Credit Cards

Starting out with zero credit is frustrating. Secured cards guarantee approval and help build your credit score quickly. Is it better to start with them? I’d rather put down a deposit than keep getting rejected for unsecured cards.

How do you realistically balance tracking different reward categories, like groceries or gas, without it becoming a headache? I’m trying to decide if chasing higher cash back is actually worth the stress of managing those complicated bonus structures.

@William You’re definitely on the right track with your thinking here. I wouldn't rush to close that Capital One Platinum card just yet; doing so can actually hurt your credit history and increase your utilization, which might lower your score. It’s better to keep it open, use it for the occasional small purchase, and pay it off. That way, you keep your credit profile strong while you wait to snag a rewards card with better perks later on.

@BitByBit
For many U.S. travelers, yes — the time and effort to hunt for award availability can outweigh the extra value. If you prioritize convenience and quick booking, using the Chase travel portal often delivers easier, more predictable value despite slightly lower returns.

To pay off your student loan fast , these are some effective strategies that you can follow:

First of all, spend mindfully and cut down the unnecessary expenses. Make a strict budget, and follow that rigorously. Either use the snowball method, where you pay off the small debt first, or the avalanche method, where you pay the highest interest rate first. Do some part-time job and save extra money to pay off your loans.

You can go with Chase, Bank of America, and American Express; all these banks offer business credit cards for holding companies.

There are some credit unions like Alliant and America First Credit Union that may offer specialized services, but I would suggest going with the banks, as banks provide more diverse card choices and have high credit limits, which makes it more important for these companies.

Both are excellent options, but for $20-25K annual travel, you can consider Amex Business Platinum for a superior experience like lounge access, hotel perks, and flexible points for flights.

But for lower fees, excellent travel rewards, and simple redemption, you can go to Venture X Business.

So it's all up to you; pick based on what's most important to you: superior experience or lower fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X, and Amex Gold and Platinum would fulfill your requirements of no international transaction fees, airport lounge access, and many more.
Check all the terms and conditions properly (as each card have different perks and fees) and then choose accordingly.

Ok, so tell me, if I use travel insurance, what are the specific limitations and exclusions of these policies in case of trip cancellations, delays, or baggage loss?

If you fly with American Airlines, then their credit card gives you specific benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding. But if you want more travel rewards than you can use the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture or the American Express Platinum Card; these cards give you more freedom to redeem points on different airlines and travel expenses.

For those without a credit history, Capital One bank offers secured credit cards. To start your credit limit, make a refundable deposit on a secured card. To increase your credit, pay your bills on time and make small transactions.

We do online shopping to buy things (Amazon), subscriptions (Netflix), groceries (Walmart), and services from the Internet, for bill payments, and for that you can use the Goldman Sachs Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. It is designed for online payments and provides cashback benefits on eligible transactions.

Yes, it's totally worth it. You will get all the benefits like hotel upgrades, late check-outs, and lounge access, which Marriott Platinum Elite status offers. Therefore, I believe that $650 is an excellent value if you are a frequent traveler and want to make the most of your trip.

Chase Sapphire Preferred is a best choice as it offers great travel rewards for domestic trips and gives 3x points on dining and groceries.
American Express Gold is also another great option for you. It gives you benefits on travel, restaurants, groceries, and shopping also.
Both cards are suitable for frequent travelers like you.

Citibank credit card offers a variety of benefits and rewards for travelers.

Benefits: Gives access to  airport lounge, travel insurance, lost or damaged luggage protection, comfortable staying at hotels during long layovers, Rewards: Provides you travel benefits, adds points/miles on travel purchases, and offers a welcome bonus.

If you travel a lot then Citibank offers you a variety of card. The Citi Premier Card offers points on air travel, hotels and restaurants. Then there is AAdvantage Platinum elect World Elite Mastercard which offers you 2x miles on airlines purchases, eating at restaurants and gas stations.

Selecting a good credit card for travel depends on your travel habits and preferences.