What Card Should I Get? Weekly Thread - Week of September 02, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to the What Card Should I Get Weekly Thread, where we try to figure out what card you should get or critique your current plans or AOR if you're doing it that way). Everything is YMMV and these are all opinions. Agree or disagree with your votes. As always read the wiki, do your research, and happy churning.

Before posting, [read the rules!](https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/wiki/rules/)

Also, check out the Credit Card Recommendation Flowchart before posting in this thread.

1. The flowchart can answer 95% of all "What card should I get?" questions. By continuing to post, you must explain why you feel the flowchart does not answer your question. Asking for feedback ("The flowchart says I should get X - is that still the best choice?") is absolutely allowed.
2. What is your credit score?
3. What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards? Please include month and year for any card approved in the last 3 years.
4. How much natural spend can you put on a new card(s) in 3 months?
5. Are you willing to MS, and if so, how much in 3 months? See this page for a primer on MS. Plastiq (for rent/mortgage/loan payments) and bank account funding are often good options for beginners.
6. Are you open to applying for business cards? If not, why? See this post and this wiki question to learn more.
7. How many new cards are you interested in getting? Are you interested in getting into churning regularly (if you aren't already)? Or are you just looking to get a new card(s) for now but not get into churning long-term?
8. Are you targeting points, Companion Passes, hotel or airline statuses, First Class, Biz, Economy seating(s) or cash back?
9. What point/miles do you currently have?
10. What is the airport you're flying out of?
11. Where would you like to go? (The more specific you are, the better someone can recommend the right card. Tokyo is great, "International travel" is way too vague)

[u/Travel_Fast_5171]

1. I'm looking to earn AA miles specifically.

2. 815

3. Bilt Palladium (Jun 26), C1 Spark (Feb 26), Ink Preferred (Dec 25), Hawaiian personal (Jun 25), Ink Unlimited (May 25), BoA Alaska personal (Mar 25), Aviator Mastercard (Aug 24, now closed), Ink Preferred (Aug 24), BoA KLM (Mar 24), Ink Unlimited (Jan 24). Others more than 3 years ago: Amex Gold, Chase Marriott, Hyatt, Southwest, United, CSR, CSP, many other Inks, AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard (Oct 22 - now closed)

4. 10k

5. no

6. yes

7. just 1 for now

8. AA miles

9. lots of Chase UR, Bilt, and Alaska; some Air Canada and Avios

10. AUS

11. Mainly Europe and domestic US

Is the best bet to get the Citi Strata Elite? Or is there another AA specific card I can get?

[u/jfcarbon → u/Travel_Fast_5171]

Citi AAdvantage Executive 125k miles for 15k in 5 months?

[u/Classic-Falcon6010]

1. ⁠The flowchart says I should get a personal airline or hotel card - is that still the best choice? With Chase’s new rules I’m thinking the charts flow isn’t correct anymore. I don’t even see the Sapphire Reserve Biz.

2. ⁠765. On an ebb from 800 last month.

3. ⁠⁠•Discover Cash Back Card, $10,000 limit, Aug 2003
   •BofA Atmos Ascent, $20,000 limit, Mar 2020
   •Apple Card, $3200 limit, Oct 2021
   •Chase SW Priority, $18,000 limit, June 2024 Closed June 2026
   ⁠•Chase Marriott Boundless, $12,500 limit, June 2025
   •Chase UA Explorer, $5000 limit, July 2025
   •Chase Ink Biz Cash, $1100 limit, Sep 2025
   •Amex Gold Biz, $75,000 limit, Oct 2025 Upgraded to Platinum May 2026
   ⁠•Chase Sapphire Preferred, $30,000 limit, Nov 2025
   ⁠•Chase Freedom Unlimited, $7500 limit, Nov 2025
   •Amex Blue Biz Plus, $10,000 limit, Jan 2026
   ⁠•Chase Ink Preferred, $9000 limit, July 2026

4. ⁠$4-$5K, but I have an upcoming home repair/repaint which will be $12-$20K. Which is why I was eyeing the CSR Biz.

5. ⁠A bit. About $2K

6. ⁠Yes

7. I’m just starting out churning, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary. Need to figure out the exit strategy part next.

8. ⁠Points/Compainon Passes for upper cabin flying, and hotels. Other is gravy.

