Why I’m Switching to a Single Card for Most of My Spending

I love credit cards. I love points and miles. And most of all, I love travel (and writing about it).

Because of that, I have more than 30 credit cards in my wallet. Keeping track of it all gets harder every year as I add and remove cards and earn and redeem points. Admittedly, I’ve never been the best at keeping things organized, but over the past year, it’s gotten out of control.

Life got in the way for the worst and best reasons. I went through an intense period of professional burnout, lost a family member, and had to spend some time working on my mental health. On the bright side, I also got married to the love of my life and went on an incredible honeymoon. But all of this meant I wasn’t keeping up with my travel and financial life the way I had in years past.

Thankfully, nothing catastrophic happened, and I’m now coming out on the better side of things. These days, I’m more focused on simplifying my finances. Here’s how I’m streamlining my credit card strategy and finally getting organized again.

A Look at My Credit Card Portfolio

I have what most people would consider to be an insane number of credit cards and loyalty program memberships. This is partly because I cover travel loyalty programs and credit cards for a living, and partly because of the simple love of the game.

Here’s a look at what I’m working with:

• 32 credit cards
• 72 loyalty program memberships
• More than 500,000 points and miles
• More than 2 million points and miles redeemed since 2014

My cards are spread across most of the major U.S. airlines, hotel chains, and transferable points programs. This gives me tons of flexibility in how I travel, because I can choose the airline, hotel, or loyalty currency that offers the best value for a specific trip. Plus, it lets me learn about more loyalty programs so I can share my experience using them when I write.

The downside? It’s incredibly difficult to keep track of it all if I use multiple of these cards for everyday spending.

Switching to a Single Card for Most Purchases

In the past, I’d use 4 or 5 of these cards for everyday spending to maximize my point earnings. I’d use different cards for dining, travel, groceries, and other bonus categories. As you can imagine, that became difficult to manage. Beyond tracking payment due dates, it can be tough to know how much you’re spending on each card and how it fits into your overall budget.

With that in mind, my wife and I recently switched to a single card for the bulk of our household expenses. The card may change from time to time, but we’ve started putting everything (with a few exceptions) on the Bilt Palladium Card (rates & fees). This card earns 2 Bilt Points per $1 on everything, or 3 points per $1 if you redeem Bilt Cash for Points Accelerator (offer terms).

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Bilt Palladium Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

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Bilt Palladium Card

Welcome Offer

Subject to approval: 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.

Subject to approval: 50,000 points + $300 Bilt Cash

Annual Fee

$495

Why We Like This Card

The Bilt Palladium Card is a premium card option for those who want to earn up to 1.25x Bilt Points on their rent and mortgage payments, but also want premium perks like airport lounge access.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points and the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases
• Up to 1.25x points on rent and mortgage payments
• $400 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit, split into 2 semiannual credits (requires a 2-night stay)

Cons

• Charges a $495 annual fee
• You’ll need to redeem Bilt Cash to unlock rewards for rent and mortgage payments

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
• 2X points on everyday spend
• $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
• $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
• Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
• Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
• Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.
• Earn additional points through Bilt Neighborhood Benefits™ when you use your card at Bilt’s network of 50,000+ merchant partners.

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

I value Bilt Points above any other points program thanks to its top-notch list of transfer partners, and I’ve personally never redeemed Bilt Points for less than 3 cents per point. I think it’s worth earning Bilt Points on every purchase, even if it means I’m earning fewer points on paper. Plus, switching to a single card for everything makes it much easier to track our spending.

That said, we still use a few of our other cards for specific purposes.

I use the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® to book most of our airfare and hotels directly to earn 4 points per $1. Likewise, I use the Chase Freedom Flex^® for its quarterly 5% categories, The World of Hyatt Credit Card for paid Hyatt stays and estimated tax payments, and the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card to earn 3 points per $1 on eligible foreign transactions. I also use a dedicated credit card for all of my business spending to keep things separate for tax time.

OFFER ENDING SOON

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$3,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex^® sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Up to 60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is the perfect companion for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is the perfect companion for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Welcome Offer

50% Flight Discount upon approval and Earn 100,000 Bonus Points after spending $6,500 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

100,000 points + 50% Flight Discount

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,600

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is perfect for any frequent Alaska or Hawaiian flyer who wants a card loaded with great benefits, such as an annual Global Companion Award, Alaska Lounge passes, free checked bags, and a fast-track toward Atmos Rewards elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas
• 1x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Points aren’t as flexible as other transferable reward programs

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 50% Flight Discount upon approval and Earn 100,000 Bonus Points after spending $6,500 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
• 3x points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas
• 1x points on all other purchases
• Receive 10,000 status points each year and 1 status point for every $2 of card spend
• 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account.
• 25,000-point Global Companion Award annually
• 100,000-point Global Companion Award (after spending $60,000 or more on purchases in a card anniversary year)
• $395 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Moving my spending doesn’t mean that I’m closing all of my other credit cards. I’ll switch out our daily driver when we need more points in a specific loyalty program. Plus, I’m keeping all the other benefit-rich cards in my wallet open for perks, such as airport lounge access, and I’ll put some spending on them each year to keep those accounts active.

Switching to 1 card for most purchases has saved my sanity. I love maximizing my points earning as much as the next person, but knowing how much I’ve spent on everyday expenses by checking a single app is priceless. Plus, I’ve racked up a ton of valuable Bilt Points since making the switch, and am quickly making my way toward top-tier Bilt Platinum elite status.

Final Thoughts

The points-and-miles world is fun, and it’s given me travel opportunities I never would have been able to afford otherwise. At the same time, it can become surprisingly complicated as you accumulate more cards, points balances, and loyalty program accounts.

My solution was to move the bulk of my spending to a single credit card that earns more than 1 point per dollar on everything. This has made it easier to track my spending and bank points in a single transferable points program.