IT’S OVER: Why I Quit Maximizing Credit Cards (6 Reasons)

[@MarkReese]

📲 MAXREWARDS - Use promo code “markr” markscreditcards.com/maxrewards 💳👇 CREDIT CARD OFFERS (Learn More!) markscreditcards.com/offers 🛍 RAKUTEN - Earn Cash Back! markscreditcards.com/rakuten ⬆ (More links in Description below video!)

[@SolidLiquidFox]

This is Mark's super villain origin story. We'll track down his spiral to credit card madness to this moment.

[@anthonywilliams9415]

😂😂

[@MarkReese]

🌪

[@czube83]

Between your last video and this one, you’re singing my heart song 😂. This video more than any other one I’ve seen really “pulls back the curtain” on the “maximize every dollar” mindset, which is overwhelmingly the focus in the points/miles community. There’s simply an ever increasing amount of mental & physical labor and ever diminishing returns once you go beyond a simple card setup IMO. You really nailed the reasons here. Thanks for what you do Mark!

[@nubianpwr]

well said...

[@MarkReese]

Glad it resonated well with you! Gotta find a balance 👌

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

This is such a great comment. I couldn’t agree more.

[@coltonschmucker8633]

I got out of the whole game.. i didn’t like having 10 different cards for 10 different things with 10 different accounts and payee’s to keep track of. Decided to just stick with Amex and stick with Gold and Platinum. Calling it a day. Lol

[@czube83]

I’m pretty close to just settling on the same setup. I’m sure there are setups that net more points but I like the perks and use enough of the credits that it makes sense for me.

[@pjb7490]

I'm not as Spartan as you but I'm close, I have the Amex trifecta and just the Apple card for when Amex isn't accepted.

[@MarkReese]

Simplicity rocks 💯

[@Dopadroid]

Doesn't sound like you're out of the whole game then lol. I would say getting out of the game would be sticking to a 2% cashback card for everything and calling it. That or stop using credit cards all together. If anything, I'd recommend you get the BBP so you can at least complete your amex trifecta

[@GEN512X]

Gold for dining and grocery. Any bonvoy credit card for 2x catch all. Bonvoy business for gas. Sapphire preferred for most travel related expenses for now, and sometimes dining and online grocery.

[@benchoflemons398]

I don’t think having a lot of cards bothers me, coupon books bother me. Cards with large AFs bother me

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@jimmyjames6492]

We're simplifying our setup as well for all the reasons you mentioned + the crazy AF hikes. Thanks for the info + video!

[@MarkReese]

Simplicity is warmly welcomed right about now!

[@drexplordinaire]

Which is why i also go after SUBs until i ran out with AMEX. I found some personal NLL but havent found business NLL

[@anthonywilliams9415]

Yeah......that's quite a bit to keep up with. Superb video.

[@MarkReese]

Sure is! Thank you 👊

[@kevinManhattan]

I agree with all. But I am about 5 years into this card game and still in that "honeymoon" phase. So I will do this as long as I can handle it. But it seems like it all comes down to this. So someday I will probably follow the suit. Can't wait for your simple card line up video Mark!

[@MarkReese]

Enjoy the honeymoon!

[@ChrisD1865]

Nailed it… finding something simple and rewarding to my own specific lifestyle has worked great for me. Very few people in this space are talking about this!

[@MarkReese]

That's right!

[@CBRboy1717]

Amen. I canceled my Platinum and Gold cards. I’m only rocking the Capital One duo right now except I have the higher tier Savor card since we eat out a bunch. The only thing I plan on doing is getting the Amex Hilton card for the free night cert to bolster my honeymoon stay. Having to deal with all kinds of credits on multiple cards was exhausting and I ended up wasting so much money by forgetting or getting too busy to use credits.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@newagain9964]

Why did Amex cancel? How long did u not use them?

[@FictitiousCreed]

I know it's technically less value, but I appreciate the simplicity of just earning cash back on the money i was going to spend regardless of rewards anyway.

[@MarkReese]

💵💯

[@newagain9964]

Yup. But how many cards u using to accomplish that? 2? 6?

[@FictitiousCreed]

@@newagain9964 Sorry i'm just now seeing this, but my my ideal setup has ~5 cards for different categories. I want to avoid annual fees as well since i don't know if the value i get out of them year to year will match up with any fees.