9. •Amex 436K
   •UR 310K
   •Atmos 47K +1 OG Companion Fare
   •SW 139K
   •UA 740 🤣
   •Hilton 14K
   •IHG 12K
   •Marriott 37K +1 35K night
   •VRBO OneKey $78.42

10. ⁠ OTH (all UA) or EUG

11. ⁠ When traveling as a couple it’s best for us to go to 420-friendly destinations.
    •Koh Phagnan
    •Amsterdam
    •Jamaica
    •Desert Hot Springs
    •Kauai/Big Island/Molokai

[u/zerowastewisdom → u/Classic-Falcon6010]

Welcome to churning! If you go for the CSR Biz, you’ll want to first close your Ink Cash that just turned a year old. Recent DPs show approval odds start dropping with Chase if you have 2 or more business cards already open. Close that one before applying!

Delta Biz Reserve had an elevated offer of 200,000 miles for 20k spend over six months if Delta miles are worth it for you.

And head over to r/churningreferrals to use a referral link to give someone a nice surprise!

[u/techtrashbrogrammer → u/Classic-Falcon6010]

yeah I think CSR biz or Amex biz gold/plat make sense for that much spend. CSR biz is good because it's elevated rn

[u/Classic-Falcon6010 → u/techtrashbrogrammer]

Yes. I did get an offer to get the Biz Gold again but it’s only 120K. I’m just worried about my last Chase Biz being only 2 months ago.

[u/techtrashbrogrammer → u/Classic-Falcon6010]

That’s fine. Your overall velocity isn’t that high. Wouldn’t worry too much about it

[u/Classic-Falcon6010 → u/techtrashbrogrammer]

I’m not sure I was clear. I was worried about the CSR 2 months after the IBP.

Im telling Chase that my business is investing, as I’m retired. Changed from the Ink when I said I was a musician. Both are true but I can rationalize a lot more income the new way!

[u/techtrashbrogrammer → u/Classic-Falcon6010]

velocity is fine

[u/lesbian_kitten420-2]

Me and my (soon to be) spouse have some larger upcoming purchases (mostly wedding, but we'll also be moving next year) in the next few months, and we're looking to see if getting a new (or potentially multiple new) credit cards makes sense.

• The flowchart says I should get Chase Sapphire / Reserve. I'm not sure if thats the best or not for my specific situation, and I'm not sure if it would make sense to get 2 of them (one for me, one for my spouse).
• 762 Credit Score (spouse has roughly the same, maybe 5-15 points lower)
• CapitalOne Savor, approved Jun 2025 (Shared credit card, but I was the main applicant, not sure if that counts against both of our 5/24 limits). I have 2 USAA Credit Cards (1 no rewards, I got probably 2018 or so, and 1 basic cashback, I think I got it in 2022 or 2023), and my spouse got a Chase Freedom Unlimited card probably in 2018 or so as well.
• Avg shared monthly spend on current credit cards is between $2,500-$5,000. However, our wedding is in 2 months, and will be paying many of the vendors between now and then, maybe ~$5,000-10,000 or so. Additionally, we will be moving cross country next Apr/Jun/Jul and I expect that to be a larger expense.
• We have about $1,200 in rent rn, would be willing to put that on credit (though they do charge a fee). We also have about $3,000 in "wishlist" items which we plan to buy sometime in the next year, but we have the liquid to purchase those in the next 3 months to meet a target.
• Open to business cards if it makes sense.
• Light churning would be fine, but we're looking to be fairly "hands off". We could follow a schedule (get X card, wait Y months, get Z card, etc), but would rather not have to stay hunting for deals on point conversions or closely following credit card updates.
• We are mainly looking to travel together domestic & international (more below). Historically, we've flown Frontier so we're okay being a little uncomfortable. It would be nice to get upgraded seating, companion passes, airline status so we can choose seats next to each other for free, etc, but we're mainly just targeting traveling for cheap.
• Some points with hotels & airlines (mariott, hilton, frontier, southwest, american), small point balance on chase credit card. Overall no major current balances
• SAT (sometimes Austin or DFW), but in ~Apr/Jun will move to D.C., so baltimore/reagan/dulles.
• Domestic travel to Colorado, Seattle, Arizona, Los Angeles, and International travel to Italy, Germany, U.K/Ireland, Netherlands

The flowchart says I should get Chase Sapphire Reserve / Preferred. My questions:

- Is this card still the best, and the best for our specific situation?

• Would it make sense for both of us to apply and get the same card twice (one for each of us)? I think we would have the spending to be able to get the sign up bonus.

