Lifestyle – Credit
Please be aware that the information provided here may evolve over time and is influenced by my personal experiences. I am not a financial advisor, so it’s essential to conduct your own research before making any decisions based on the information I’ve shared.
Current Credit Card Strategy
(Latest update – January 2026)
My intuition was correct regarding whether Citi would increase the promotional spend thresholds; however, while this offer is still lower than the prior one, it may still make sense at an effective 8% cash back, given that my other cards only earn 5%. Previously (2025), the offer was spend $500, get $50 back, and spend $1,000, get $100 back, effectively 10% back.
While the effective percentage decreases as spend increases, it’s not worth overanalyzing unless total spend exceeds the point where returns fall below 5%, which I would never realistically reach. That crossover would require roughly $7,000 per month in combined gas, grocery, and dining spend, since this promotion stacks on top of the card’s base earning structure of 5× on gas and 3× on grocery and dining.
Even when factoring in a 3% foreign transaction fee, using this card internationally would still outperform my flat 5% cash-back cards.
All that said, I can only realistically hit this spend if my partner participates as an authorized user; however, either outcome works in my favor. If she’s on board, we both benefit from a higher effective return than 5%. If not, the lower spend signals to Citi to reduce future thresholds for 2027, which is something I intentionally committed to in 2024 for 2025.
That said, this isn’t a casual decision. I’m aware of the risks and implications of involving a partner in any financial instrument.
- As of 2026, the Redstone Visa credit card has been nerfed. If you already have it, it’s not completely useless as you can still use it as a quarterly earner at 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spend, assuming the rotating categories remain consistent. I’ll update this if those categories change or become less reliable.
- If you don’t already have the card and never did, it’s not worth pursuing. It’s no longer the hidden gem it once was, and the effort required to get it now outweighs the value.
| Expense Category | Cashback → Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | Spending Category Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 5% → AAA Daily Advantage Visa 5% → Discover More (3-Months) | No | AAA → $10k/year Discover → $1.5k/quarter likely with a shared category |
| Gas | 5% → Citi Thankyou 5% → Discover More (3-Months) | Yes No | Citi Thankyou → $10k/year Discover → $1.5k/quarter likely with a shared category |
| Dining | 4% → Verizon Visa 5% → Discover More (3-Months) | No | Verizon Visa → No cap Discover → $1.5k/quarter likely with a shared category |
| Travel – Flights | 5.5% -> AMEX Platinum (Charles Schwab) | No | $500k/year |
| Travel – Domestic Transit | 5% → Citi Custom Cash Mastercard (Apparently Uber/Lyft counts atm) | Yes | 5% → $500/month |
| Travel – Car Rental | 3.5% → Hilton Aspire | No | No cap |
| Travel – Hotel/Airbnb | 3% → Venmo Visa | No | No cap |
| Jeep Maintenance | 7% → Jeep Reward Mastercard | Yes | No cap |
| Car Insurance | 5% → USBank Harris Teeter Mastercard via Mobile Wallet | No | USBank → $3k/year/card |
| Streaming | 5% → USBank Cash+ | Yes | $2k/quarter shared with another category |
| Cell Phone Plan | 5% → USBank Cash+ | Yes | $2k/quarter shared with another category |
| Gym | 5% → USBank Cash+ 5% → Discover More (3-Months) | Yes No | USBank → $2k/quarter shared with another category Discover → $1.5k/quarter likely with a shared category |
| Sporting Goods (REI) | 5% → USBank Cash+ | Yes | $2k/quarter shared with another category |
| Online Shopping | 5% → USBank Harris Teeter Mastercard via Mobile Wallet 5% → Discover More (3-Months w/Amazon) | No | USBank → $3k/year/card Discover → $1.5k/quarter likely with a shared category |
| Pharmacy | 5% → USBank Harris Teeter Mastercard via Mobile Wallet 3% → AAA Daily Advantage Visa (home delivery options) | No | USBank → $3k/year/card No cap |
| Miscellaneous | 5% → USBank Harris Teeter Mastercard via Mobile Wallet 5% → Discover More via Mobile Wallet (3-Months) | No | USBank → $3k/year/card Discover → $1.5k/quarter likely with a shared category |
| Everything Else | 2% → Fidelity Visa | No | No cap |
Not Listed Above:
Notes:
- Promotions are commonly offered by major banks, so be sure to explore those before your travels or even every week. I’ve observed promotions for rental cars and everyday spending, providing extra perks on top of the rewards you initially acquired the credit card for. For instance, I recently activated this one, which will likely help with the burden of a trip coming up:
Approach → Cashback Cards Only
Drawing from past encounters, I’ve found little fulfillment in pursuing travel points compared to cashback rewards. For a deeper understanding of my decision to revert to a cashback system from a travel points setup, you can explore further details here. Long story short, while points can enhance the experience, they don’t always equate to savings. For example, you might find better deals on business or first-class tickets, but not necessarily on the overall cost of traveling from point A to B. So, while you might enjoy a more luxurious seat, you’re not necessarily cutting costs. Another factor is spending freedom. With cashback, I have the flexibility to spend wherever I choose, or even invest it, safeguarding against inflation, while points tend to maintain a fixed value.
