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How does everyone track which reward card to use?

futurehomeowner?

By futurehomeowner?,
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The last post in this topic was posted 3609 days ago. 

 

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futurehomeowner?

futurehomeowner?

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Now that I have just completed my app spree I am feeling overwhelmed on which card to use when shopping or paying bills. Does anyone have a good spreadsheet that they use or any suggestions on how to keep them straight so I get the best rewards? I now have 14 cards and most give some kind of reward. Freedom is killing me because they have specials where you get a better reward at a specific place for the month. I just bought a bunch from JC Penney and didn't realize this month they give 5% on JCP purchases. FML.

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funkiehouse

funkiehouse

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I guess it would depend on what rewards are important to you? Cash back, travel or points to buy stuff. I have two main cards that I use, my AMEX Blue Cash (fuel, grocery stores) for the cash back and most everything else goes on my Citi AA for the miles. If you do a lot of online shopping you should check out some of the eshopping sites like Citi's to get even more rewards, especially during the holidays.

 

https://www.aadvantageeshopping.com/shopping/h____.htm

 

I have about 8 active cards and the rest I just use every now and then to keep them active.


I only use a few cards at one time so I don't have to use a spread sheet.

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nolanryan

nolanryan

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Posted (edited)

This may be unpopular advice but it may be best for you. Most of us, myself especially included, came here because we have made poor credit decisions in the past. I for one, am not going to undo everything I have accomplished by getting in over my head. My advice would be to use one or two cards for now and prove to yourself that you are capable of managing them. Then you can add more cards to the mix as you feel more comfortable. I have never felt comfortable with having more than 2 or 3 frequent users. Also, if you use a card periodically to show activity or to meet a spend requirement or something, paying in full as soon as it posts is a good idea. Hope this helps

Edited by nolanryan
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mendelssohn

mendelssohn

Posted
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I keep a detailed spreadsheet to track my cards. I'm mainly after travel rewards, so this is my plan:

 

Amex PRG: groceries, gas when Freedom isn't 5%

Amex SPG: 1% transactions

CSP: restaurants, travel

Freedom: 5% categories

Citi AA MC: Sam's Club

 

My other cards get some usage when statements are closing on the main cards listed above.

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clutchcargo

clutchcargo

Posted
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When I started this game I tormented myself over the thought of not getting 100% maximum return. It really can't be done. You will always miss a deal or an angle or a superb strategy. I'm not saying don't try to get the best return, but you will cause your head to explode if you OCD over this. I can't tell you how many deals I've lost money over by trying to find a better deal.

 

That being said, I calendar the rotators (Discover, Freedom) so I remember to activate them. The categories are fairly simple. They are season based. Online or department stores for the holiday season, Spring gets Home Depot or Lowes (Spring cleaning) Summer gets hotels, gas, amusement parks (vacation) and the season I forgot gets groceries.

 

Some people put stickers on the cards they can sharpy reminders on. Even with 20 rewards cards I haven't needed to do this. It gets easier with time.

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laynlow

laynlow

Posted
Posted

This may be unpopular advice but it may be best for you. Most of us, myself especially included, came here because we have made poor credit decisions in the past. I for one, am not going to undo everything I have accomplished by getting in over my head. My advice would be to use one or two cards for now and prove to yourself that you are capable of managing them. Then you can add more cards to the mix as you feel more comfortable. I have never felt comfortable with having more than 2 or 3 frequent users. Also, if you use a card periodically to show activity or to meet a spend requirement or something, paying in full as soon as it posts is a good idea. Hope this helps

I like this. Despite an excel spreadsheet, every time I try to get cute I end up regretting it. Interest avoided beats rewards earned.

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takeshi

takeshi

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It's all done in my head. I don't need to know every reward category and earn rate on every card that I have. I know which card to use for my regular purchases like gas, groceries, restaurants, etc. If I'm making a purchase that doesn't fall into one of the usuals then I just look it up. A spreadsheet doesn't seem useful when you're shopping at brick & mortar stores.

Edited by takeshi
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BDK

BDK

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It's all done in my head. I don't need to know every reward category and earn rate on every card that I have. I know which card to use for my regular purchases like gas, groceries, restaurants, etc. If I'm making a purchase that doesn't fall into one of the usuals then I just look it up. A spreadsheet doesn't seem useful when you're shopping at brick & mortar stores.

+1

 

Step 1: Learn Categories.

 

Step 2: Understand and know your credit card.

 

And if your can't be sure what category your spend falls into, have a 2% cc to use.

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BDK

BDK

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One of the images on the walla.by home page shows the Chase Amazon card as the best card for online shopping. It's not even the best card for Amazon.

I don't understand why people keep raving about this card. I had it, I ditched it, and I've replaced it and moved on.

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mendelssohn

mendelssohn

Posted
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It's all done in my head. I don't need to know every reward category and earn rate on every card that I have. I know which card to use for my regular purchases like gas, groceries, restaurants, etc. If I'm making a purchase that doesn't fall into one of the usuals then I just look it up. A spreadsheet doesn't seem useful when you're shopping at brick & mortar stores.

The spreadsheet is to track rewards account balances, along with other card info.

 

Of course you need to already know what card to use for what category without thinking about it. :good:

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mendelssohn

mendelssohn

Posted
Posted

 

 

One of the images on the walla.by home page shows the Chase Amazon card as the best card for online shopping. It's not even the best card for Amazon.

I don't understand why people keep raving about this card. I had it, I ditched it, and I've replaced it and moved on.

Some people love everything Amazon, and probably view it as an entry level card with Chase.

 

Barclays Sallie Mae MC >Chase Amazon Visa

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EternalDebtSlayer

EternalDebtSlayer

Posted
Posted

One of the images on the walla.by home page shows the Chase Amazon card as the best card for online shopping. It's not even the best card for Amazon.

The app doesn't tell you the best overall card to use. It tells you the best card in your wallet to use.

 

So the "person" in the picture doesn't have a better card for online shopping.

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Cactus Flower

Cactus Flower

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An app called Wallaby that shows me the best card based on my location. Also shows all the other options of cards in order of benefit for that place.

:good:

 

It's at https://www.walla.by/ if anyone is interested.

 

I use Wallaby as well... I don't think there is anything WRONG with an excel spreadsheet, but that does not do me much good while I am out and about.

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