[@Tristin471]

Me too!

[@Tristin471]

​@@newagain9964 2 or 3 cards would do it. It's a nice little extra thing to enjoy, not worth obsessing over. Honestly, if you have a flat 2% card on all purchases, that card would suffice.

[@hwnsylke123]

Best video yet!!!!

[@pachabee]

I'm just starting to get credit cards and I was wondering how people manage this kind of stuff. This video, and comments, show me that people definitely do get burned out

[@MarkReese]

😄👍

[@docsays]

- ya some do, but many do not. In my case, ive had credit cards since the 1990s 😮 but started going hardcore with cards in 2018 & still love using them & modifying my setup

[@sketchyAnalogies]

That's true, but YMMV. For me, I have under 10 cards and no Amex credits to worry about. I largely ignore my Discover it (sorry buddy) and my Citi DC is sock drawered. You can get bogged down by complicated cards, but most cards are mostly simple, and max rewards takes care of you. What gets annoying and super complicated is the amex coupon book cards. I like my current setup, though I'm looking for another card or two. Every card has its role. I only have one transferrable currency to focus on, and everything else is cash back or co-branded.

[@soapa4279]

It depends, some people really feel like it’s a game and have fun with it. Others get hardcore analytical to maximize every cent. The latter tends to burn out.

[@robertgallacher9288]

US Bank Cash+ for Utilities and Streaming 5% AAA Daily Advantage for Groceries 5% AAA Travel Advantage for Gas 5% Citi Custom Cash for Dining 5% Chase Prime Visa for Amazon 5% Amex Delta Gold Card is my catch all for everything else

[@MarkReese]

Great card choices!

[@devlin76]

I thought you could only have one of the AAA cards.

[@newagain9964]

6. I dig it. Rate My setup: cap1 duo, USBAR. Secondary is Amex plat (FHR, THC, and 3-4 great offers yr) and Wyndham biz earner (utilities = Cpl cashless position hotel stays yr) 👍 I missed out on 40% lodging discount because I don’t have Mastercard. Maybe get journey (aka elevated choice pts card) to remedy. That would be 6👍.

[@LK_EBM]

Totally agreed! Juggling multiple credit cards is exhausting. I rather take the time to spend with friends and family, or make more money!

[@MarkReese]

Yep!

[@newagain9964]

Yup. It’s why I specifically don’t like Chase. Low earners and juggling.

[@royce1510]

Number 6 is why I quit maximizing. There’s no point settling into a setup or worrying about what percentage I’m getting back when there are so many bonuses to get. Just 1 or 2 a year can give you equal value to the most optimized setup

[@MarkReese]

That's right! 🏆

[@TheRestrictedgamer]

I'm at the point in my life where time is more valuable than money. Could I spend a bunch of time trying to squeeze every last cent out of a credit card rewards program? Sure. Or.... I could knock out another class for a Master's degree and get a promotion that brings in more additional money every single month than any credit card would give me in a year. I'm not against trying new things and shopping around for the best option for any given lifestyle, but shopping should not become a lifestyle.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@ottoernst6707]

Add the Citi custom cash onto that and you’ll have a ton covered

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@invisibleBDK]

I personally think after about 5 cards the returns get way too diminished, and the hassle of maintaining/maximizing them gets too onerous. Stick with 4-5 good cards and be done. Across no more than 2-3 ecosystems. The rest is overkill. I chose cards for my 3 highest spending categories (rent, food, travel), plus a catch all card and a rotating one for some spice. Works well.

[@jaredvasquez9216]

I agree, I'd prefer to just keep my card total at around 5 cards. At the moment I have nine and it's more than I care to have to keep track of.

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@jeremycain2491]

Thanks for update on the card strategy!

[@Notthecobracommander]

I agree it can get overwhelming pretty quickly that's why from the start I promised I would use no more than three login portals in addition to the two I already have for my Banks. Second I agree it is better to have usable Point quantities rather than spreading out for maximum coverage what I do is make sure whatever spend categories I assigned to each card are enough to get rewards that I can actually use for a specific booking ie 27000 Wyndham points for 2 free nights. 7500 annual bonus plus 6x on fuel station purchases.