Approach → Mindset
As you can probably imagine, I’m utilizing cashback credit cards as one of the many ways I am utilizing a slimmer budget. I am fully aware of the psychology of using credit cards, but I remind myself daily that it’s always going to be wiser to keep the majority (95%) of your money by not spending, just to save 5% and to only use the money you actually plan to spend and already have. If exercising self-restraint proves challenging, I strongly discourage involvement with credit cards. Dave Ramsey, a vocal opponent of credit card usage (whom I consider a money therapist), famously warned, “When you play with snakes, you will get bitten.” Therefore, if you cannot consistently pay off the statement balance as if your life depended on it, maintaining a hyper-vigilant attitude, and ensuring your emergency fund is consistently funded for those inevitable snake bites, you’ll swiftly come to regret participating.
Approach → Mindset → YOLO
While embracing a YOLO (You Only Live Once) mindset may not align with responsible credit card usage, it’s crucial to acknowledge how one’s spending habits reflect their overall lifestyle and values. If you’re financially capable, specific credit card rewards can open doors to enjoyable experiences. This is a personal challenge for me, especially as I aim for financial independence by 40. Each purchase I make prompts careful consideration of its long-term value, as in its potential growth over the coming decades. I’m gradually mastering the art of finding equilibrium, reminding myself of life’s inherent unpredictability. While financial objectives are paramount, so is seizing the moment without jeopardizing stability. Given my fondness for travel, I’ve chosen the Amex Platinum Charles Schwab edition. Not only does this card allow me to convert 5x rewards earned on flight expenses into brokerage points at a rate of 1.1 points per cent, resulting in an effective 5.5% back on flights when transferred to my Charles Schwab account—higher than any cashback card available—it also offers perks that enrich my travel experiences. Below, I outline the perks I plan to leverage:
AMEX Platinum
| Benefit | Annual Value | Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Credit | $600-800 | If I didn’t have a partner to share this with, I wouldn’t value it at the amount I’ve listed…I’d be sleeping in my car every chance I got, rental or not. This is by far the credit that feels the most “YOLO.” Still, it’s a great perk if you like treating yourself now and then. I count it at full value ($300 per semi-annual credit + $100 property credit each stay), because with a partner, it really is worth. Without a partner, I’d value it around $400–500. To me, that’s basically two nights covered, plus about $50/night for breakfast and dinner. |
| Clear Membership | $150 | Skip either the regular or TSA pre-check lines in large US airports so it gives me two more options in lines at U.S. airports. The credit’s value to me is $150 (instead of $189) because it’s already part of the perks offered by the Green Amex card, which itself carries a $150 annual fee; a card I would opt for if the Amex Platinum was not in my life. |
| Instant Hotel Status at Hilton & Marriot | > $0 | Status match at National Car to get their Emerald Club Executive Elite status which is not only one of the best car rental agencies in the United States in terms of customer service, but also the best in terms of pricing considering the benefits of how often you get a free day. |
| Instant Hertz President Circle | > $0 | This company has become a mere shell of its former self, likely one of the worst reputations out there for a rental car company. Still, it’s among the most economical options out there. Even though their customer service leaves much to be desired, their prices are often hundreds of dollars lower than competitors’. So, if I’m in a penny-pinching mood and traveling solo, might as well seize the opportunity and make the best of it. |
| Instant Leaders Club Sterling Status | ? | I don’t know enough about this yet to assign it a value, but from what I understand, the program offers special perks — similar to Amex’s Travel Portal — just through a separate network of hotels. At first glance, I don’t think I travel enough to really get much value from this. It seems more geared toward wealthier travelers who care more about flexibility and convenience than squeezing out maximum value. |
| $400 Resy Credit | $400 | My Favorite Perk – If I didn’t have a partner to take to nice restaurants, I’d just use this for gift cards — since I eat, it’ll always have value to me. But with a partner, it’s even better: we get to try a new upscale spot once a quarter, which feels like plenty. |
