What's (π³) In My Wallet?
So.. Another Points & Miles Guy?
Updated: August 2022
You can say Iβve been a fan of loyalty points and miles for a big part of my adult life. Thatβs not saying much given that only spans 7 years. However, the real journey began 4 years ago during my senior year of college. Armed with a fresh social security number (if youβre an international student, you know it doesnβt come easy) and the internet, I set out to discover how the American points and miles world tied into the world of credit cards - all while looking to maintain a healthy credit score.
Fast-forward to now, 2 jobs and 2 degrees later, and Iβm still discovering. Iβm taking in all the internet has to offer while charting my own path with these tools - both for myself and for my family back home. Excited to see where it takes me (literally!)
If youβre on here and youβre curious about how I justify the annual fees on the cards below or how I keep track of my cards or even how I find the time to play the game, feel free to send over a message. More than happy to talk through π¬
Whatβs In My (Main) Wallet?
For all my love of cards, Iβm a stickler for minimal wallets. Youβll find me with card-holders, slim bi-folds, and the occasional wallet off Kickstarter or Indiegogo. However, what keeps me organized is Tumiβs zipped wallet that hosts everything in one place.
American Express (Rose) Gold Card: Food, Groceries πππππ
American Express Platinum Card: Travel, Lounges, Emergencies ππππ
American Express Everyday Card: Daily / Non-Bonus Purchases πππ
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Travel ππππ
Citibank ThankYou Premier Card: This oneβs getting better and better ππππ
Charles Schwab Visa Debit Card: Fee-free ATM Withdrawals πππππ
Whatβs Else Do I Have?
Of course, it doesnβt stop there. Hereβs what else Iβm packing in my larger wallet.
American Express Green Card (πππ) - The OG Amex
American Express Delta Gold Card (ππ) - I like checking my bags in
American Express Delta Blue Card (ππ) - Product change, no harm in keeping
American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card (ππππ) - Free nights, Diamond status, Property credits, and a wild earning rate
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Card (ππππ) - Free nights and transferable currency
Apple Card (ππ) - Design + Apply Pay
Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red Card (πππ) - As I said, checked bags
Bank of America Alaska Airlines Card (ππ) - And more checked bags + Companion certificate
Bilt Mastercard (ππππ) - Rental payments, Aadvantage transfers, no annual fee.
Citibank American Airlines Platinum Select Card (πππ) - Okay, too many checked bags, I know
Chase Amazon Prime Visa Signature Card (ππππ) - Amazonβs my go-to for the internet
Chase Freedom Card (πππ) - Select 5x points? Yes, yes, please
Chase Freedom Flex Card (ππππ) - 5x travel, 3x dining, and no annual fee? Can I have more than 1?
Chase Freedom Unlimited Card (πππ) - 1.5x points*? Yes, please.
Discover It Card (ππππ) - More 5x? Iβll take it. Also, my FIRST ever credit card.
Target Store Debit Card (ππ) - I lived near a Target; you understand
Mashreq Solitaire Visa Infinite (π) - Thanks, Dad
FoundersCard (ππ) - If you know, you know*
What Do I Want?
CapitalOne Venture X
Chase World of Hyatt Card
Chase IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
.. and more.
- P