[@MarkReese]

🏆👍

[@ys-cal]

For me the main problem is that sooner or later you run out of sign-on bonuses you can get by opening new cards, so then your everyday spend is not enough to generate meaningful reward points anymore.

[@MarkReese]

There are always more signup bonuses.

[@mattleathen445]

They keep inventing new cards. And Chase has many on a 4 year recycle clock. As long as they don’t all go the way of Amex, we’ll be good. And with competition for new users, it’s hard to imagine SUBs going away.

[@TorisGarage]

perfect timing ! I was just pondering if branching out into different issuers would be worth it but looking at my spending, I feel I’m better off just settling with one issuer and building up those points !

[@MarkReese]

Glad this helped!

[@jc9876]

I use the gateway card from united, no need to have so many.

[@ArcherNoble]

FU and CSR DONE. gets me what I need .

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@newagain9964]

🫡

[@thecleaningteacher638]

Sage advice….I’ve been having all of the same thoughts. Can’t wait to see your follow-up video.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@sol_nb7143]

Yeah, I’m feeling the same. I have like 7 or 8 cards I use and I’d love to have a simpler 2 or 3 card setup that I can focus on to get a better return on points and not spread everything around

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@ProfessorX-YouTube]

@MarkReese: I agree about the problems with trying to maximize categories. I think there are also problems with chasing SUBs given, as you acquire more cards, you have to manage them (e.g., check for fraud, put small spend on them, etc.). I find that I can optimize as much as I care to with my 10 card setup. I have two grocery cards (because of caps), two dining cards (one for when I want more Hyatt points and one for when I want more cash back), one gas card, one utilities card, one Amazon card, one Target card, one hotel card (for when I want more Hyatt points), and one everything else card (for when I want more cash back). I could drop down to eight cards and still optimize, but I would lose the versatility of my 10-card hybrid setup.

[@MarkReese]

Great that you found a setup that works well for you!

[@MrDIJEN15]

Drop the 10 card setup. I want to know and which are for which please.

[@ProfessorX-YouTube]

@@MrDIJEN15 1. Citi Custom Cash: mostly for 5% cash back on groceries up to $500 monthly cap, but also for occasional month of 5% on travel, 5% on home improvement stores, or 5% on live entertainment and Citi Merchant Offers 2. Amex Blue Cash Preferred: mostly for 6% (4.4% after annual fee subtracted) cash back on groceries up to $6,000 yearly cap, 6% on streaming, and Disney Bundle Credit, but also for Amex Offers and purchase protections 3. Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard: mostly for 3-6x points on dining (when I want more World of Hyatt points), cellphone protection, and Rent Day, but also for 2-4x points on travel, 5x points on Lyft, primary auto rental CDW, purchase protection, travel protections, and no foreign transaction fee Mastercard 4. U.S. Bank Altitude Go: mostly for 4% unlimited cash back on dining (when I want more cash back), but also for streaming bonus, Cash Back Deals, and no foreign transaction fee Visa 5. FNBO Ducks Unlimited (grandfathered): mostly for 5% cash back on gas (inside convenience stores and at pump), but also for 5% on sporting goods 6. Elan Financial Max Cash Preferred: mostly for 5% cash back on home utilities and entertainment (broader than U.S. Bank Cash+ equivalent) with no required quarterly enrollment, but also for occasional quarter of 5% on electronic stores 7. Affinity FCU Cash Rewards: mostly for 5% cash back at Amazon without Amazon Prime, but also for no foreign transaction fee Visa 8. TD Bank Target RedCard Mastercard: mostly for 5% discount at Target, but also for no foreign transaction fee Mastercard 9. Chase World of Hyatt: mostly for annual free night award at a Category 1-4 Hyatt after cardmember anniversary, annual extra free night award at a Category 1-4 Hyatt after $15k in purchases, 4x points at Hyatt, 2x points on transit, and 2x points on airlines, but also for Chase Offers, purchase protections, travel protections, and no foreign transaction fee Visa 10. AOD FCU Visa Signature (grandfathered): mostly for unlimited 3% cash back on non-category spending, after the $15k of World of Hyatt spending, but also for fixed 7.49% APR and no foreign transaction fee Visa

[@newagain9964]

Bruh. Close the cards after 12-24 mos. Most cards are not keepers. 😂. I collect subs not cards like it’s pokeman. 🤓

[@nysy97]

This was a very interesting video. Thanks for the thorough breakdown :) Am looking forward to your personal setup video. Also, I’m interested how hotel cards play into this setup, if at all.