| Uber/Uber Eats | $200 | I already dine out at least once a month to utilize this spend, but I view this particular credit as a means to offset the annual fee of the card, ensuring that the associated perks don’t place too heavy a burden on my budget. |
| Uber One | $120+ | Well Worth It – I was already paying for this because the membership quickly pays for itself with the frequent buy-one-get-one deals. In my area, it’s usually Asian restaurants that participate, but I’ve also found plenty of options when traveling outside the DMV. You do have to watch out for spots that hike up prices, but many of the deals really are as good as they look. You also get Uber Ride benefits, but this only really benefits my partner as we share accounts. Hard to track, but I get more than $120 of value each year from this benefit. |
| $100 Saks Credit | $0 | Not My Style – I wouldn’t shop at Saks if it weren’t for this credit. It’s a nice perk to have, but without it I wouldn’t spend there. |
| $300 Lululemon Credit | $0 | A Strange Fit – I love Lululemon, but their stuff lasts forever. I basically only need to replace pants and underwear every five years, so this credit feels more like a nice-to-have than a must. I’ll use it, but it’s not something I’d normally spend on. |
| Incidental Credit | $200 | There’s a widely recognized workaround that allows me to apply this credit directly towards flight bookings, a loophole that still remains unfixed as of October 2025. |
| Trip Delay Insurance | ? | Hard to put a firm value on this, but I did use it successfully once when my flight to Bali was delayed over six hours, causing me to miss a connection and spend the night in Singapore. The benefit can be used twice per year, up to $500 per trip. |
| Global Entry Credit (TSA-Precheck included) | $0 | You can already get this for free with the no-annual-fee Fidelity Visa, so I value it at $0. |
| Concierge Service | > $0 | The service was exceptional – I recall a specific occasion vividly when I was stuck in traffic on I-495, to visit a friend with little time to plan logistics. I asked for suggestions for rooftop bars with a quiet ambiance in my friend’s vicinity and managed to secure a reservation over the phone instantly. Additionally, I received an email listing alternative locations in case I changed my mind. |
| Travel Insurances | > $0 | I haven’t had to utilize any of these benefits, but this company truly goes above and beyond for its customers. There was a situation where I had booked a prepaid rental for Iceland, although the reservation went unused for some reason, resulting in a double charge. Despite facing a dead end with Hertz customer service, I turned to Amex as a last resort for assistance who make it easy to help. After submitting the required documents, they intervened, rectifying the issue by removing the unused reservation from the incident. |
| Lounge access | > $60 | While these amenities aren’t particularly my cup of tea, they do help me save on expenses at the airport before flights. Although this service comes with a hefty price tag, it essentially spares me the hassle of seeking food elsewhere, where I’d typically spend around $15 per visit. Given that I usually travel at least once a quarter, I value this at more than $60. |
| Coupons | > $100 | AMEX is known as a giant coupon book, but there are some really useful coupons on there for usual spend like grocery, rental cars, hotels, flights, cable, and gas spend that really add up. I have this marked for $100, but it ranges above that as well. |
| Total Benefit | > $2030 | $2030-895(annual fee) = >$1135 |
Benefits I do not care to leverage:
| Benefits | Potential Value | Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Credit (HBO | YouTube Premium | Disney+ | Hulu) | $300 | I would not personally opt for this if I wasn’t getting it with the Amex card. Potential Plus: – Give Family/Partner Access Side Note: – When audible was included, this benefit was gold. |
| Walmart+ (Comes with Paramount+) | $155 | I would not personally opt for this if I wasn’t getting it with the Amex card. Potential Plus: – Give Family Access – Free shipping |
| Equinox Subscription Credit | $300 | Absolutely no interest whatsoever. |
| Oura Ring Credit | $200 | Absolutely no interest whatsoever. |
Fun fact
To lower the annual fee even more, if you have holdings valued in your Schwab Account (which is a reputable brokerage to hold your money in):
- Greater or equal to $250k; you can get an annual $100 statement credit.
