Good points: 9 ways to make credit cards feel less overwhelming
It doesn't have to feel like a full time job
Good Points is a series that’s all about making points easier for you!
It’s a place to learn short, to the point tips and tricks, an opportunity to dispel myths and teach you how to use your points wisely.
Thanks for being here, reading along and asking questions!
Here’s the fourth edition of Good Points! Usually they are paywalled but today it’s free as a birthday gift from me to you.
Point earning notes:
The elevated offer on my very favorite personal premium card is going strong at 150,000 points! Don’t miss this - it’s a big deal and can earn you enough points to stay at amazing hotels, or even fly round trip to Europe in business class. Read more about it here and please use this link to apply!
For big spenders: Do you spend more than $5-$10K/month on cards? DM me for info on the best cards that can earn you 150K+ in welcome bonus points (or simply reply if you’re receiving this via email).
If you’re new here (hi!) this is the card you want if you don’t yet have it!
Click here for a wallet edit (free!) to learn which cards might be best for you. Or browse the link below! Using any of my links to apply for cards rather than applying directly on the bank site is the best way to support my small business 🖤
Point spending notes:
Look for saver fares when booking flights! If you skip the portal, you’ll have the opportunity to find lower point fares on the airline website.
The great Hyatt devaluation was not as bad as we thought it would be! When booking hotel stays with points, Hyatt is still the front runner. I usually combine all my points from the bank on this card and then transfer them over to Hyatt when I’m ready to book a stay.
Rather than booking round trip fares, try booking one way! You will have a better chance of finding a saver fare AND will have more flexibility if anything changes with your trip.
By the time you’re reading this, I’m hopefully at one of my favorite local hotels in Manhattan having a staycation for my birthday! I can’t wait to fill you in on the details of where I stayed and how I booked it once I’m back home.
If you have never booked a hotel staycation in your town or city, I highly recommend it! Check in somewhere with a jacuzzi and room service and enjoy waking up in a different neighborhood outside of your usual routine (ideally without your kids if possible).
A quick note: the discounted annual subscriptions I’ve offered this month are coming to an end in just a few days! If you’re ready to visit the coolest places for a fraction of the cost, you’ll want to upgrade here to learn my ways.
I saved $140,000+ in travel last year. I know a few things!
When cards feel overwhelming — a reader Q&A
Reader: “I'm deep in trip planning and I got overwhelmed again. It's so silly because I am spending SO MUCH right now and could have been hitting all of my minimum spends! I'm finding it so tricky tracking four cards of spending!”
The Point (err me): Which parts exactly are you finding tricky?
Reader:
Tracking the spending is overwhelming. I wish all of the payment days would sync up.
Planning a big trip has been a learning experience. So much trial and error and sometimes I get it wrong.
One time, I wasn’t thinking and I booked a hotel through this card thinking I’d get more points that way, only to realize that then I had to pay a foreign transaction fee.
I’m using Rakuten and trying to figure out which card to use.
I messed up a car rental I used this card, only to miss out on the extra points and the great rental car coverage from this card!
9 ways to make credit cards feel less overwhelming
1. How to not get overwhelmed by different statement dates
Call the bank and have them sync each of your card’s statement dates. Have every statement close on the 1st or 15th to simplify.
2. How to not miss a payment
Set every card you have to autopay. This way you don’t accidentally miss a payment.
3. How to know when a card has a foreign transaction fee
Cards without annual fees tend to have foreign transaction fees. If this is your everyday card, use this one or this one when you’re abroad. Most cards with annual feels do not have foreign transaction fees.
4. Which card to use when paying with Rakuten
If you have Rakuten set to pay out in points, you can pay with any card! You’ll earn points through Rakuten on top of your regular credit card points. If you don’t have Rakuten, get it! Use this link.
5. Can I use Rakuten to book travel?
For travel, I prefer to book direct rather than using portals. For 4x on flights and hotels booked direct, I love using this card (or this business version).
6. How to not miss out on all of the credits and benefits of a premium card?
Give yourself some grace! If you think about every single granular decision you will drive yourself nuts. Try to look at the big picture. You may not always earn a ton of points on every purchase and may make mistakes from time to time. If you look at the actual value of one individual purchase, it can be a really small amount. The overall trend of making good decisions with points will help you earn more over time.
7. Do I need to book trips a year in advance?
Does it make you feel better to know I have not booked my winter break flights yet? Sometimes last minute is best! Don’t beat yourself up! Do what you can.
8. I know I should use my points but I am worried and have only used them for parts of trips.
Look at the big picture and try to let some of the bigger stuff go. If you get one trip you would have had to pay for - or even part of one for free - think of how much you’re saving overall.
9. I have so much travel lust! Will I have enough points to do it all?
Remember that more points equals more opportunities. Let go of some of the pressure, consolidate your statement dates, set up autopays and you’ll be able to open more cards and have more points to work with!
The overall trend of making good decisions with points will help you earn more over time.
Anything you’d like to see covered on Good Points? Please share your questions or points woes in the comments.
And please share this post to help others travel better with points!
Thanks for being here 🖤