[@MarkReese]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Turnip_Tyme]

Personally, I favor the Capital One Cards more than the rest because of no Foreign Transaction fees on all the cards & I can go travelling without really notifying Capital One.

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@soapa4279]

After getting all SUBs possible, I think just picking an ecosystem that fits your lifestyle, you could do a 3 card setup and be just fine.

[@NCKyle1980]

I doubt you would be as extreme as me but I had a charge minimum one-time with a bank welcome bonus for debit card purchases. So as an idea, when you go grocery shopping, break your order up to each item being one transaction. You easily buy over 5 items. Easy way to knock out your Built requirements monthly in one sitting. Assuming no fine print about 5 days of transactions not 5 individual ones regardless of posting. Hope all goes well for you! Thank you for all you do for us.

[@MarkReese]

Great that you made it work! Not something I'll personally do though 🤙

[@DallinBunnell]

I can understand wanting to simplify. Things can certainly get complicated fast! As far as managing different accounts, I use Monarch money to see all of my transactions and balances accross all of my financial accounts (banking, investing, credit cards, loans, etc). This has really helped me to keep track of my budget and my credit card balances without getting overwhelmed. I'm curious to see what you've come up with! Good luck on this next chapter of your journey!

[@MarkReese]

Thanks for mentioning Monarch!

[@Dylan.Swindells]

I’m really glad I found this video and it’s not only me feeling burned out. I tried the credit card game but I suck at optimizing the points and figuring out the best deals. I think the cashback is optimal for my mental health 😂

[@davewhite756]

Nusenda credit union also has a 5% rotating card

[@MarkReese]

That's true!

[@De_Guatemala]

Between you and Richard Debs, I was convinced to get the CITI trifecta, especially while travelling outside the US (Premier's 3X categories). I cancelled the Plat out of exhaustion.

[@MarkReese]

I'm liking what Citi has to offer right now. Good choice 👍

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

I’m all for simplifying my setup as well and am moving in this direction. Looking forward to seeing your updated setup for some ideas.

[@MarkReese]

Let's make it happen 👊

[@TheSimpleDollarShow]

Maximizing every purchase requires too many cards 😅

[@havalopez]

If you’re team cash back, robinhood as a 3% catch all will simplify a lot of set ups

[@MarkReese]

Yes it does 😅

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

@@havalopezthe robinhood gold card has some interesting requirements in order to get it.

[@TheSimpleDollarShow]

@@havalopez - Indeed! Hope to see the card launch soon.

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

I’m retired and the credit card game is my hobby. But, I’ve discovered that 15 cards is as much as I can handle. I use a different app to keep track of my cards and I also don’t seek to perfectly maximize my spend. However, you’ve got to take care of yourself and focus on what benefits you the most. I can see why someone like you, who can’t use most of the benefits of the cards, should simplify.

[@MarkReese]

What app do you use?

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

CardPointers. Mostly because I was an early adopter and paid one lifetime subscriber fee and because I didn't trust the other app with my passwords and account numbers.

[@tendercrispbacon]

I just got the pnc cash unlimited, that and my built card seems a pretty good duo

[@MarkReese]

Congrats on the approval!

[@ds5651]

I use the chase trifecta and hotel cards hyatt,marriot, and ihg. Great balance of maxing points but simple enough to remember. Also all in the same eco system.

[@MarkReese]

🏆🏆

[@smileychess]

Having one app makes a huge difference. I have it down to 2 apps and it’s still too much.

[@Spinattitude]

Great point on the small balances being kinda useless across a lot of programs.

