Matt Langford

I play the credit card points game primarily for travel (airfare, hotels, rental cars), but I also take advantage of great benefits like extended warranties, cash back, etc. Here is a quick overview of my current cards and how I use them.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

This is my high end card. Without diving too deep into it, I use it for some major purchases, rental cars, and dining. Additionally, I transfer points to it from my next card. This card has a lot of other great benefits as well (free TSA precheck, $300 travel credit, etc).

Chase Freedom

Every quarter, this card gets bonus points in certain categories (gas stations for example). I use this card for whatever category is currently active. This is also my oldest card, and I will always keep it active for that reason alone.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

I use this card for booking hotels with Hilton (where I always stay). It has a lot of useful benefits that strictly apply to Hilton. I don’t even carry it in my wallet.

Chase United MileagePlus Explorer

The only thing I use this card for is booking airfare with United (my primary airline). It gets me extra miles when I book, free checked baggage, priority boarding, and keeps my miles from expiring. I don’t carry this card.

Apple Card

Brand new to the scene is the Apple Card. I’ll use it primarily for Apple purchases (3% cash back). That can be for Apple hardware, apps, music, books, subscriptions, etc. You can also get 3% cash back with Uber/UberEats (and more coming).

My wife also has a selection of cards that work well alongside mine. For instance, her primary card is a Chase Freedom Unlimited. Chase allows her to transfer points to my Reserve card, increasing their value.

If you’re new to the credit card points game, it can be dangerous if you don’t handle things properly from the beginning. Here are a few quick tips.

1. Never carry a balance. NEVER. Always pay it in full.
2. Never max out the card.
3. Understand the benefits and weaknesses of each card.
4. Start with 1 and build out.

Here are a few products I’ve used in the last few months that I highly recommend. Everything on the list is $40 or less.

1. Peak Design Field Pouch - Perfect for many things. Cable and charger organizer, mini diaper bag, point and shoot camera bag, etc.
2. Leatherman Micra - A fantastic little keychain multi-tool. Great for small tasks like cutting a loose thread, tightening a screw on a kid’s toy, pulling out a splinter, and more.
3. Fintie AppleTV Remote Case - Gives the AppleTV remote a gripable texture and makes it easier to know which way the remote is pointing in the dark. Lots of color options and super cheap.
4. Retro 1951 Tornado Rollerball Pen - One of the best pens (with one of the best refills) you can find for the price. Pair this with a Rhodia Pad of your choice and you have a winning combination.
5. Hitch and Timber Pocket Slip - A great little front pocket organizer. I put a Cadet and Space Pen in mine, but there are many possible uses.