Hey folks – long-time lurker, first-time poster that’s looking for a new credit card. This would be my second one. I’ve generally not been big on credit cards, though I do use my current one to cover just about all my monthly expenses without carrying a balance from one statement period to the next. Nonetheless, looking to get a new one as my partner and I are planning on traveling more often generally (about 3 trips per year, mixed between domestic and international), so I figured it’d be prudent of me to take advantage here. For what it’s worth, have at least one domestic trip planned for Q3 of this year and a trip to Asia in Q4. My preliminary research seems to indicate the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture may be the simplest options to go with, though I also recognize that these are often the simplest to recommend for the “average” person looking to get some travel benefits. Either way, any direction here would be appreciated. Happy to provide additional info.
- Current credit cards I’m the primary account holder of:
- Chase Freedom (Original, not Flex or Unlimited)
- FICO: 775
- Oldest credit card account age: 9 Years
- Cards approved in the past 6 months: 0
- Cards approved in the past 12 months: 0
- Cards approved in the past 24 months: 0
- Annual income: $125,000
CATEGORIES
- Ok with category-specific cards?: No
- Ok with rotating category cards?: Yes
- Estimate average monthly spend in the categories below.
- Dining: $650
- Groceries: $400
- Gas: $0 (live in a major city, so rely on walking, biking, and public transit)
- Travel: $160 (Lyft and transit fare)
- Using abroad?: Casual travel (3 trips per year)
- Other categories or stores: Amazon, Target
- Other spend: Streaming (Spotify, Disney, HBO, Netflix), Applecare, AT&T, internet
- Pay rent by card? No
MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS
- Amazon Prime member: Yes
- Disney bundle subscriber: Yes
- Big bank customer: Chase
PURPOSE
- Purpose of next card: Travel Rewards
- Travel rewards preferences: No (not beholden to a particular airline)
- Cards being considered: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture
Second Credit Card for Aspiring Travel Newb
byu/wandering_walnut inCreditCards
Posted by wandering_walnut
4 Comments
Your spending profile actually lines up pretty well with the Sapphire Preferred – that dining category alone would rack up some solid points. Plus since you’re already in the Chase ecosystem with the Freedom, you could transfer points between cards and really maximize the value when booking those Asia trips.
Just make sure you can hit whatever sign-up bonus spending requirement they throw at you without changing your normal habits.
You make $125,000. Get a premium card right off the bat. Amex Platinum, Sapphire Reserve, Venture X. The abundance of perks and benefits are going to be more valuable than any theoretical point earning optimization.
The Citi Costco Visa has great cash back on travel and gas and ev charging and restaurants including restaurants abroad with no foreign transaction surcharge. You shop at Costco at all?
Your card choice will depend on which travel partners work best for you such as airlines or hotels. Chase, Amex, Cap1, etc. have different partners.
If you are getting a premium card with lounge access think about which lounges are available at your home or frequently used airports.