I hesitate to share my most-used credit cards because what's best for me isn't necessarily what's best for you! We all have unique points goals, spending habits, and preferences that should guide our card decisions.
But, I get this question a lot! So, with that disclaimer shared... here are my top most-used credit cards from 2024. Please keep in mind that when I'm working on a new card's sign-up bonus minimum spend, I put all of my spending on that card! These are the cards I come back to when I'm not working on a new bonus. If you do apply for a credit card, I appreciate if you apply through one of these links. It costs you nothing extra, but supports my ability to continue making free content.
#1 Most Used Personal Credit Card?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Learn more here
Spending categories: Dining & Travel
This is my top most-recommended travel card for a reason. It has all the essentials: reasonable annual fee, strong points earning potential, and awesome travel insurance. In fact, it was my first travel credit card in my early twenties, and it continues to be my most-used travel card now because of the best-in-class travel insurance it offers. Plus, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly valuable. I use mine by transferring them out to Hyatt for luxury hotel stays that don't require very many points.
I'd recommend this card to anyone who wants a card that offers:
Generous restaurant and travel points multipliers: 3x points on every $1 spent on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x points on every $1 spent on travel
Best-in-class travel insurance
Points that can easily be redeemed for luxury hotel stays
No foreign transaction fees
#2 Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card - Learn more here
Spending categories: Miscellaneous spending (e.g., shopping) that's not a bonus point earning category on other cards
Earning 2 miles for every $1 I spend has been such a valuable resource this year because I've had a lot of non-bonus category personal spending that would earn just 1 mile per dollar on other cards. Plus, the airport lounge access (including guest access!) has been fantastic. I added my husband as an authorized user ($0 extra!) because that gave him his own Priority Pass account. So, he can enter lounges even when we're not traveling together.
I'd recommend this card to anyone who wants a card that offers:
Airport lounge access that includes guest access
A great bonus point multiplier without having to keep track of spending categories
A guaranteed way to offset the annual fee every single year (annual $300 travel credit and 10k bonus miles every anniversary year)
No foreign transaction fees
#3 World of Hyatt Credit Card - Learn more here
Spending categories: Transit, Gym Membership, Hyatt Stays (when not using points, or on miscellaneous charges at properties like restaurants)
I keep this card in my wallet to help maximize points earning on any dollars I spend at Hyatt. This year, I used it as my "miscellaneous spending" card for a couple months to earn extra tier-qualifying night credits. That strategy helped me to earn Globalist status for the first time.
I'd recommend this card to anyone who wants a card that offers:
Perks for Hyatt loyalists:
4x points on Hyatt purchases
Complimentary Hyatt Discoverist status
5 tier-qualifying nights every year (+ an additional 2 nights for every $5,000 spent on the card)
1 free night certificate each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort (I usually get $300-400+ of value out of this, more than offsetting the $95 annual fee)
2x points on fitness memberships, transit, dining, and airfare (when booked directly)
No foreign transaction fees
Since Hyatt points are very valuable (often worth around 1.7–2 cents per point), you’re getting a stellar return on your spending.
Most-used Business Credit Card:
#4 Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card - Learn more here
This is my "go-to" card for business expenses that don't fit into a particular bonus category (which, for me, is most of my expenses!) It's marketed as a "cash back" card, but you actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points. That means that the points can be combined into your other Chase credit card accounts to be used on travel redemptions (Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card).
I'd recommend this card to anyone who wants a card that offers:
$0 annual fee business card
An incredibly generous Chase sign-up bonus: Earn $900 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This is awarded in the form of 90,000 Ultimate Rewards points!
1.5x points for every $1 spent
I hope this inspires you to refine your credit card strategy for 2025, and pick cards that support your goals!
