“Unusual” credit cards to pair with or replace part of Chase Trifecta?

Card Recommendation Request Forum
21

I’m a big fan of cards that provide small bonuses on autopay so I don’t have to carry them around.

  • WF Signify essential - makes my WF points worth 1.67 cents, and gives me Google One subscription for free.
  • WF Cards - gives me a $2 subscription for free.
  • Discover - gives me a $2 subscription for free.
  • Penfed Pathfinder - $100 bag credit and global entry, plus $1 subscription for free.
  • Altitude Go - $15 off YouTube Premium per year, and I can use 1300 points to cancel out the $13.99 charge.
  • Altitude Connect - 4 free priority pass experience visits and global entry.
  • USB Triple Cash - seats.aero for $20/year.
  • USB Cash+ - would rather have Elan MaxCash, but gives 5% utilities.
  • BoA Cash Rewards - 3%+ on subscription boxes.
  • Ink Cash - 5x on internet.
  • Various hotel cards - free night when I pay my AF.
  • Venture X - Unlimited lounge access, cellphone insurance.
22

@Zeke
Is the WF Signify essential discontinued? I can only find the regular Signify on the website.

23

Ansel said:
@Zeke
Is the WF Signify essential discontinued? I can only find the regular Signify on the website.

No, it was just never available to sign up for. You had to product change into it. I’m not sure how to get it now, if it’s possible, or if the signify cash does the same thing.

24

@Zeke
I’ve read anecdotes of Discover shutting down accounts for the $2 hack, just a heads up.

25

Amanda said:
@Zeke
I’ve read anecdotes of Discover shutting down accounts for the $2 hack, just a heads up.

That’s basically the only thing it’s good for now, so if they shut me down, good for them.

Sounds like the Capital One merger might nuke this anyway.

26

I’m fortunate enough to have gotten the US Bank Altitude Reserve because it got closed to new applicants. Before that I was able to use Citi Custom Cash to give me 5% on groceries, which easily beats 1.5X. I actually think the Chase trifecta is weak by itself.

27

@Terry
Chase Trifecta + CCC for groceries is extremely solid, though.

28

USBank Altitude Reserve for travel 3x back on mobile pay.

29

Drop CSP, add CIP (3x travel, transfer partners), CIC (for 5x office supply gift cards to use on groceries and whatever else you want), and VX (2x catchall, lounge access, primary rental insurance). I have others but that’s my core when I’m not churning.

30

From back when I ran Chase Freedom Original + Ink + Sapphire Preferred:

  • Bilt because rent (1% rent or FF status with Alaska and breakeven miles purchase).
  • CCC because groceries (5% grocery).
  • BCE because Amex offers and online cash back (3% online retail).
  • Barclays Wyndham for Gas and a second non-Hyatt hotel network (Business nets you 8% on gas or personal 6%, I like personal as I can use grocery or dine spend to get enough extra miles for a stay easier than just gas but business is more efficient).
  • Alaska Air card (because the companion fare makes it free and I live in Alaska).

I will be eligible for another Sapphire this spring for SUB and also another Ink at tax time so will run it again for a bit :smiley:

31

Chase points were never all that compelling for me. I tried them and booked a flight on Lufthansa, but the restricted availability with the points game isn’t for me.

The cards weren’t worth keeping. Instead just a ‘churn and burn’ of the signup bonus.
I think most people will find more value going for cash back. Plus those cards are free (no annual fees).

32

@Fane
Hyatt has ok value when it works, but has a similar restricted availability issue as with flights. Hyatt has a nice big hotel on Kaanapalli Beach and one just south of Disneyland on Harbor Blvd, but those hotels are often unavailable on points.