Are you meeting the minimum spend on a credit card right now? If not, you might need a new credit card! One of the hardest things is trying to figure out which card you should apply for next. Here are 7 easy steps to help you make that decision easier.

 

1. Are You Under the Chase 5/24 Rule?

Chase Bank sponsors many of our favorite credit cards we use for travel. The problem is that you won’t be approved for one of their cards if you have received more than five credit card approvals in the last 24 months. Any co-branded card. Chase, American Express, Citibank, Capital One – ANY. The only ones that won’t count towards your Chase 5/24 are most business credit cards. Because of this rule, we like to get the five Chase credit cards we want the most before moving on to the other credit cards sponsored by other banks.

So I would always look at the different Chase credit cards as my next card so you don’t miss out on them. Here is a list of some of the most popular Chase personal credit cards:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Chase Freedom Flex℠
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• United Gateway℠ Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card
• Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card
• Iberia Visa Signature® Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
• The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The following cards are business credit cards:

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
• United℠ Business Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card

 

Whew! That’s a lot of Chase cards! As a beginner points/miles user, I would want at least five. Get those first.

If you are 4/24, you might want to grab a couple of Chase business credit cards before you get that last personal credit card from Chase. Business credit cards do not count toward your 5/24 total if you are under that amount.

 

2. Is your spouse under 5/24?

Remember to play in two-player mode as much as you can. More points for you and/or your spouse to travel with! If you are over 5/24, look at what you can get your spouse to apply for. Remember, don’t apply for credit cards jointly. We want ALL the points we can get, and having each spouse apply separately is how we do that.

 

3. Where do you want to go?

Decide where you next want to travel and make a plan.

• What airlines fly there?
• What type of seat do I want to sit in?
• Where do I want to stay? Hotel or Airbnb?

 

Once you’ve asked yourself those questions, start planning a trip, and see what credit cards you will need to travel for free or almost free. Start getting the cards to make this trip a reality, meet the minimum spend, collect your welcome offers and go for it!

 

 

4. What airline do you prefer?

Is there an airline you prefer? Are you tied to certain airlines because of where you live? I used to live where the closest airport was only served by United Airlines. Obviously, my first credit card ever was a United credit card. To this day, it is my oldest credit card and one that I will never close. Keep your oldest credit cards because they help your credit score.

If you are over 5/24, pick an airline (or hotel) you like and get that card.

 

 

5. What hotel do you prefer to stay at?

I love Marriott for domestic stays and many international stays. In Rome, Italy, we stayed at a great Marriott hotel that was centrally located. Those nights were paid with points.

One of the IHG credit cards is a great choice if you travel internationally. Chase sponsors them, so you must be under 5/24. I have stayed at some great Intercontinental Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Dubai with points from IHG. Additionally, I have received upgraded rooms because I had a hotel status.

Hyatt and Hilton are also great credit cards for free night stays. Additionally, I keep most of my hotel credit cards every year if they offer a free night certificate.

 

 

6. What card is currently offering an all-time bonus?

This is one of the factors that helps me decide what to get. If a card suddenly offers a high bonus and I need a new credit card, that is the one for me. I have over 4 million points in my stash, so my next card usually offers a high bonus.

There are currently some limited-time increased welcome offers! We keep this list updated each month so you can refer to it.

 

7. Will you pay a high annual fee?

I believe a high annual fee doesn’t negate getting a credit card. Most cards with high annual fees have benefits that make them worthwhile. At least to me. However, if you don’t want to go there yet, look at cards with no annual fee or ones that waive them the first year. Even a yearly fee of $95 is worth it for the welcome offer you get the first year. There are several no-fee or low-fee credit cards.

 

Bottom Line

The way to go where you want, when you want, is to earn a welcome offer on a credit card consistently. Use our seven steps to help you decide on your next card. Remember, we offer free credit card consultations if you are confused about which card to get. We are happy to help you pick your next card. You can go just about anywhere with a healthy stash of credit card miles/points! We have links to our credit cards, and we appreciate each of you who uses one!