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Best Credit Cards – Daddy Travels Top Picks (Aug 2023)

Jason

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2023

Which credit card should I start with or which card should I get next

It all goes back to basics
  • Know your 5/24 status – don’t know what it is? Please read this. This is really key to planning your strategy. Know that I, and many of the other seasoned experts will refer back to this over and over again. So it pays to know your 5/24 status – the # of credit cards you opened within the last 24 months. This is not the time to guess. This entry will show you how to double check. The 5/24 rule.
  • Which travel rewards credit card/s do you currently have now (if any)
  • What are your goals?
  • Do you have another person in the household or in your family who is or will be doing this? Possibly partner up and earn rewards together

  • Do you have a small business or a side gig, a side hustle?

    Kalapa Resort Canggu, Bali

Beware of the shiny card syndrome

One of my biggest mistakes early on was the shiny card syndrome. What does that mean? I was blinded by the big, flashing lights of 150K, 100K bonus offers, and did not pay close attention to the ones that I thought were worth less since the numerical value seemed much lower. Just remember that not all credit card values are the same. They are just like foreign currency.
$100 USD vs 100 Yen vs 100 British Pounds – they are NOT worth the same
This notion is the same for credit cards.

What will you find in common with many credit card offers?

  • Bonus points or rewards – This is usually the first thing that catches your eyes – the bonus, the rewards. This is the prize, some credit cards offer bonus that come in the form of bonus miles or points, or free nights at hotels, or cash back.
  • Minimum spend – Before earning the bonus points or rewards, you have to meet the bank’s requirement of meeting a target minimum spend. Many of them require  you to meet the spend in 3 months, others up to 6 months. So you have to be aware of the target deadline to meet these required spend. In addition, this is usually done through purchases. Balance transfers are NOT purchases and will not count towards meeting a minimum spend.
  • Annual fee – while there are some cards with NO annual fee, many of these travel rewards cards do charge an annual fee. Why? They come loaded with bonus, perks, and protection. So choose wisely.
  • Added benefits – look for the added bonus from these cards (elite status, Global Entry/TSA Precheck Credit, airport lounge access, and more).

5/24 checkpoint

STOP. Have you really checked your 5/24 status? Because if you haven’t….I suggest for you to stop, and check this. The 5/24 Rule.

If you are under 5/24

Ok…if you’re reading this part I assume you’ve learned you are under 5/24. And if you are, you should know that the best strategy is to focus on Chase credit cards. Trust me, I know there are more cards out there. And yes, the world does not revolve around the Chase Sapphire Preferred. But it truly is the best starter credit card. So if you’re about to start this journey, best to start with Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Here’s a good list to consider when you’re under 5/24. If you have a small business, when you’re under 5/24, this would also factor in to your strategy by getting business credit cards while under 5/24.

Here are the HOT CARDS (as of Aug 25, 2023)

*note these offers are subject to change without notice*

HOT Personal cards

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – when asked, the 60K is a competitive offer, in years past, I’ve seen this offer around 40K-50K
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
    • New Bonus – Earn 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
    • Annual Fee $149
    • Offer ending  7/9/2023 at the end of day.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
      • New Bonus – Earn 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
      • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
      • Annual Fee $99
      • Offer ending  7/9/2023 at the end of day.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
      • ENew Bonus – Earn 60,000 bonus points plus a 30% off promo code after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
      • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
      • Offer ending  7/9/2023 at the end of day.
  • HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS® CARD  
    • New: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points and one Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
    • Annual fee: $95
  • American Express Gold – Nancy was under 5/24, the bonus offer was hovering around 60K for awhile, and we saw it rose to 90K. She jumped on it…got approved. Easy $4K min spend met. My current link shows 75K + $200 cashback. I suggest taking the link and paste it in private mode or incognito more.
  • Capital One Venture X – Man, we were both under 5/24 when we each applied for C1VX. The current offer is now 75K miles after $4K min spend, $395 AF, add 4 FREE authorized users – with each AU getting their own Priority Pass. This card also gives you a  $300 travel credit using Capital One Portal, $100 Global Entry/TSA credit.
  • Capital One Venture – Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, $100 Global Entry TSA Precheck, $95 annual fee 
      • Annual Fee $69
  • Hilton Aspire – Back in 2019, there was a shortlived offer on this card where the $495 AF was waived the first year. This card was a no-brainer for me to get. It gives FREE weekend anniversary night (I used 2 certificates at Grand Wailea Maui), Automatic Hilton Diamond Status, $50 daily dining credit at this resort for Diamond members (2 adults @ $25 each), Waived Resort Fee (when booking on points), $250 Hilton Resort credit, $250 Airline fee credit, Priority Pass.

