Natasha Etzel

The right American Express card for you depends entirely on your spending habits and lifestyle.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a rewards program where users can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points through their Chase credit cards, which can be redeemed in many ways, including for travel or cash back. You can strategically maximize your earnings and get more value from your rewards through bookings made on the Chase Travel and Dining portals.

Holiday shopping can be expensive, but the right credit card helps you earn rewards, save on interest, and stretch your budget while you prep for the season.

Learn how to earn, redeem, and get the most value from Citi ThankYou® Rewards points — from everyday cash back to high-value airline and hotel transfers.

Cash back credit cards allow you to earn rewards on purchases, typically through flat-rate or bonus categories like dining, groceries, and gas. Maximizing rewards depends on understanding your spending habits and choosing the right card. Consider sign-up bonuses, caps, and redemption options to boost earnings. For more insights, read the full article below.

Hero stat: Maximizers earn 3%–5% in bonus categories, while flat-rate cards offer a simple 1.5%–2% on everything. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your spending habits.

Small daily habits like a $7 latte can generate 4,500 points annually—enough to cover baggage fees or airport meals without changing your lifestyle.

The average credit card balance rose to $6,768 in late 2025. With interest rates near historic highs, switching to a 0% APR strategy can save the average American over $1,500 in 18 months

Credit card trends 2026 will likely bring shifting rewards and benefits, more focus on borrowing costs, and wider use of digital payments like wallets and installments. Expect stronger fraud tools, more biometric authentication, and more AI-driven, personalized rewards. The takeaway: track changes, know your APR, and pick payment options that fit your budget.

Whether you combine your finances or keep them separate, credit cards can be a useful tool.

The Citi Rewards+® Card, from our partner, is a solid choice for those looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases without paying an annual fee. It’s ideal for those who aren’t big spenders. It earns rewards at an evaluated rate on supermarket and gas station spending. However, the bonus rewards are capped at $6,000 in spending per year.

The Citi Double Cash® Card, from our partner, is a cash back rewards card with no annual fee. You can earn an unlimited 2% cash back rewards. You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and 1% cash back when you pay off the purchase. You must pay at least the minimum amount due each month to earn rewards with this credit card.

Previously known as the Citi Premier, the Citi Strata Premier®, from our partner, has been rebranded and includes new benefits. This rewards credit card has a $95 annual fee and earns bonus rewards in several popular everyday purchase categories — plus, there are no spending caps. New cardholders can earn a generous 60,000-point welcome bonus offer.