[@MarkReese]

👍

[@125henni]

For me its 2 Citi custom cash cards (one for Grocery 1 for gas) and a either the citi double cash or the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

[@MarkReese]

Great choices 💯

[@ChrisPitz-o7j]

X1, the one and done card. 5 weekly broad category boosts for x3 or x4, depending if you hit the month bonus after $1k spent, and always x5 on gas. Categories like tap pay, grocery store, restaurants, drug store, Amazon, Star Bucks. Best of all being a Visa, they work at Costco with the gas and grocery boosts. Add a player 2 and you get double the amount of weekly boosts (10). We run 4x catch all card on most purchases. Boosts reset every Thursday. It's a simplified version of Amex offers that meets purchase erasing of Capital One.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@WrldExplorer]

My $25 Uber, $10 Amex Gold card credit, and Marriott Brilliant credits, I always save those for the last week of the month. I also have this week to plan my Marriott free night reward also. As far as Bilt, I know after those credits, to just use that card on the 1st-5th, because my billing cycle ends on the 26th of the month. I just have a schedule that I stick to.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@Private-s2w]

I came to this same conclusion about 3 years ago. the ONLY time I care about these cards and ONLY the Chase Freedom Flex is when Amazon is one of the categories (like right not). Not worth the mental space.

[@boondoggle4820]

For me, strategizing with the rotating category cards and trying to figure out ways to most strategically place my spending is what makes the credit card game fun. I don’t really deal with the redemption side because I haven’t redeemed any of my points for travel yet, only my cash back cards which is straightforward. Perhaps once I start having to figure out travel redemptions I’ll feel overwhelmed as well, lol.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@flubberghosted2472]

Mark keeps it real! 💯💯💯

[@MarkReese]

😎👊

[@craigmargolies7335]

I have multiple BofA cards that get me 5.25% on restaurant if I want also discover and a freedom and freedom flex card. I also have the altitude go which is unlimited at 4% the pain of adding up restaurant charges to make sure I don’t go over the spend limit is making me consider just using the altitude go taking a small hair cut and having all my restaurant charges on only one card, awesome video one that needed to be done as is long over due

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@mlodyme3675]

Some valid points. I can see how getting points/miles from different cards can create chaos. That is why I am cash back team and that segregation does not matter to me. At the end of the day if I earn random amounts on 5-6 cards, it still adds up to the same amount as if I used 1 card. That is the beauty of the cash back game. Also, I hate the rotating categories and dont have any cards of that kind in my portfolio.

[@MarkReese]

Cash back = awesome 💵 High flexibility and can be combined easily.

[@robert8311]

Autograph + active cash and be done I also add savor one and freedom flex sense I actually bank with Chase and capital one so I check those log ins anyway no extra work imo

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@TheZombaslaya]

Honestly I’m going to pick up the altitude reserve and the platinum card and call it quits for this reason.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@newagain9964]

That’s 2 of my 5 card setup. And if I had to cut down to just 2. Yeah. Prob those. But hon mention to cap1 duo 🫡.

[@arnoldestrada8583]

Got the Venture X as my first travel credit card for work. Its really a no brainer card due to the 2x on every other purchase. I just got the Amex Gold for dinning, groceries and sign up bonus. Might get another card for cashback for gas but i qould be okay with just these 2 cards.

[@MarkReese]

Congrats on the approval!

[@jayray202]

Great content! I’ve enjoyed your past two uploads a lot! When’s the next video dropping?

[@MarkReese]

Thank, glad you enjoyed it! Likely tomorrow.

[@dcnfsu2]

Haha I had that moment. 20 mins flying by cuz I went thru loggin in different accounts to find the card to use out of my 7 card setup 😅

[@MarkReese]

😁👍

[@Hexsae]

Max Rewards being the sponsor for this video is hilarious

[@MarkReese]

😂

[@J-Kunath]

I can’t wait for the Robinhood gold card…. 3% percent back on literally everything. I’m done playing these credit card games lol

[@MarkReese]

🙌

[@chadpennycuff]

There's something to be said for simplicity. You have enough cards in the deck to garden multiple ecosystems between subs.

[@MarkReese]

Yep 👍

[@robert8311]

Pick a trifecta or duo and be done with it I prefer Wells Fargo, Chase or Citi to I can get cash back in the future and not much thought if I have 1 issuer maybe 2 in case clitches

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@thomasjohnson2916]

Excellent CC knowledge!!!!

[@MarkReese]

Thanks!

[@Hail2th3k1n6]

I have a five card cash back setup right now. I'm working on two bonuses right now. I'm thinking about closing one or two of them. I'm managing right now, but it's starting to get somewhat crazy.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@nicholaselia7943]

Why don’t you get the credit wander card……..5x on restaurants any restaurant And fast food ……and 5x on gas ……..and the5x on travel no portal

[@MarkReese]

No transfer partners and the rewards categories don't match the areas in which I spend most.