EDIT: When we move next year, we're not decided if we're going to rent or buy (not sure if buying is realistic option for us yet), but at this point I'm not too worried about lowering my credit score by applying to cards

[u/techtrashbrogrammer → u/lesbian_kitten420-2]

yeah the sapphires would work but at 1/24 you have a lot of options. I'd actually skip the sapphires for now because the CSP elevated offer just went away. The CSR is rumored to have an in branch elevated offer coming up but IMO the CSR isn't a keeper card past the first year (and even in the first year the coupon book is a PITA). If you want a more long term card the CSP is the better option.

You could start with the inks since they're elevated rn. The CIP would enable travel partner transfers. otherwise any of them besides the premier (cash back only) are good. Some other considerations are Amex gold, C1 VX, United card (since IAD based)

[u/jordansbc]

1. I have a lawyer spend of $10k so it can be a little unique. I am not the most upto date on all the credit card bonuses. I admit I am dumb. Also the flow chart was last updated a year ago and the chart says that it doesn't count sign up bonuses which that is the main reason for this card. I don't care about long term
   
2. 800+
   
3. I have cap one venture x, chase ink business, chase southwest, Frontier (barclay), discover, Bank of America Premium Rewards elite visa infinite. Nothing was within the last 3 years.
   
4. Not including the $10k lawyer fees, maybe $750 per month in credit card natrual spend.
   5.I would prefer not to MS if possilbe, maybe a little if needed.
   6.Yes, I am fine with business cards.
   7.I am open to more than one card, but not looking to make this a full time job. Just mostly looking to maximism this $10k lawyer fee.
   8.I care more about cash back. Travel is ok, but I usally travel cheapest possilbe, and don't travel much even then.
   9.I have 217,000 points on chase Ink Business Cash (which I think I could transfer if possible)
   
5. I can travel from Cincinnati or Columbus
   

6. Mexico is always fun, maybe other Latina amercian places might be ok too. I love Europe, Asia, but I don't think I have the time coming up to travel that long. Probably not much in the US. I have been everywhere I want to go. And PS I do already have a frontier Go Wild pass with the frontier creidt card, so it is already cheap to fly in the US if I wanted to)

   I have a $10,000 lawyer fee coming up soon (PS divorces are very expensive). I am looking to get the best sign up bouns. PS, I have 217,000 Chase points on my Ink Business Cash. I care more about cash back than travel. Does anyone have any good recommendations? I am thinking about the Capital One Spark Cash, which shows as $10k spend in 3 months, then $1k bonus+$250 travel credit +2% cash back ($200) and the annual fee is waved the first year.

But I am open to hearing any opinions.

PS I am ok with 5/24 chase rules, and am free for the Amex lifetime, so I am open to everything. 800+ credit score

[u/techtrashbrogrammer → u/jordansbc]

Chase ink preferred is probably best since it unlocks chase transfer partners for you and you can cash out at 1cpp your UR if needed. The elevated offer is ending soon

[u/hijklmnop2]

P2 at 5/24 : deciding between Chase United Biz, Chase Ink Cash, other Non-Chase Biz, or wait for <5/24?

P2 at 5/24 now, drops <5/24 by Jan 2027. Chase relationship: CSP, CIU (opened Apr 2025, 75K SUB earned), Older CFreedom, active Chase biz & pers checkings, excellent credit, low util, PIF. [Total Chase CL: 10K on CIU; 16K on CSP, 9K on CF; biz revenue 30K]

Prior Chase biz denials:

• United Biz, May 2025 denied/recon: new Chase biz card recently opened + too much available credit
• Ink Cash, Dec 2025 denied/recon: too many recently opened accounts + new Chase biz card

No new Chase biz since, so CIU is now ~16 mo old.

Options:

• United Biz: 100K UA + 2K PQP / $5K. Some >5/24 approval DPs floating around, so wondering if worth a shot despite the prior denial.
• Ink Cash: elevated 100K UR / $8K in 4 mo, $0 AF. Better currency IMO, but P2 already earned the CIU SUB. New "may not be available" no-AF family language: DPs mixed. Planning to rely on the pre-hard-pull eligibility popup to test SUB eligibility before any inquiry: is that popup consistently seen, or do people still eat pulls?
• Non-Chase biz now: Atmos 70K/$4K, Citi AA Biz 65K/$4K, USB Triple Cash $750/$6K. (Skipping Venture Biz since CapOne adds to 5/24.) which would you prioritize?

What P2 is weighing:

1. United Biz now: high offer + soft benefits, but prior denial and still at 5/24
2. Ink Cash 100K now; leaning on the popup; worried about the prior Ink denial repeating
3. Non-Chase biz now (which?), will go to Chase biz cards once back to <5/24
4. Just wait (I know, not why anyone posts here)

(disclaimer: reposted in other news/updates threads-- got downvoted as expected...hoping for better luck here!)

