Getting cards in my wife's name and how I will earn 140,000 Hilton points with one purchase

I have been actively collecting points and miles via new credit card signup bonuses for four years. In that time, I have opened and closed nearly two dozen accounts. That may not sound like many compared to other bloggers, but I never open cards when I can’t meet the spending requirement for the bonus with my normal purchases. However, I have reached the point where I currently hold or have recently closed most of the cards that interest me. The solution: begin applying for cards in my wife’s name! And, this week, I have an “opportunity” to earn the signup bonus on her latest card with a single purchase!

Credit CardsDerek CookJanuary 13, 2019American Express Hilton Honors Business Card, Hilton Honors, credit cards, signup bonus, points and miles, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, 5/24 Rule

Amex Hilton Honors Business: go for the annual free night?

Earlier this year, I opened an American Express Hilton Honors Business Card and spent $4,000 to earn the welcome bonus. This gives me a head start on meeting the $15,000 annual threshold for a free weekend stay at a Hilton property. But is this a good use of $10,000 of spending? I take a look in this article.

Credit Cards, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookSeptember 18, 2018Hilton Honors, points and miles, credit cards, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Amex EveryDay Preferred Card, American Express Membership Rewards, reward, American Express Hilton Honors Business Card, Chase IHG Reward Club Premier Card, Chase Ink Business Cash, Chase Ink Business Unlimited, Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Marriott-SPG loyalty program merger brings credit card benefits

With the merger of the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty programs occurring in August, I wanted to highlight some of the practical benefits of that combination for moderate travelers like me. Specifically, there are some definite benefits coming to Marriott/SPG co-branded credit card portfolio.

Credit Cards, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookJuly 23, 2018Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Chase Marriott Premier Plus Visa, credit cards, Chase, American Express Hilton Honors Ascend Card, American Express Company

The long wait is over! I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve!

That was a long road, but I have finally reached the destination! Yesterday my shiny, new Chase Sapphire Reserve card arrived via UPS! Earlier this week I applied for and was instantly approved for what is perhaps the most popular points and miles card on the market. My excitement level was higher than normal given that I have been waiting to get this card since its debut in September 2016. The card has a $450 annual fee but great benefits. The question begging to be answered is simple: “Is the card worth such a high fee?”

Credit Cards, Points and MilesDerek CookMay 4, 2018Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5/24 Rule, credit card rewards, credit cards

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Barclays

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's final entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the lone Barclays card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookApril 21, 2018credit cards, credit score, points and miles, signup bonus, Barclaycard, AAdvantage Aviator Red MasterCard, AAdvantage miles

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Citibank

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the Citi card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookApril 15, 2018credit cards, Citibank, Citi ThankYou Premier Card, Citi Prestige Card, Citi ThankYou Points, CitiBusiness/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard, credit utilization rate, credit score

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Chase

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the Chase card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookApril 3, 2018credit cards, Chase, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Chase IHG Rewards Mastercard, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Ink Business Preferred, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase British Airways Visa Signature card, 5/24 Rule

Amex Starwood Preferred Guest card Statement credit promotion

Last week, I reviewed my American Express credit card portfolio. My primary takeaway was to close my consumer Amex Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. Ironically, yesterday, I received a spend promotion from American Express for that very card.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 20, 2018American Express, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, points and miles, promotions, credit cards

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - American Express

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the American Express card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 15, 2018credit cards, American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Company, American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Card, American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Card, points and miles, Amex EveryDay Preferred Cad, credit card rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Sheraton, Marriott Rewards, Hilton Honors

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Overview

When pursuing points and miles using credit card sign-up bonuses, you soon accumulate a lot of credit cards. I was accustomed to carrying multiple cards before I became immersed in these rewards, but the number of cards I currently hold has tripled. As an early-year task, I decided to undertake a top-to-bottom review of my open accounts in order to decide if any should be closed, and I want to strategize how to adjust my card portfolio in 2018. Today, I want to provide a little background to frame my analyses.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 8, 2018credit cards, credit score, American Express Company, Chase, credit utilization rate