[@sikwithin]

I never understood why people get so many CCs. Just get one or two that fit your lifestyle and keep it simple. I think once you’re over 4 it becomes more work than it’s worth. Just my opinion.

[@MarkReese]

Probably the biggest reason is the welcome offers. There's no faster way to accumulate rewards to reduce the cost of travel than those offers.

[@jacobfain6504]

I never liked the idea of diversifying my points earned because of this reason. But to each his own. Some people may enjoy this. I still chase SUB's but at the end of the day I know my end game setup will always be my quadfecta with Chase.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@habeshafinance1710]

Still advertising max rewards

[@MarkReese]

Yep.

[@Icewave2007]

My setup is fairly simple. Everyday type card (Amex) - No AF, no FTF, 3x: groceries, gas, restaurants, transit Everyday type card (Visa) - No AF, no FTF, 2% everywhere, also backup in case the 3x Amex isn't accepted Hotel (Amex) - AF, no FTF, free night, status, primary CDW for car rental for a small fee, 1 small recurring charge per month Hotel (MC) - AF, no FTF, free night, status, 1 small recurring charge per month, trusted traveler reimbursement Of course there are other benefits and features, but that's my setup for simplicity, main features, and a decent amount of rewards.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@MarkS-cd3cw]

The best video I have watched in a while. I just got the Amex platinum and it’s a great signup offer of 175k but I’ll be honest I am burned out as well. I’d like to just earn as normal and keep it simple. I just closed my Amex gold because of the annual fee but I have mixed feelings on it. I’m eagerly waiting for your next video.

[@MarkReese]

Glad you enjoyed the video & congrats on the approval for the Amex Platinum Card w/ 175K offer!

[@Sinisterniinja]

All you need is the us bank altitude reserve and chase freedom flex

[@MarkReese]

For cash back, and perhaps domestic travel, those 2 make a great pair.

[@theinternationalist1357]

Professor Reese, this is a funny vid. Too stressful with a bunch of cards.

[@MarkReese]

😅

[@boy_named_niel]

To be honest, once you got a system in place, it’s second nature. In my opinion, having a credit/debit card is like going to the airport. When using a debit card, it’s like you’re just walking to the airport for a couple hours. No research, no money investment, just walk straight for 5 hours till you see the airport. When you are using an all-in-one credit card set up, it’s like you’re taking a taxi. Sure, you are saving a lot of time by just taking a taxi, and it’s really straightforward. However, you are sacrificing the money needed to do that, just like sacrificing the potential rewards you could’ve gotten having multiple cards. Using the same analogy with multiple card set ups, to get to the airport, I would walk to the bus, check for the bus schedule, get on the bus and make sure to find out where to get off, and take the train, then the airport. this way, I saved time and money. Sure, was it the cheapest or fastest? No. But it did maximize the value I get from the small time investment I made.

[@MarkReese]

👍👍

[@ClassicIX]

I play the card game but with relaxed approach so I don’t get burned out and h only the process. I try my to max my points but if I forget to I don’t really care and it doesn’t bother me. If you take this approach then it’s easy to maintain. Simple

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@jordan23ww]

Great video! Thank you for the info and insight!

[@MarkReese]

💯👍🎬

[@michaelkeaton32]

I see the VX as a core card in your upcoming video.

[@MarkReese]

😬

[@docsays]

I think i have around 25 cards, but i only use 7-8 regularly. For me i still like them & like modifying my setup periodically. 😎

[@MarkReese]

Impressive! It's a fun game for sure. Makes sense to only use a limit number on a regular basis.

[@TheAudioCzar]

This is what's keeping me from getting the Bilt card. Yes I'm earning points but it's another card to manage.

[@MarkReese]

😁👍

[@fantasma619]

My end game is to accumulate BOA cash rewards cards then select categories for each and get 5.25% back on most my spend no need to keep track of rotating category. I have platinum honers

[@MarkReese]

Fantastic 🏆

[@fogrunr5075]

I was at 171,000 total credit line. I dropped it to 139,000. That pushed my FICOs into the 820s.

