: Centurion lounges (best food/showers), Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta, $200 airline credit, $200 Uber, $240 digital entertainment, Fine Hotels perks, hotel credits. If you fly a lot and use the credits, it can “pay” for itself.
I don’t have it—fee scares me—but my best friend does and she’s Delta-obsessed. Gets the companion certificate sometimes (buy one get one free domestic), lounges have nap pods. For me? I’d forget half the credits and lose money. If you’re a road warrior? Worth it. Otherwise run.
Amex Gold is the better everyday card—4x dining/groceries/Uber. Pair with Platinum if you’re going deep.
Chase Sapphire Reserve – Premium but Pricey
$795 (big oof after the ’25 hike). 60k-125k bonus offers depending on targeted. $300 travel credit, Priority Pass, Lyft Pink, DoorDash DashPass. Points 50% more through portal or transfer.
I have this one now. Lounge access saved our butts in Chicago during a snow delay last winter—kids napped on couches, we ate free. But if you’re not traveling 5+ times a year? Overkill. Stick to Preferred.
Other Cards That Aren’t Trash
Stupid mistakes I’ve made so you don’t:
- Applied for 3 cards in 2 months—hit Chase 5/24 wall, denied everything for a year.
- Hoarded points too long—watched value drop.
- Forgot to use $300 credits—wasted money.
- Transferred to wrong partner—lost value.
Quick rules I live by now:
- One ecosystem at a time mostly.
- Use AwardLogic or seats.aero to find award space.
- Book early—good seats disappear.
- Don’t carry balances—interest kills the hack.
Last brag story: Transferred Chase points to Virgin Atlantic last summer, booked Delta One business class to Europe for me and hubs. Kids in economy behind us (parenting compromise). Felt baller. Cost ~$300 in taxes/fees. Best sleep I’ve had on a plane.
If you’re reading this thinking “this sounds like too much work,” start with one card. Sapphire Preferred. Spend on normal stuff. Watch points pile up. Then get greedy. It’s not get-rich-quick—it’s get-vacations-free-slowly. And yeah, it’s addictive.