- Greater or equal to $1M; you can get an annual $200 statement credit.
- Greater or equal to $10M; you can get an annual $1000 statement credit.
AMEX Hilton Aspire
| Benefit | Annual Value | Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Uncapped Free Night (No Black Out Dates) | $550 (The annual fee) | I used the free night certificate for a Thanksgiving weekend stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Hawaii, where the room was going for $1,200. That alone makes me value this perk at the full annual fee of the card—in my mind it essentially works like a prepaid luxury night. |
| $400 Select Hilton Resort Credit | $400 | This credit can be tricky since it only applies at specific Hilton Resorts, but I personally value it at around $400. Once you know how to use it, redemption is straightforward, though it tends to be worth more overseas since it’s tough to find a resort in the U.S. under $200 a night (outside of places like Las Vegas). I’ve been able to get full value from it. Similar to the Platinum’s hotel credit, this feels like a classic YOLO credit. |
| Diamond Hilton Status | $90 | This usually means either free breakfast for up to two people or a $15 per person daily credit. I value it at about $90 a year, since I use this card for at least three stays annually. |
| Flight Credit | $200 | $50/quarter, but easy to bank the $ via United Bank in the situation you aren’t booking a flight every quarter so all $200 is being accounted for. |
| CLEAR Plus Credit | $0 | I already get this benefit with my Amex Platinum, so I don’t place any additional value on it. That said, it’s nice to be able to extend it to my partner so we can go through the same airport lines when we travel together. |
| Coupons | > $100 | AMEX is known as a giant coupon book, but there are some really useful coupons on there for usual spend like grocery, rental cars, hotels, flights, cable, and gas spend that really add up. I have this marked for $100, but it ranges above that as well. Yes, this is $100+ over the AMEX Plat. card. |
| Total Benefit | > $1340 | $1340-550(annual fee) = >$790 |
Approach → Credit
I might not be the definitive expert on this subject, but have been in my mind successful largely hinging on the luck of having parents who could impart these essential life skills of knowing the lay of the land and how read the terms and conditions. Nevertheless, one thing I did well was follow my parents’ guidance. While I may not possess all-encompassing knowledge, I can certainly offer tips provided by my parents that helped me achieve an “excellent” credit score.
Approach → Credit Scores → Statement Balance
- Always pay the statement balance like your life depends on it on the due date or prior to that. The interest rates on credit cards are predatory and you do not want to even take a risk on paying less than the statement balance.
- Ensure that your credit card permits weekend payments if the due date falls on a weekend. It’s concerning that some cards offer weekend due dates despite only processing payments on business days, which seems predatory. Personally, I always make payments on weekdays before the due date when it falls on a weekend.
- Limit your spending to the money you already possess. The objective of this tool is to use it, not to be used by it.
- Avoid automatic payments. Having an allocated time to schedule your payments one by one in a check list fashion, not only gives you leverage, but allows you dedicated time to make sure all of your transactions are correct. You can keep receipts (I did for a while), but if you already know where your money is going, you generally really need to look out for things that
- There’s no requirement to settle your statement balance earlier than the due date. You may choose to do so if you’re running low on credit and need more available funds to work with. However, consistently paying the statement balance on the due date each month won’t negatively impact your credit. One scenario that I’ve never encountered personally but apparently exists is that some banks may fail to transfer the necessary funds for the bill on time. While this is unusual, if you encounter this issue, it’s advisable to make the payment a day early to ensure your bank has sufficient time to process it and transmit it to the credit card company on time.
