Why do you talk so much about credit cards?

Credit cards, especially those tailored for travel, offer tremendous value. Big welcome offers, benefits, and spending bonuses can help you travel at low cost. Some benefits not only save money but also allow for exclusive and upgraded experiences, including airline seat upgrades, lounge access, and hotel room upgrades that enhance your travels.

Sign up for numerous credit cards to dramatically increase your earnings and improve your travel experience.

Before starting this hobby, I mainly traveled locally because I thought travel was too expensive. The credit card hobby has allowed me to take numerous comped cruises and travel to Australia, Rome, Greece, London, and many other destinations.

Will applying for many credit cards hurt my credit score?

In most cases, a hard inquiry will cause one of your credit scores to drop a few points. These dips are temporary and have little overall impact on your scores. The yearning for a ‘perfect credit score’ is highly overrated and offers very little, if any, tangible value. Why not trade a few points for great welcome offers, travel benefits, and more?

Why pay annual fees?

Many premium credit cards come with annual fees, but the benefits from the cards — especially in the first year — often greatly outweigh those fees.

You don’t have to pay annual fees beyond year one, since you can downgrade or cancel. When starting, I usually don’t suggest starting with high-annual-fee cards.

Why spend so much effort on this? Is it worth it?

In many areas of life, you will have to put in some level of effort to receive significant returns – such is the case for traditional jobs and entrepreneurs. I find the returns from miles and points related pursuits to be well worth it. I’m mindful of how I use my time and often pass on many deals that don’t have a great payoff. Your level of involvement is up to you.

I also find this hobby to be enjoyable and rewarding. I like solving puzzles, experiencing success, and having access to exclusive experiences. Through this hobby, I have also made good friends and met new people with similar interests.

How do I get started? Which card do you suggest for me?

I’m careful not to suggest just one strategy or card because individual circumstances dictate different paths. Complete my credit card questionnaire to get started, and listen to my library of podcast episodes for more information.

Beyond my questionnaire, I offer consultation or coaching through my Subscribestar page.

Is this for everyone?

This hobby involves discipline, financial responsibility, conscientiousness, and diligence. This hobby isn’t for you if you lose control with a credit card, buy things you can’t afford, miss payments, or only make minimum payments (and then pay interest).

Why bother with travel points and miles when I can just get cashback and use that for travel?

Using one card, even getting 2% cashback on all spending, leaves tremendous value on the table. Points are often worth far more than cashback, and travel oriented credit cards give many travel benefits.