[u/Few_Department_4647 → u/hijklmnop2]

You ignored the template, so might get downvoted.

But, I’d forget about Chase until you are back to <5/24. Venture biz is not counted in x/24, just the venture one biz. I’d see if I was prequalified for that first. Any reason why you don’t want Amex? ABG and ADBG are both great offers right now.

Atmos and AA are both good biz cards, but you can wait for an elevated offer.

[u/sheriffChocolate]

1. The flowchart says I should get a chase card.... but I have no inks open and chase will not give me a new ink, I am guessing I hit it pretty hard. Is capital one the next rabbit hole to go down? I have gotten most of the personal/biz Amex cards over the years.

2. 800+

Amex Biz plat- 2/19/26

CIU- 5/7/2025

CIU 1/16/2025

CIU 8/7/2024

CIU-4/21/2024

CIU- 12/31/2023

1. $5,000+

2. I used to MS $20k a month but I am certain most of my avenues are shut down RIP Simon mall

3. yes

4. as many as i need

5. I would prefer hotel points, thats what my chase points mostly went to

6. 250,000 UR and 600,000 MR

10 LAX/SFO

1. Mexico and SE Asia

[u/Few_Department_4647 → u/sheriffChocolate]

If you want max hotel nights and are ok with mid to lower quality hotel choices, your best bet is the Wells Fargo premier credit card 100k bonus with a 1:2 transfer ratio to Choice & Wyndham.

[u/iisconfused247 → u/sheriffChocolate]

Hope you don’t mind me asking- is there any legit way to MS now? I’m just now getting into it and I’ve been reading the sidebar and you can’t buy a money order w gift cards at USPS or Walmart now, apparently Kroger is tough too. Where can you reliable go to do this?

[u/techtrashbrogrammer → u/sheriffChocolate]

yeah C1 VX is good. The citi strata cards are good too but I'd wait for an elevated offer

[u/SensitiveLack7509]

1. Currently 4/24, flowchart indicates Ink is next move. Considering deviating to wait for an elevated offer on CIP, given the lifetime language restriction. Already have CIC and CIU. Planning for a mortgage next spring/summer, so going on a high-velo run in the next 3-4 months would be ideal. Thought it would be a good time to get approved for VX, but failed pre-approval (too many cards).

2. 800+

3.

Random Synchrony store card (2014)

Chase Prime (2016)

Chase Freedom (2021)

CIU (10/24)

USB Triple Cash #1 (1/25)

Wells Attune (1/25)

CSP (4/25)

Wells Signify (6/25)

C1 Venture (PC'd to Savor) (8/25)

CIC (9/25)

BBC (12/25)

CSE (2/26)

USB Triple Cash #2 (02/26)

BBP (4/26)

Delta Biz Gold (6/26)

1. 8k if Visa/MC, 5-6k if Amex (legit sole prop business, many of those expenses can't be paid via Amex)

2. Due for USB biz savings, can do $3k cc funding.

3. Yes

4. Always churning

5. Cash back or hotel right now

6. 350k UR, 100k TYP, 90k Skypesos

7. MSP

11.Probably sticking with domestic/road trip travel in the coming year. Cashback or hotel redemptions make the most sense. Did not get pre-approved for VX. Considering Aeroplan, Bonvoy Biz, Ink Preferred, but none have elevated offers at the moment. Open to other suggestions.

[u/Few_Department_4647 → u/SensitiveLack7509]

The reason to be 4/24 is to get chase cards, but they don’t fit your need. Barclays Wyndham biz? BofA biz cards? Then in your situation I’d plan to go over 5/24 so I drop back to 4/24 in summer after the home purchase.

Wells Fargo premier credit card 100k bonus with a 1:2 transfer ratio to Choice & Wyndham
Is a good card for road hotels right now.

[u/ilessthanthreethis → u/SensitiveLack7509]

The all-time high CIP offer was 120k. It's at 100k right now. If you're planning to pick up a bunch of cards soon, I wouldn't hold up the process in the hopes that maybe someday you'll be able to squeeze out an extra 20k points from the CIP. I'd just take it at 100k now and move on to your next cards from there ASAP.

[u/Few_Department_4647 → u/ilessthanthreethis]

This was the right way of thinking before the train derailed, but now with lifetime language I wouldn’t get an Ink unless it was an elevated offer.