My Travel Credit Card Strategy to Start the Year

I’ve learned to plan my travel credit card strategy on a short-term basis — like quarter-to-quarter instead of for the entire year. Why? Many credit card companies grew more aggressive with spending bonuses during the past couple of years. Not only did they launch some impressive welcome promotions for new cardholders, but they gave existing members opportunities to bonus points and enjoy better redemptions.

Please note that Delta Air Lines SkyMiles no longer awards Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) or Medallion Qualification Segments (MQS). Some of the offers in this post may be expired. This post remains published for reference and historical purposes. (Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.)

Below are the travel credit cards (and a cashback-only card) I’m using for the first few months of 2022 — and why.

I wanted to write this post a few weeks ago — like in late December or during the first few days of the year. But that’s when resolutions generally fall apart, so I wanted to see if I actually stuck with my plan. So far, so good — and I’m pretty pleased with how things are going!

And I’d love to hear your strategy, too!

Which Cards Am I Using Now?

I received approval for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card in mid-December and am using that for all of my personal purchases until I meet the minimum spending requirement. Then we’ll go from there. After I reach that threshold, I anticipate using the card for non-bonused spending (i.e., various bills, taxes, etc.) because the card earns unlimited 2X points.

Travel-wise, I’ll probably use Capital One Venture X for flight purchases because it earns 5X for flights bought through Cap One’s travel service. But I’m not sure how many flights I’ll actually have to buy. We have Delta eCredits up the wazoo. And even though Delta generously extended eCredit expiration dates through December 2023, I’d rather use them sooner than later. For any cash balances on those tickets, I’ll use my Chase Sapphire Reserve® because it earns 3X on travel purchases and offers great trip coverage and protection.

Related: Five Reasons Delta Flyers Must Consider Applying for the New Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

For streaming subscriptions, I use the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. That card earns unlimited 6% cashback on purchases made with select US streaming providers. (Terms apply.) The cashback is awarded as “Reward Dollars” which may then be applied against statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Business-wise, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express gets a significant chunk of my spending. Plus, my newsletter service and stock photo subscriptions earn 1.5X Membership Rewards points.

I take advantage of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express‘ $10 monthly wireless credit to pay part of my cell phone bill. (Enrollment required.) The balance ends up on my Ink Business Cash® Credit Card . That earns 5% cashback (awarded as 5X Chase Ultimate Rewards® points) on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year, 1X.

What? No Delta Amex Card Spending?

Given that Eye of the Flyer has historically focused more on Delta Air Lines and SkyMiles more than other travel providers and programs, you might find it odd that none of my Delta American Express cards are mentioned above.

Mrs. Carley (the one with the nice legs in the above picture 😉 ) is a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card member. I hold the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. In the past, we used our SkyMiles cards to earn MQM bonuses and meet the Delta Amex MQD Waiver.

Given that Delta award trips flown during 2022 earn MQM, MQS, and MQD, we’re fairly confident our stashes of points and eCredits will earn us enough MQD to start the 2023 Medallion year with Silver status.

Silver?! you may say. Yup. Then we’ll roll over a ton of MQM and hit partner mileage runs ASAP in 2023 to achieve at least Platinum and hopefully, Diamond.

Plus, 99% of my work is now done remotely. It used to be about 30%. So reduced (or gone altogether) are the opportunities to regularly earn points on working-in-the-field related expenses such as parking, gas, meals, drinks with clients, etc. And most of my travel jobs are limited to Las Vegas. I’m fine sucking it up riding the Southwest bus from Burbank to LAS.

Something may change, though. We’re halfway into January and Delta already extended eCredit expiration dates. So who knows? And I hope to not have any unplanned major expenses that make me say, “Well, might as well put it on a Reserve card and put a dent in the $25,000 spending waiver…”

Final Approach

That’s my travel credit card plan to start 2022. I’m sure some big, new credit card will be announced. Perhaps some existing cards’ spending categories will be sweetened. So I’ll adjust as necessary.

Meanwhile, what’s your travel credit card (or cashback) strategy to start the year? Please share in the below Comments section!

To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.