Hi all!! I have finally decided to dip my toes into the world of efficient credit card usage after years of barely using credit cards. I have a silly Ulta Mastercard that I got when I was young and I am overdue for an upgrade. I barely use the card now but am ready to transition expenses over to a CC.
CREDIT PROFILE
* Current credit cards you are the primary account holder of:
* Ulta Rewards Mastercard (that’s it)
* FICO scores with source: Experian 805
* Oldest credit card account age: 10 years 3 months
* Cards approved in the past 6 months: 0
* Cards approved in the past 12 months: 0
* Cards approved in the past 24 months: 0
* I haven’t applied for any cards in about a decade
* Annual income $: $110,000 myself $230,000 with spouse
CATEGORIES
* Ok with category-specific cards?: Yes
* Ok with rotating category cards?: Yes
* Estimate average monthly spend in the categories below.
* Dining $: 400
* Groceries $: 300
* Gas $: 80
* Travel $: 700
* Using abroad?: No
* Other categories or stores: Clothing, Amazon, Makeup (Sephora and Ulta): $200-$300/month (Amazon is probably about $100 a month)
* Other spend: Gym $170/month
* Pay rent by card? No
MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS
* Amazon Prime member: Yes
* Costco or Sam's Club member: Costco
PURPOSE
* Purpose of next card: Travel Rewards
* Travel rewards preferences: Not picky. We fly a lot of American Airlines currently but are not partial to any specific airline or hotel brand.
* Cards being considered: Marriott Bonvoy
I am currently planning a trip to Mallorca for August so I can put some bigger bookings and purchases on a card in the coming months. We usually purchase flights 2-3X a year.
I’d love any advice that anyone has for a beginner. I’ve been silently reading posts for a while and I’ve joined some Facebook groups so I have some vague direction but I’m eager for any pointers that others may offer.
Seeking any advice for a “first” real credit card
byu/yourfavcatlady inCreditCards
Posted by yourfavcatlady
1 Comment
Would start with a Citi Double Cash. On its own it is a pretty solid unlimited 2% cash back catch-all. If you want to go the travel points route, adding a Citi Strata Premier adds 3x groceries, dining, gas/EV charging, airlines, hotels, and unlocks the ability to transfer points to transfer partners like American Airlines. If you want to go the cash back route, you can get a Citi Custom Cash for your dining spend, and eventually a second for your groceries.