In my experience, defying the conventional wisdom, I’ve found that maintaining over 15 credit cards can be advantageous. With responsible management, these cards serve as invaluable tools for enhancing credit, realizing aspirations like owning a dream car or home, and unlocking enticing rewards such as cash back and points. This journey embodies the essence of the “Ultimate Credit Card Hacking Guide.”
I own a few cars, including an Audi RS7, a Huracan Evo, and my favorite, a Toyota Tacoma 2019 TRD Sport. If I had bought these cars outright in cash, I wouldn’t have been able to invest in other profitable ventures, like a restaurant I co-own in Rockville, Maryland. Having free cash flow allows me to reinvest back into my business, improve the quality of my YouTube channel, grow my team, and even invest in the crypto markets.
Credit is also important when it comes to housing. I’ve lived in two apartments since moving out of my parents’ house, and they always asked for my credit score, proof of finances, and a letter of recommendation from the bank. Credit is crucial if you want to change your residence, move into your dream apartment, or buy a home and get a mortgage.
Recently, I was approved for a quarter-million-dollar line of credit from JPMorgan Chase. This happened because I was able to maintain good credit and build a good relationship with my bankers. Through years of learning and implementing credit card strategies, I’ve been able to utilize free money and even get offered free money for business-related expenses.
Credit is one of the most important topics that everyone should know about, but it seems like most people don’t pay much attention to it. In this video, I’ll be covering the basics of credit cards, the do’s and don’ts, and how to become an advanced credit card user. I’ll also discuss the benefits of credit cards, such as insurance and protection during troubling times, the ability to take advantage of opportunities, and access to premium perks and rewards.
When it comes to credit cards, there are some common mistakes you should avoid. First and foremost, always pay your balance off in full. Spending within your means and staying organized with your accounts is crucial. Missing a payment can result in late fees and negatively impact your credit score. Another mistake is canceling a credit card. Instead of canceling, consider keeping the account open, even if you don’t use the card. If you have a credit card with an annual fee, you can call the issuer and ask to downgrade the card or negotiate a retention offer.
Now, let’s talk about how to become an advanced credit card user. The first step is to get a secured credit card if you have bad credit or no credit. A secured credit card requires a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. This allows you to build credit and show responsible usage. Once you have established some credit history, you can apply for beginner or starter credit cards. Chase offers some great beginner cards, such as the Chase Freedom and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. These cards offer cash back and rewards on purchases.
To increase your chances of approval, consider piggybacking on someone with good credit. By becoming an authorized user on their account, you can benefit from their positive credit history. This can help improve your credit score quickly. Once you have a beginner card and have built some credit history, you can apply for mid-tier cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great mid-tier card that offers a generous welcome bonus and flexible point redemption options.
When applying for credit cards, make sure to find the best offer available. Look for referral links, check your mail for special offers, and apply in incognito mode to potentially get higher bonuses. It’s also important to have a good credit score, especially for mid-tier and advanced cards.
Conclusion:
credit cards can be a powerful tool when used responsibly. They can help you build credit, access benefits and rewards, and even provide financial security during challenging times. By following the do’s and don’ts of credit card usage and following an optimized plan, you can become an advanced credit card user and unlock the full potential of credit cards.
Remember, credit is important, and understanding how credit cards work can change your financial future. So buckle in and get ready for a life-changing journey with credit cards.
A Comprehensive Guide to Maximizing Credit Card Benefits and Rewards
Credit cards can be a powerful tool for earning rewards and maximizing benefits. In this guide, we will explore the steps you can take to make the most of your credit cards, from choosing the right cards to understanding how to redeem your rewards. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced credit card user, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you travel for free and unlock the full potential of your credit cards.
Choosing the Right Cards:
If you have a credit score between 720 and 730, you should be eligible for most credit cards. However, if you find yourself getting declined, it may be due to your credit history length. In this case, you can consider the piggyback method, which involves adding a family member with a good credit score as an authorized user on your account. Alternatively, you can call the reconsideration line to discuss your application and increase your chances of approval.
Recommended Cards:
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred: This mid-tier card offers a generous signup bonus and is a great starting point for earning travel rewards.
2. Amex Gold: This card is within the same category as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and is known for accepting newer applicants. It offers a higher annual fee but provides additional benefits.
3. Chase Ink Business Cards: These cards are ideal for small business owners or freelancers. They offer zero percent APR intro bonuses and do not report to your personal credit report, allowing you to leverage your credit limit without affecting your personal credit score.
Maximizing Credit Card Benefits:
To make the most of your credit cards, it’s important to understand how to use them strategically. Here are some tips to consider:
1. Use the right card for specific circumstances: Different cards offer different rewards for specific categories, such as dining or gas. Use the card that offers the highest rewards for the category you’re spending in.
2. Take advantage of welcome bonuses: Welcome bonuses are a great way to earn a significant number of points or miles. Make sure to meet the spending requirements to receive the bonus.
3. Utilize benefits and credits: Many credit cards offer additional benefits, such as airline incidental fee credits or hotel resort credits. Take advantage of these perks to offset the annual fee and maximize your value.
Redeeming Points and Miles:
There are several ways to redeem your points and miles, depending on the credit card and program. Here are three common methods:
1. In-house redemption: Many credit card issuers have their own rewards portals where you can redeem your points for travel, gift cards, or cash back. Explore these portals to find the best value for your points.
2. Point transfer systems: Some credit card programs allow you to transfer your points to partner airlines or hotels, which can provide better redemption rates for flights or hotel stays.
3. Cash out with Schwab: If you prefer cash back or want to invest your rewards, consider getting the Charles Schwab American Express Platinum card. This card allows you to redeem your points for cash at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.
Conclusion:
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can become a savvy credit card user and maximize the benefits and rewards offered by your cards. Remember to choose the right cards, use them strategically, and redeem your points wisely. With careful planning and utilization, you can travel for free and enjoy the full potential of your credit cards.