Approach → Credit Scores → Missing a Payment
Don’t miss a payment, however there is a way to reconcile your relationship. Here is an example letter, that I actually have sent and signed that you can use as an example:
I’ve omitted my address and signature from the image above, so please ensure you include your address in the top right header of this page and sign before sending it via mail to the address listed on your statement. The statement document’s fine print should explicitly indicate where to send this type of letter. Usually the reversal occurs in 1-2 weeks. If you don’t get it, than at least you can say you tried.
In this scenario, I inadvertently overlooked the due date and selected what appeared to be the due date on the calendar UI, akin to the image below. Notice how it seems like the due date is May 31? In reality, it’s actually May 24.
Deceptive Calendar User Interface – Due Date May 24
Approach → Credit Scores → Building Credit
Once again, the credit-building achievement I attained was thanks to my parents’ guidance. However, various factors influence credit scores, with payment history being the most significant. If your primary goal is to build credit, I suggest acquiring a card without an annual fee from a reputable bank and using it for a specific expense, given the typically low credit limits when starting out. For instance, my initial credit limit was $500. I used the card exclusively for gas purchases while resorting to my debit card or cash for other expenses. Initially, I held the Discover Student card, which later upgraded to the Discover More card, likely coinciding with an increase in income from my paid internship at Raytheon.
Another crucial benefit of limiting card use to one expense is maintaining a low credit utilization ratio, which represents the portion of credit you’re utilizing compared to your available credit. Over time, this practice will gradually improve your credit score, leading to lower interest rates on loans, increased borrowing power, improved housing options, access to premium credit cards, favorable insurance rates, and more. For expert advice, NerdWallet offers an excellent article on the factors influencing credit scores.
Approach → Credit Scores → Maintaining Credit
Largely you want to continue doing what you did to build your credit, but figure I should mention what I have been doing to maintain my credit so you can also keep them in mind in the back of your head:
- Keep your longest credit line open – While positive credit remains on your history for a decade, closing it means your credit timeline resets to when the subsequent account was opened. If you’re not benefiting from the current card, consider switching to another offered by the same issuer. It might not be obvious, but you need to continue using your oldest credit line. I’m unsure how often, but I’m thinking at least once a year.
For instance, if your first card was Discover Miles and its rewards no longer suit you, consider product changing to Discover It, which offers rotating 5% cashback categories quarterly, ensuring your oldest credit account remains active and beneficial.
If you’re also in the same boat as myself where your oldest credit issuer is Discover, it might be uplifting to know that Capital One is in the process of acquiring Discover, potentially opening up more options to transition to Capital One’s products in the coming year(s), who seem to be growing in the space of travel rewards. - Credit utilization is the second contributor to good credit – My excellent credit utilization might be attributed to my strategy of having a dedicated card for each aspect of my life. Pursuing the optimal rewards for each card naturally divides and spreads out my spending across my credit accounts.
However, my credit utilization may temporarily dip when I pursue introductory bonuses occasionally. I see it as a short-term sacrifice for my credit score, reallocating all my expenses to a new card to seize its introductory rewards. This strategy helps me amass airline miles for future travel, potentially enabling me to travel for free or at a lower cost. By focusing all my spending on this specific card, I am knowingly trading my excellent credit for a temporarily lower one, which is worth it to me because it often means $200-1000 back in untaxed value (rebates aren’t taxed). - Strategic Credit Application: Balancing Opportunity and Credit Health – Recent credit applications pose the weakest aspect of my credit score, but fortunately, they carry less weight in determining creditworthiness. To secure larger lines of credit, such as a mortgage, spacing out applications is crucial. It’s advisable to avoid applying for credit lines at least two years before planning a significant purchase, as inquiries linger on your credit history during this period.
