Credit Card Experiment My 4-Card Strategy for 2024 Cash Back Maximization

Credit Card Experiment: My 4-Card Strategy for 2024 Cash Back Maximization In today’s world of rising prices and economic uncertainty, finding ways to save money is more important than ever. One of the most effective tools for maximizing savings is through cash back credit cards. With so many cards offering attractive rewards, it can be tricky to navigate the best strategy for maximizing cash back in your daily purchases. In this article, I’ll share my 4-card strategy for 2024, which helps me earn the most cash back on everything from groceries to travel, and why it’s been a game-changer for me. 1. Card #1: The Ultimate Groceries & Dining Card For everyday purchases like groceries and dining out, it’s essential to have a credit card that rewards these common expenses, as they account for a significant portion of the budget. In 2024, many credit cards offer premium rewards in these categories, so finding the right one is key. Why It Works: Groceries and dining out make up a large part of my monthly spending. A card that provides higher rewards in these categories helps me maximize the cash back on these recurring expenses. My Pick: For this category, I use the Chase Freedom Flex. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, which frequently includes dining and grocery stores. In the off-months, I use the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, which gives 6% cash back on groceries and 3% on dining. The annual fee is worth it given the high returns. Strategy: I always pay attention to the rotating categories each quarter for Chase Freedom Flex, and plan my spending to take advantage of those bonus categories. If groceries are included, I use this card for every grocery store purchase. Otherwise, I fall back on my Amex Blue Cash Preferred for the highest consistent rewards. 2. Card #2: The Gas & Transportation Card For many of us, gas and transportation are unavoidable expenses. Whether you’re commuting to work or taking road trips, these expenses can add up quickly. Maximizing cash back in this category is crucial for increasing your overall savings. Why It Works: Transportation is a big part of my monthly budget. Using a card that rewards gas stations and transportation-related expenses provides significant savings. My Pick: I use the Citi Custom Cash Card, which gives 5% cash back on the category of your choice, including gas stations. If I’m spending heavily on gas during a given month, I’ll make sure the 5% cash back is being applied to those purchases. The card also provides 1% on other purchases, so it’s a flexible option when my needs change.