On a recent podcast, we all talked about our strategies for 2024 and that we all planned to earn a million points or more again. I also mentioned two other things: 1. I have over 4 million credit card points and miles, and 2. One bank doesn’t like me now (not approving me for their cards). After that podcast, I decided to change things up for 2024. Here is my shocking 2024 credit card strategy change.

Take a Rest From Applying as Frequently

I frequently apply for credit card sign-up bonuses (SUBs) as that is the way to get a nice stockpile of points. However, I have a HUGE stockpile, and I am primarily the only one using these points/miles since my husband doesn’t want to travel as much and I don’t have family at home.

I think that this strategy of not applying as much will also help me get approved for a brand of cards that I want later this year. I will also take more time this year to look at the cards that I currently hold and decide if I should keep, cancel, or downgrade them.

The plan is to get fewer of these beauties this year, sadly.

How I Plan to Earn Points/Miles in 2024 Now

This year, my husband was approved for the Chase Freedom Unlimited with the unlimited match offer (no longer available). I love these points, so I plan to put much more on that card to earn more Chase points when we are not meeting a minimum spend.

I will probably apply for a few Chase cards for him this year. I will also apply for one or two other cards for me if a great limited-time increased offer comes up. I am just not going to apply for my usual six or so.

Maximizing Spend Categories in 2024

Because my usual strategy is to open a lot of credit cards for the huge sign-up bonuses (this will always be my favorite strategy), I usually don’t worry as much about maximizing spend categories. Usually, I just put everything on the card that I am meeting that minimum spend on. This year, I will use the Cardpointers App to help remind me of what card I should use to maximize my spending categories.

Using my American Express Gold card for 4 points per dollar on groceries will be more important this year.

Bottom Line

Credit card strategies need to be realistic. Mine has always been “go big or go home.” However, with the inability to get approved for certain cards recently, coupled with a huge stockpile, I’ve decided to change things up. My shocking 2024 credit card strategy change may not even last—you’ll have to wait and see how it goes when we do our yearly recaps!