Credit Card School

Not every credit card we talk about ends up in our wallet - and that’s exactly why this page exists.

The Credit Card School is where we cover “everything credit cards.” Whether it’s a limited-time elevated welcome offer, a major benefits update, or a card that’s trending in the points and miles world, this is the place to find it.

Some of these cards we’ve used personally, others we’ve researched and analyzed based on how they could fit into different strategies - from beginners just getting started to seasoned travelers trying to squeeze out maximum value. If it’s relevant, timely, and useful, we’ll break it down here.

👉 Come back regularly or join or mailing list - the opportunities move fast

Featured
Why We Got the New Chase Sapphire Reserve
Why We Got the New Chase Sapphire Reserve

We weren’t planning to open a new card, but the refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve changed our minds. With a huge welcome bonus, new credits and boosted earning rates, it offered real value - for our actual lifestyle. In this post, we break down why we got it, which perks we’re counting on, and how it fits into our credit card strategy.

How to Track Credit Card Annual Fees and Keep Your Wallet Lean
How to Track Credit Card Annual Fees and Keep Your Wallet Lean

Worried about juggling multiple credit cards with annual fees? In this post, we breakdown how to track those fees, evaluate your cards’ value, and make smart decisions to keep you wallet lean - without sacrificing the rewards.

Five Nights, One Card
Five Nights, One Card

We don’t open new credit cards just for fun - but when the sign-up bonus is too good to pass up, we jump. In July 2024, we grabbed the IHG One Rewards Premier Card during a rare promo: 5 free nights worth up to 300,000 points. Here’s how we decide when a limited-time offer is worth it.

The Big Upgrade: Sapphire Reserve’s 2025 Refresh
The Big Upgrade: Sapphire Reserve’s 2025 Refresh

The Chase Sapphire Reserve just got a major overhaul. With a new $795 annual fee and a long list of upgraded perks - including $500 in hotel credits, $300 in dining and entertainment credits, and 8x points on Chase Travel bookings - the card is doubling down on premium value. But is it worth the cost? We break it all down.

Level Up Your Points Game with a 2-Player Strategy
Level Up Your Points Game with a 2-Player Strategy

Teamwork = more travel rewards. 💳✈️

We started using the 2-player strategy back in April 2023 when I referred Jen to the Chase Sapphire Preferred and we haven’t looked back. Learn how we double our bonuses, earn referral points, and make the most of our cards as a team.

Why We Chose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Why We Chose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

See how we added the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® to our card lineup to turn work travel into reward points. From 17x earnings on Marriott stays to free night awards and elite status perks, this card became the perfect companion to the Chase Trifecta.

How Our Credit Journey Began: The Foundation
How Our Credit Journey Began: The Foundation

Wondering where to start with travel credit cards? Our journey began with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and a 100K-point sign-up bonus - but that was just the beginning. Learn how discovering the Chase Trifecta transformed our strategy and became the foundation of how we earn and redeem points today.