Your First Five Credit Cards
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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE:
Opinions expressed here are the 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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Let’s set the stage...You’re brand new to credit card points and miles, you’re just trying to figure this all out, you’ve maybe been charging all your purchases to one credit card for YEARS.
But you have no idea where to start. 🫣
⭐️That’s where “Your First Five Credit Cards” comes into play! A curated plan for you to hit the ground running and earn the most points possible in your first year, all while focusing on cards that have basic benefits to manage and come with easy to use points!
The first five
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Without a doubt, this is your starting point. The card I have recommended MOST over the years, the card that always comes along with me in my wallet, and it earns some of the most value points out there!
This bank has 14+ different airline and hotel transfer partner options, this card comes with a low $95 annual fee, and it has some recently added perks that make this keeper card even better. 👏🏻
*All information about Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
2. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Next up is this ✨gem of a business card✨ with NO ANNUAL FEE. This card pairs perfectly with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® because you can combine the cash back rewards from this card with your Chase Sapphire Preferred® to turn them into flexible points!
And you might be thinking….I don’t have a business, I can’t open a business card. 🤔 But you actually might be eligible and not even know it!
➡️ Related: All About Business Credit Cards and How to Apply for Them
*All information about the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
For our third card, it’s time to diversify and move onto another bank: Capital One. The Capital One Venture Rewards card is a strong contender for a great beginner card and packs some perks that you’ll love.
This card is very similar to the Chase Sapphire Preferred®. It too has a low annual fee of just $95, offers some solid travel perks, and earns valuable flexible rewards that can be used so many different ways! I recommend opening a Capital One card early in your points and miles journey since they can be pickier about recent inquiries when considering their credit card approvals.
➡️Related: How to Use Capital One Venture Miles
4. Cobranded Hotel OR Airline Card
This is where things get a little bit more fun! 😉 Your next card is going to depend a bit on preference, but this is a great time to start working cobranded cards (cards tied to a specific airline or hotel loyalty program) into your strategy.
When picking your next card, consider your travel goals/destinations, or maybe you have a favorite hotel chain at this point and you’re ready to dive in deeper to their loyalty program. I tend to prefer a hotel card at this point since they have better perks that are easier to utilize (like free night rewards, loyalty status, qualifying nights, etc.).
Top hotel card picks: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
Top airline card picks: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Atmos™ Rewards Visa Business Card
Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
United℠ Business Card
United Quest℠ Card
*All information about The World of Hyatt Credit Card, World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, United℠ Business Card, United Quest℠ Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
5. Premium Card
While annual fees might seem a bit scary, I PROMISE, they can be well worth it! 🙌🏼 There are premium card option with a wide range of fees and perks, and this is a good time to work one of these cards into your travel planning.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was my very first premium card, and it was a great choice to dip my toes into premium card perks and higher annual fees. It also meant that I could combine those points with the points I had been earning from the Capital One Venture Rewards card.
The same consideration goes for the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as you could continue building up your stash of Chase points. No matter which card you choose, make sure to read through the benefits to pick a card that works best for you and your goals!
Top premium card picks:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
🔥 Hot tip: don’t forget about business versions of these cards as well which can help keep your 5/24 status low!
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
While credit card points and miles is not a one-size-fits-all hobby, this list can help guide you as you start your steeply discounted travel journey!
There are SO many credit card options, and this is just one set of recommendations to get you set up for success. Always make sure you’re opening a card that works for you and your goals. 💜
Ready to learn more? You need the Beginner’s Guide to Credit Card Points & Miles!
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions expressed here are the 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.
