The Top 25 Credit Cards

(If you see any errors, please let me know. I try to keep a full list, but it’s a lot of information and I do make mistakes)

 

Significant Changes Since Last Month:
-Citi Thank You 50,000-point link added.
-Hilton Surpass bonus dropped from 100,000 to 75,000.
-Citi Prestige link removed (for now).
-New Capital One Venture 50,000-point link.
-Easy California Companion Pass links from Southwest.
-Cathay Pacific bonus lowered.
-Virgin Atlantic back on the list.
-Uber card added.
-Starwood’s 35,000-point Business offer is supposed to end today (11/1).

 

Before Playing This Game:
-Find a new hobby until you can pay off all balances each month.
-Take a second to look at what you’re applying for and confirm a bonus is what you expect.
-Get a screenshot of the bonus description in case you have issues collecting it later.
-Take 2 minutes to read the small print before applying.
(Look for “once in a lifetime,” “no bonus for cardholders in last 24 months,” etc.)
-Keep everything very organized in a spreadsheet. You’ll thank me later.

 

Time for my monthly Top 25 Credit Cards. It’s called “Top 25” out of tradition, but you’ll get many more links than that below. Again, if you’re a rookie, make sure you read The Newbie Guide. It’s a little outdated but many basic questions can still be answered there. For people running out of cards, remember there’s often a Business card option. Also, “churning” (getting the same card more than once) might be an option. The dates here were a guideline but things always tend to vary individually. If you’re new, it might be wise to start with Chase cards because of the limitations they’ll place on you soon.

Miles and points are far from an equal currency. 50,000 Delta SkyMiles are worth less to me than that amount from Alaska Airlines. 25,000 Hyatt points mean way more than the same number from Hilton. And so on. These links work right now (November 1st at midnight). If you read this later, many of the offers will have changed. Things move fast so read offer details and terms before applying. Especially all that small print when you’re trying to get bonuses more than once on the same card. Ok, enough chatter…here we go! My “Top 25” current credit cards are below.

Read More

Cards For Poor Credit?

Obviously, the card posts here are almost always intended for people with good credit scores. That said, I do get some questions from people in the process of rebuilding their credit. I’m trying to put together a detailed post for them and wanted to ask one thing first…

If you were in that boat somewhat recently, what “store” card was the easiest for you to get approved for? Any specific data will help me write the post. Thanks.

 

 

Start Of Week Stuff

  • As always, it’s hard to beat the value of 5,000 points per night via IHG’s PointBreaks. The trick is finding a property you like. And, yup, the new list is just as challenging as the old ones.
  • Don’t forget to book your United awards by tomorrow if you hate devaluation and prefer old rates from old charts.
  • I said “old” three times already. I guess I’m just getting…old. Damn. Well, speaking of things that are non-new, here’s the latest airline shopping portal bonus deal (Southwest, American, and United).

IHG Night Giveaway

Thank you to reader Sanjay for this one. If you could use a free night at any IHG property before the end of November, please send an email to the address below with the subject “IHG Free Night.” Blank emails are fine. I just ask that you only send one if you’ll actually use the free night. I’ll pick a winner randomly on Sunday night. As always with these giveaways, I won’t be able to read the emails (other than the one I randomly select) so please don’t use that address if you need to reach me for anything else. Have a great weekend, nerds!

Current Card Reality

It’s no secret that I’ve earned millions of miles from credit card signup bonuses over the years. That said, it has never been harder for me than it is right now. Here’s where I stand with the major banks:

Chase 
Considering the fact that I always open more than 5 cards in any 24-month period…I’m pretty screwed here. Basically just able to get IHG, Hyatt, British, Marriott business, and Ritz every couple years. There’s not a hell of a lot going on for me anymore with Chase cards.
Ease Rating: 2 out of 10

Bank of America
It’s not smart for me to get too specific with how hard I was hitting these cards. But, man, it was fun. For example, let’s just say that I’ve had well over a dozen Alaska cards over the years. Sadly, times have drastically changed. It looks like I’m getting automatically declined right now for personal cards. From what I’ve been told, I probably won’t be able to get more than 4 Bank of America personal cards in a 2-year window going forward. I will say that I’m still having a little fun with their business cards.
Ease Rating: 5 out of 10

Citibank
It’s very important for me to read the terms with their cards and see when I can collect bonuses again. Even though I’m not applying as wildly with as I did for years, I’m still getting approved pretty easily on both the personal and business side. This one used to be a total free-for-all. I’d use different browsers and was getting approved for multiple cards at once. That party has ended.
Ease Rating: 6 out of 10

American Express
Current status? Treading carefully. Still applying for a few cards a year, but I’m looking carefully at terms for once-in-a-lifetime wording. When I do apply, it’s still with a lot of success on both sides (personal and business). When I’m targeted for a mail or email offer without bonus limitation, I’m getting approved consistently. Amex is watching for people who close cards within a year, so I’m trying to play it cool.
Ease Rating: 7 out of 10

Barclays
They’ve always been moody with me. For years, I’ve gone on hot and cold streaks. But I’ve collected bonuses on the good options multiple times (Arrival, Wyndham, JetBlue). Maybe a little more resistance. Not as obvious a problem as Chase,, that’s for sure.
Ease Rating: 7 out of 10

Others
It’s a mixed bag with US Bank, Wells Fargo, Comenity, Bank of Hawaii, etc. Wells Fargo was credit card heaven for a while and US Bank is going pretty well right now. It’s harder to give a score because there aren’t as many good options with these banks.
No rating.

 

**Obviously, this “report card” is only one experience. For me, it’s more challenging than ever. I find myself having to pick and choose way more now than I did in the past. Many people who apply for fewer cards are having an easier time. Personally, I’m not doing as many mass applications and it’s kind of a bummer. Creative strategies are more necessary now (authorized users, couples taking turns going on runs, finding options from smaller banks, waiting for new cards, etc). The game is far from over, but the new reality is a challenge.**

Bitter Old Guy Rating: 10 out of 10