[@MarkReese]

💯

[@vinup6406]

Awesome insight . Thanks

[@MarkReese]

You bet!

[@rogerrains5131]

I agree 100%. Ultimately, credit card rewards are just a discount on spend. Sure a 2-5% discount on your cost of living could help you out. But, I would argue it really doesn't matter if you're just spending that extra 2-5% on other junk. You have to learn how to get a 8-12% return on that 2% you saved.

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@smileychess]

Big reason I’m considering the Fidelity 2% card and be done with the game.

[@61britchie]

I have a Visa with 2k limit. That is all I need. I pay it off every month

[@MarkReese]

Paying it off every month is the way to do it, well done 👍

[@flam6229]

I wanna get into travel cards tbh but i kinda thought this Im thinking of doing wells fargos autograph or autograph journey

[@MarkReese]

This video should help you navigate a lot of the card options out there 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/goi5m62tfreegZIsi=Ev80JvQvBBRjTHON

[@ismascarade]

I guess you did either a lot of closures or products downgrades to not keep the cards you don't use w/ high annual fees?

[@MarkReese]

I've close many accounts over the years, but I still have more cards open than closed. Still paying high fees.

[@khanscombe619]

💯. Makes good sense.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@rellrell9457]

Omg! 😱 yes My CC set ups drag me a lil crazy …. 🙃

[@MarkReese]

😄

[@joec1920]

If it's no longer fun, then it makes sense to end the game. Personally, I do it for fun. I'm already doing businesses with many banks, so adding an additional credit card does not make things that much more complicated especially since autopay is already setup. One question to ask is, what is the minimum amount that someone pays you, in lump sum or in an annually basis, for you to quit the game (no more new cards + reduce to 2-3 cards only)? Obviously, it has to be less than or equal to the amount of $ you're taking annually from the banks. How much less of that would you accept so that you don't have to play the game any more? Another thing to consider is that the complexity is mostly from things like the travel point system, annual fees, coupons, etc. If you just have a bunch of 5% no annual fee (non-rotating) cashback cards, it's not that difficult to manage. Then, just have 1-2 travel cards that meet just your basic travel needs. That's how I do it without being overwhelmed.

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@ROCO-n5r]

Thank you

[@MarkReese]

You bet!

[@jellybean7253]

Same!

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@banderson1979]

That sound effect you are using is probably from iPhone and terrible. Also managing 5% is just as bad as Amex coupons. This was not a very interesting video.

[@MarkReese]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@mp011]

Everything on citi double cash and done. Enjoy your time with your family and stop trying to reinvent the wheel.

[@SimplyJack3]

4:13 i was at step 2.

[@MarkReese]

😄

[@tomrockefeller4620]

The Pareto Principle.

[@MarkReese]

🏆

[@latitudenattitudeguy]

Topic, thumb up. Sound effects, naa

[@kcsguitar]

fully agree was really unnecessary and distracting

[@MarkReese]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@feefee8627]

I own 3 credit cards tried applying for my 4th credit card but got denied it was with citi bank😮❤

[@MarkReese]

Bummer. Did you find out the reason why?

[@feefee8627]

@MarkReese Not yet applied yesterday they gave me the 7-10 business day message. I needed this card for traveling points😲

[@MarkReese]

@@feefee8627 - Consider calling the reconsideration line.

[@feefee8627]

@@MarkReese OK thanks

[@samkawer]

Just use a flat 2

[@MarkReese]

💯👍

[@JohnDoe-vp1bo]

I get a ton of value from FHR, but am willing to pay for “nicer” hotels w/ cash.

[@MarkReese]

Great to hear! 💯👍

[@iLOVEsarrycrey]

Oh BS! The itch never quits!

[@MarkReese]

😂

[@Leoprieto74]

I still have a lot of free time to manage my 15 cards setup and maximize all my perks and benefits (and points maximization),…I guess I have nothing better to do 😊. I may need to find a Girlfriend 🤓.

[@MarkReese]

Enjoy it! 💳

[@Waz90]

Make the beeping power point presentation stop 😑

[@MarkReese]

😁👍

[@RipVondy]

too many thumbs up sounds btw, just constructive feedback for ya

[@MarkReese]

Thanks for letting me know 💯