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Category: Credit Cards

A Beginner's Guide To Building a Credit Card Application Strategy
A Beginner's Guide To Building a Credit Card Application Strategy
16

U.S banks play a huge role in the travel rewards ecosystem. Learning about credit card application rules won’t be the most exciting part of your points-and-miles education, but it’s hard to overstate the importance of building a healthy relationship with the banks for your credit card application strategy. In this post, we explain how to build a sustainable, long-term strategy.

Erik PaquetMark Jackson
Erik Paquet & Mark Jackson

Reviewed by Toni Southam

Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions [2026]
Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions [2026]
128

Wondering which credit card you can apply for next? Issuer rules vary widely — and much of the information out there is incomplete or unpublished. This guide breaks down major bank credit card application restrictions, including Chase’s 5/24 rule and which issuers expect you to have a checking account. We’ve compiled what’s known, plus community data points, all in one place.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by JT Genter

Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24
Why Starting With Chase Cards Matters if You’re Under 5/24
1

If you're new to the points and miles hobby or looking to dive deeper after just dipping your toes in, you'll want to develop a solid earning strategy. This applies to both welcome offers and ongoing rewards. To do so, you need to understand the rules and restrictions card issuers have in place. With Chase offering so many lucrative bonuses, we recommend designing your credit card strategy around their 5/24 rule. Here's how you best do that, and the potential cost of ignoring this unwritten rule.

Ian Snyder
Ian Snyder

Reviewed by Toni Southam

Trip Delay Insurance: The Credit Cards With the Best Coverage
Trip Delay Insurance: The Credit Cards With the Best Coverage
91

Many rewards card offers ancillary benefits, ranging from purchase protection and extended warranty coverage to roadside assistance and a slew of travel insurance perks. One of the most valuable of these benefits is trip delay reimbursement, which can cover your expenses if your flight is delayed or canceled. Here are the best cards that offer trip delay reimbursement, plus a list of 30+ cards with this protection.

Harrison PierceRyan Smith
Harrison Pierce & Ryan Smith

Reviewed by JT Genter

Is Your Wallet Working for You? Here’s How to Evaluate Your Credit Card Portfolio
Is Your Wallet Working for You? Here’s How to Evaluate Your Credit Card Portfolio
67

Whether you've got one credit card or a wallet with cards in every slot, it's important to take the time at least once a year to revaluate which credit cards are worth keeping. Your spending habits, travel goals, and ability to utilize credit card perks will change over time—and so will the benefits that come with your cards. Here's our guide to managing the cards in your wallet like a pro.

Tyler GlattRoss Denkin
Tyler Glatt & Ross Denkin

Reviewed by Erik Paquet

All the Ways To Earn Hilton Honors Points via Credit Cards
All the Ways To Earn Hilton Honors Points via Credit Cards
30

Travelers have dozens of ways to earn Hilton Honors points. That's a big deal if you're building a stash to fund a free night at one of Hilton's properties. The best way to earn a lot of Hilton points quickly is via credit card — either by netting a sign-up bonus on a Hilton credit card or initiating a transfer from one of Hilton's partner programs. Read on to learn about all the credit cards that earn Hilton Honors points.

Tyler GlattScott Sikes
Tyler Glatt & Scott Sikes

Reviewed by JT Genter

Hilton Honors American Express Card Review: Earn Hilton Points and Status With No Annual Fee
Hilton Honors American Express Card Review: Earn Hilton Points and Status With No Annual Fee
1

For those looking to add a no-fee Hilton Honors point-earning credit card to the arsenal, look no further than the Hilton Honors American Express Card. While light on perks and benefits, the Hilton Amex has a few redeeming qualities. Here's everything you need to know about the Hilton Amex to make an informed decision if the card is right for you.

Tyler GlattCameron Laufer
Tyler Glatt & Cameron Laufer

Reviewed by JT Genter

Why I Spend $15,000 Each Year on My Hilton Surpass Card
Why I Spend $15,000 Each Year on My Hilton Surpass Card
4

Hilton Honors offers multiple credit cards, and I have many cards in my wallet, but there's a reason why I love the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in particular. I've had this card since 2021, and I make sure to spend $15,000 each year on this card to unlock its Free Night Reward benefit. Here's why I think this benefit is so valuable and why it's worth my continued spending.

Scott SikesRyan Flanigan
Scott Sikes & Ryan Flanigan

Reviewed by Toni Southam