HOT Business Credit Cards

  • Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
    • New Cardmember Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
    • Earn $750 Bonus Cash Back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year.
    • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
    • Annual fee $0
    • $750 bonus cash back is equivalent to 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Ink Business Unlimited® Card
    • Earn $750 Cash Back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase
    • Annual fee $0
    • $750 bonus cash back is equivalent to 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
    • Earn up to 120,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 60,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 9 months.
    • Annual fee $99
  • IHG® One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
    • New Welcome Offer – Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $99
    • Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide.
    • Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
    • Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier Business card member
  • The Business Platinum from American Express
    • Earn 150,000 Membership Reward Points after you spend $15,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
    • Annual fee $695
  • American Express Business Gold card  
    • Earn 85,000 after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
    • Annual fee $295

Personal/Consumer Credit Cards if you are UNDER 5/24

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $550
  • Chase Freedom Flex℠
    • $200 bonus cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual Fee $0
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited®
    • Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
    • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
    • Annual Fee $0
  • The World of Hyatt Credit Card
    • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
    • Receive one free night at any Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your cardmember anniversary.
    • Receive World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
    • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
    • Annual Fee $99
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
      • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
      • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
      • Annual Fee $99
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
      • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
      • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
      • Annual Fee $69
  • IHG® One Rewards  Premier Credit Card
    • New Welcome Offer – Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
    • Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
    • Annual fee $99
  • IHG® One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
    • New Welcome Offer – Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus up to $50 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $0
  • British Airways Visa Signature® Card
    • Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card
    • Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Iberia Visa Signature® Card
    • New Bonus – Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • United Club℠ Infinite Card
    • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit.
    • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
    • Annual fee $525
  • United Gateway℠ Card
    • Earn 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.
    • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
    • $0 annual fee
  • United Quest℠ Card
    • Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
    • Earn 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services, select streaming services, and all other travel
    • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24
    • Annual fee $250
  • United℠ Explorer Card
    • Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
    • Up to $100 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit.
    • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card.
    • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
    • $0 for your first year, then $95.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

    • Limited Time Offer! Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    • Enjoy a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level up to 35,000 points.
    • Annual fee $95
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
      • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
      • Annual Fee $0
  • Aeroplan® Credit Card
    • Earn up to 100,000 points. Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open, plus 40,000 points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months your account is open.
    • Annual fee $95

Day trip in Tarragona, Spain

Business Credit Cards if you are UNDER 5/24

  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
    • Earn $750 Bonus Cash Back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year.
    • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
    • Annual fee $0
    • $750 bonus cash back is equivalent to 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Ink Business Unlimited® Card
    • Earn $750 Cash Back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase
    • Annual fee $0
    • $750 bonus cash back is equivalent to 75,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
    • New Cardmember Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $95
  • World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
    • Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $199
  • IHG® One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
    • New Welcome Offer – Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • Annual fee $99
    • Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide.
    • Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
    • Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier Business card member
  • United℠ Business Card
    • Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
    • Get one-year complimentary DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar that provides unlimited deliveries with $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders. After that, you are automatically enrolled in DashPass at the current monthly rate. Activate by 12/31/24.
    • 5,000 bonus miles each year when you have this card and a United personal card
    • Annual fee $0 for your first year, then $99
    • $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
    • Earn up to 120,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional 60,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 9 months.
    • Annual fee $99
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
    • 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Annual fee $199

There are many, many more credit cards out there. The ones shown above are all of the credit cards suggested for those who are under 5/24.

If you are OVER 5/24

Stay tuned for a list of suggested credit cards to those who are over 5/24.

Want to see other credit cards for you to choose from?

If you still want to see many more credit cards, I have to a list of over 60 credit cards. Check this list to learn more.

NOTE: Offers are subject to change. This was the offer at the time this blog entry was written.

For more travel deals and tips, follow me on my travel page on Facebook or Instagram or YouTube or Twitter

Editorial Disclosure – The editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuers, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuers.

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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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