Getting Started with Rewards
Learn how to choose your first card, build a strategy, and avoid common mistakes
Start with the right foundation
Your first rewards card should be simple, have no annual fee, and match your spending patterns. Here's how to choose:
Step 1: Assess Your Spending
Look at your last 3 months of spending. Where does most of your money go?
Spending Categories
- • Groceries
- • Dining / restaurants
- • Gas / transportation
- • Travel (flights, hotels)
- • Online shopping
- • Everything else
Pro Tip
Most people spend the most on groceries, dining, and gas. Choose a card that earns bonus rewards in your top 2-3 categories.
Step 2: Check Your Credit Score
Different cards require different credit scores. Be realistic about what you qualify for.
Qualify for all premium rewards cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Gold, etc.)
Most no-fee cash back cards (Discover it, Capital One Quicksilver)
Start with secured cards (Discover it Secured, Capital One Secured) or student cards
Recommended First Cards
Citi Double Cash (2% on everything), Discover it Cash Back (5% rotating categories)
No annual feeAmex Blue Cash Everyday (3% groceries), Capital One SavorOne (3% groceries & dining)
No annual feeChase Freedom Unlimited (1.5x Chase points), Capital One Venture X (2x miles)
Transferable pointsHow to grow your card portfolio over time
Most successful rewards earners don't just have one card - they build a strategic portfolio where each card covers different spending categories. Here's how to do it right:
The 3-Card Sweet Spot
Most people maximize rewards with 2-4 cards that cover all major categories:
Everyday Card (Base Spending)
Flat 2% cash back or 2x points on everything. This is your default card.
Category Card (Bonus Spending)
High earning rates (3-6x) on your biggest spending categories (groceries, dining, gas).
Travel Card (Bonus + Perks)
High travel earning, transfer partners, travel credits, lounge access.
Example 3-Card Strategy
That's $1,150-1,550/year just from optimizing card usage!
Important: Only add cards when you're comfortable managing them. Start with 1-2 cards and add more over 6-12 months as you build experience and credit history.
Pro tips to earn even more
Use the Right Card for Each Purchase
Always check which card earns the most for each category. Use your grocery card at supermarkets, travel card for flights, etc.
Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses
Most cards offer 50,000-100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000-4,000 in 3 months. This alone can be worth $500-2,000 in travel!
Pay Bills with Credit Cards
Many bills (internet, phone, utilities) can be paid by credit card for extra rewards. Just make sure there's no convenience fee!
Stack Rewards with Shopping Portals
Use credit card shopping portals before online purchases to earn 2-10x bonus points on top of your normal rewards.
Watch for Limited-Time Offers
Card issuers often run promotions (spend $X get Y bonus points, 10% back at specific stores). Subscribe to offer alerts!
Use Dining Programs
Enroll in Chase Dining, Amex Offers, and similar programs to earn bonus points at participating restaurants.
Don't let these errors cost you rewards
Carrying a Balance to "Earn More"
Interest charges (15-25% APR) will always exceed your rewards (1-5%). Always pay in full!
Paying Annual Fees Without Using Benefits
If a card has a $95 annual fee, make sure you're earning at least $95 in extra rewards vs a free card.
Applying for Too Many Cards Too Fast
Space out applications by 3-6 months to avoid hurting your credit score. Chase has a "5/24 rule" - you can't get their cards if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months.
Spending More to Earn Rewards
Only earn rewards on purchases you were already going to make. Don't buy things just for points!
Not Tracking Your Cards
With multiple cards, it's easy to forget which one to use. Use a tool like Card Curator to optimize automatically!
Closing Old Cards (Usually)
Closing cards reduces your available credit and credit history length, hurting your score. Keep old no-fee cards open unless there's a good reason to close.
Letting Points Expire
Some points expire after 12-24 months of inactivity. Make a small redemption or earn a few points to keep them alive.
Realistic roadmap for building your rewards strategy
Month 1-2: Get Your First Card
Apply for one beginner-friendly card. Start using it for all purchases. Set up autopay. Track spending.
Month 3-4: Hit Sign-Up Bonus
Meet minimum spending requirement (usually $3,000 in 3 months) through normal spending. Earn your bonus!
Month 5-6: Optimize & Add Card #2
Analyze your spending. Identify categories where you could earn more. Apply for a second card that fills those gaps.
Month 7-12: Build Your Portfolio
Continue managing both cards responsibly. Consider adding a 3rd card if you've mastered the first two. Start planning your first redemption!
Start with 1-2 simple cards that match your spending patterns and credit score
Build to 2-4 cards over time: everyday card, category card, and travel card
Maximize rewards by using the right card for each purchase category
Never carry a balance, pay annual fees you don't use, or spend more just for rewards
Take 6-12 months to build your strategy - don't rush into too many cards at once
Ready to Learn About Points Programs?
Understand transferable points programs and how to get 5-10x more value from your rewards