Credit Card Strategy for Beginners: Your First 3 Cards
The order you apply for travel credit cards matters. Here's the optimal sequence to maximize welcome bonuses and long-term earning.
When you're starting out with travel credit cards, the order of your applications matters more than you'd think. Here's a proven three-card strategy that maximizes your earning potential.
Card 1: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Start with Chase because of the 5/24 rule — Chase won't approve you if you've opened 5+ cards in 24 months. The Sapphire Preferred earns 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points as a welcome bonus.
Card 2: Amex Gold
Next, grab the Amex Gold for its 4x earning on restaurants and groceries. The welcome bonus is typically 60,000–90,000 Membership Rewards points.
Card 3: Capital One Venture X
Round out your portfolio with the Venture X for its $300 travel credit, lounge access, and 75,000 mile welcome bonus.
Why This Order?
You start with Chase (which is restrictive), then move to Amex and Capital One (which are more lenient). This sequence ensures you don't lock yourself out of the best cards.