I have been reading the forums for a few months when I discovered it looking for maximizing my rewards. I have learned that lossing out on 1% or two in one category is not worth doing (unless the signup is good and there is no min redemption). Otherwise one spreads themselves too thin and have to wait a while to have enough rewards to redeem them, which can be a problem if points expire. I will admit I wish I lived in the service are of Bank of the West for their 3% gas and groceries card (I have a 3% dining card). But I don't and so I can't get the card.
So I have many cards that benefit me very well. The only two cards that I'm looking towards adding to my wallet are the Target redcard and either a Blue Cash Everyday or Preferred card. My plan for the Blue Cash is probably get the Everyday first (preferrably with the up to $450 offer that works for me or $150 for $500 spending (and hopefully a up to $200 in addition) as I don't spend $3200 in groceries. I figure I'll just wait for the $150 for $1000 spend upgrade offer with the $95 annual fee to avoid a second hard pull and still get some sort of signup bonus (since AMEX has the once a lifetime policy). So clearly I got that planned, but I am curious to see what others think of my idea on this? Also, what do people feel about AMEX offers (random crap, makes expensive things like hotels fall to an affordable price for everyone, useful offers that one can use normally without really going out of their way, etc.)?
As for the Target card, I don't go often enough for the hard pull (yet), but notice that the 5% discount should apply to food (groceries). Is this right? Also, could I buy a gift card such as Steam GCs and still get the 5% off (I notice that it says "Target gift cards and prepaid cards, Stockpile and Gift of College gift cards" aren't eligible for the discount)? And most importantly, I've read about the shopping card trick. Does the Redcard work with the SCT? My scores are excellent so I am good as far as getting the cards.