While there are distinctions between hard and soft credit pulls, minimizing both enhances the likelihood of loan approvals. Currently, I don’t foresee needing a significant loan, allowing me to pursue attractive introductory bonus opportunities without hesitation. Although I’ve established a solid foundation of credit cards and don’t plan to add more cashback cards, my application pace may naturally slow down. However, given my current absence from the housing market, there’s no immediate need to halt my application activity. - Deciphering Credit Limits: Unspoken Rules and Strategic Approaches (CAUTION: Recommended only for those actively seeking more credit cards with an already excellent credit score) – Another aspect to bear in mind is my deliberate strategy of reducing credit limits to facilitate applying for more cards, although this isn’t generally advisable. Take, for instance, a recent approval where I received a $13,000 limit on a card, yet opted to decrease it. Typically, lowering credit limits early on can adversely affect credit utilization, potentially impacting your credit score. Nonetheless, given my lack of concern regarding minor score fluctuations, this action also diminishes my prospects of securing additional credit. It appears there’s an implicit guideline among credit issuers concerning excessive available credit. Hence, while I lack a specific target for how much to reduce my credit limit, $13,000 was an exception compared to my usual card applications.
I do keep one card with a generous credit limit, mainly for major expenses. I typically aim to allocate enough credit per month for each card to cover my monthly spending, or even for the entire year if it’s a travel card, considering the need to purchase plane tickets in advance. However, in this case, I pursued the card solely for its introductory bonus. Having a high credit limit was unnecessary in this scenario. The bonus only required $1,000 in spending to receive $241 in rewards, demonstrating the minimal spending required for this type of card. In hindsight, it might have been wiser to make adjustments after receiving the intro bonus to avoid any disruption, but this idea only occurred to me afterward. - Keep your non-annual fee cards active for as long as possible, even if you’re not using them regularly – I adhere to this approach with just my two oldest credit issuers, cutting loose cards that no longer offer benefits. While it’s excellent advice to keep those cards when building your credit score, I want to emphasize that I deviate from this sound advice deliberately as a method of acquiring more lines of credit. I recognize this isn’t wise, but it highlights another scenario where you might temporarily compromise your credit score to obtain cards that better suit your lifestyle. However, while you’re in the process of building credit, it’s not advisable to follow my lead.
Approach → Resources
When absorbing the internet for credit card options, the resources I typically rely on the most include the following. Basically, as long as you know how to ask Google questions, you can find a card that matches your lifestyle.
One commonly used method is to <ask your question> and include “reddit” afterward in your query. This signals Google to prioritize results from Reddit.
Approach → Future
I feel as if I’ve peaked in credit card optimization in the pursuit of maximizing value for my consistent spending profile. At this point, I’m pivoting slightly while still maintaining a minimum of 5% cashback across my core categories, and shifting my focus toward cards that enhance travel value, since travel remains a priority in my life. While there are many ways to optimize travel spending, the part of the equation I’m currently improving is lodging. That mainly means cards that offer an annual “free” night. It’s not truly free, of course, but in most cases it ends up saving me money when I need a hotel stay.
As I’ve gotten better at planning, I’ve been able to use these cards to book hotels that would normally cost around $300 for just the $95 annual fee. Realistically, at least in the U.S., I couldn’t get a hotel for $95 otherwise, so in a sense this planned spend actually reduces my overall travel costs. Over time, those savings add up. Right now, I’m slowly working my way toward the Ritz-Carlton as part of that strategy.
Another upside is that while I’m collecting these hotel cards to help offset travel costs and keep travel a priority in my life, I usually get to enjoy the associated promotions as well.
There’s also a lifestyle component to this shift. While I genuinely enjoy sleeping out of my rental car, I’ve come to realize that it has limitations, especially when traveling through cities. You can work around this, since above-ground garages are common in many places, and keeping travel expenses light does make it easier to travel more. That said, I’m now in a position where I have more financial buffer than I did earlier in life, after being in my career for over a decade. Part of that evolution is wanting the comfort of a real bed and a shower a bit more often, especially now that I’m traveling with a partner.
Should someone else follow this approach? Probably not. Considering the amount of effort involved, I don’t think it’s worth it for most people, and there are clear diminishing returns at this point. That said, I enjoy the process. It’s valuable to me because I get to learn as I go, and I can share those lessons if the value ends up being worth the chase.