I’m trying to rethink my credit cards for this year and can’t decide which ones are really worth keeping. I travel a few times a year, spend mostly on groceries and dining, and want something with solid cashback or travel points, but not crazy annual fees.
I’ve had a couple of cards in the past that looked great on paper, but in reality, the points were hard to redeem or the rewards didn’t match my spending.
What are you all using right now, and why? Any hidden gems or cards that totally outperformed your expectations?
What credit cards are you actually using for travel rewards and cashback?
byu/SpecialistRub6834 inCreditCards
Posted by SpecialistRub6834
4 Comments
I shop at Kroger & get gas there. I have the Kroger card and just use it there (Kroger pay) and at Aldi (mobile pay.) I earned (CB & fuel credits) + saved (Boost benefits) about $500 in 2025 with this free card. Really amazing considering USB nerfed my USBAR.
Shout out to my Cash+ for still getting me 5% back on utilities.
Keeping those 2 and still no idea what I’m doing to replace the USBAR. I was hoping for decent travel partners but I guess the joke’s on me there.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is one of mine. 5x on hotels without use of a travel portal is my main use for it. WF transfer partners are not the strongest but I can cash out at 1cpp too so I’m happy with that.
Combined with 3x on dining makes it one I don’t have to think much about when using on trips.
Standard autograph will still give you 3x on hotels though so ymmv on the math if the AF for the Journey makes sense, it did in my case as a frequent traveler.
i use two cards only: schwab plat + boa PR w/ plat honors. flights/hotels on plat and everything else on boa. as someone who used to juggle 7 cards, the peace of mind in simplicity far outweighs losing some optimization
This year I’m going with:
– PayPal Debit card, 5% cash back, for groceries
– Discover It secured, 2% + 2% cash back, for eating out
– Navy Federal, 2% cash back, 1.99% interest, I use it to save money by paying things in lump sum like contractors.
– Amex blue cash, 2% cash back, 0% interest, same as navy federal
– USAA Cash Rewards, 1.5% cashback, catch all card for juggling reason
All cash I keep on hand from using 0% or 1.99% APR, I invest in SGOV, Bank Bonuses or promotions or any high probability opportunities.
That’s my gameplan for 2026 until I build my credit up and get the Bilt Card/Robinhood/Apple Card