How should I spend on my cards?

[Anonymous]

Hey guys! I have a question about which cards I should use for different types of purchases. (Direct me to another post if this was answered elsewhere)

So, I have a USAA card which awards 2x points for gas and groceries, 1x for everything else, CL $1500. CapOne which awards 1.25x on everything, as long as I pay on time (I always do), CL $2000. And I just opened a Chase Marriot card, which awards 5x for purchases at Marriott, 2x for resturants and air line tickets from airlines, 1x on everything else, CL$5000. 

My inital thought would be to use Marriott for dining (and marriott obviously), USAA for gas and groceries, and CapOne for everything else. However, I'm not sure how to do the math on how each compares. I typically just redeem my rewards points (USAA and CapOne) for a balance credit, so they are directly proportional and 1pt=$0.01. How do I know what the conversion is for Marriott? (Points to dollars)

Another way of phrasing this question would be, is it better to use the Marriott for everything, everythinng but gas and groceries, or use as I described above?

APR is also highest on Marriott, then CapOne, then USAA. But I will be doing everything I can to PIF, so that shouldn't come into play. 

[fltireguy]

The rewards on ALL of your cards (except for Marriott, when used at Marriott) are lackluster. Which CapOne do you have?

If you like Chase, the no AF AARP Visa is 3% on dining and gas. 

[Anonymous]

What you have makes sense. Looks like your Cap1 is a Venture1. If you want statement credit for whatever, I would check into PCing to a QS which would give you a better redemption rate

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

What you have makes sense. Looks like your Cap1 is a Venture1. If you want statement credit for whatever, I would check into PCing to a QS which would give you a better redemption rate

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Or a QS1, doesn't necessarily have to be a Venture1 with that reward structure

[Anonymous]

both QS and QS1 give 1.5%; just the AF is the only main difference. Venture1 only give 1.25%

[Anonymous]

Oh, lol my bad. That's what I get for acting like I know what I am talking about without double-checking my information... haha

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@Anonymous wrote:

both QS and QS1 give 1.5%; just the AF is the only main difference. Venture1 only give 1.25%

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[Anonymous]

My CapOne is actually a Journey card, it was my very first so I'm not sure I'll have much luck with improving it. I was definitely thinking about getting a new one with better rewards in the future, but I need to garden first.