So it’s been one year that I’ve built up rewards on my credit card. Let’s see how I’ve done.
| Citi Double Cash | $735.21 | Most used card. 2% on everything |
| Barclaycard Sallie Mae | $279.91 | Gas and groceries at 5% |
| Chase Freedom | $356.88 | Most of this probably from when dining was 5% for Q2 |
| Chase Sapphire | $84.31 | Not really using |
| Credit Union Visa | $50.20 | 1%? |
| TOTAL | $1506.51 | |
So I made $1500, for essentially doing nothing but using credit cards strategically in place of a debit card.
Thoughts on these cards. The Double Cash is essential to the strategy; 1% cash back almost isn’t even worth it, but 2% is a game changer.
The Sallie Mae is worth using, considering gas and groceries are things I buy all the time, and groceries in particular are expensive. Unfortunately, this card is no longer available, but at least I’m grandfathered in for now.
For the Chase Freedom, I’m actually shocked at how much I made, considering how little it was used, at least in Q3 and Q4 it wasn’t used at all. Chase Sapphire wasn’t really used at all.
My Credit Union’s card is awful. For as often as I use it and how much is charged to it, $50 is a joke. And to add insult to injury, the points expire. I really need to get rid of it.
Will I do it again next year? You bet. Free money is free money.