Need advice on which "go-to"/"catch-all" card to apply for

[elegia]

I guess I'll first throw this out generally: What do you think is the best all-around card for those inevitable miscellaneous expenses and purchases that don't fall under a solid rewards category?

More selfishly, seeking advice on what would be the best for me and my profile. Between me and my SO's accounts, we manage to get pretty good rewards on basics like groceries, gas, Amazon, Target, phone bills, etc. (losing the magical 5% on dining tomorrow *sob*), but I don't really have a good card for all those other things that rack up every month like utility bills, medical expenses, and such. I also don't currently have any sort of travel or hotel rewards card but feel like it's about time to join in on the fun and would like to get some benefits from airplane and hotel fees. I'm not a frequent traveler currently, but foresee more over the next few years - however, I'm more interested in the rewards/redemption aspect of a travel card than luxuries like access to airport lounges. I've been putting most of this type of stuff on my Amex (mostly for the extended warranties and customer service) or SO's Cap1 QS, but think I could do a little better.

Any suggestions? I've been eyeing the CSP and Citi DC for a while now (that Blispay card looks brilliant, but I'm leery and fear it's too good to be more than a flash in the pan for very long) and trying to decide whether it would be better to get a solid all-around 2% card or concentrate on getting some good mileage out of the UR system. The $95 AF on the CSP is slightly off-putting, but mostly because I wouldn't want the program to be nerfed later on and get stuck with the AF still (but that's life). Everyone raves enough about the UR points and great redemption rates that it's hard to ignore that pretty little card. However, I won't have the added benefit of the Freedom combo - would the CSP be good enough on its own in my situation?

That's just my initial thought process, so I'd love to hear any opinions or suggestions for alternatives.

[Samac]

I wouldn't bother with a travel card until you know you're going to travel. Many of the cards have annual fees and if you're not redeeming them annually for the free hotel room or the airline credit they're not worth it. A CSP doesn't give you access to lounges like you said you were looking for.

That being said, if you're sure you're going to travel soon than the CSP isn't a bad option, Espically if one of the rotating cartegory cards you have is the freedom.

If I was going for pure cash back I would go with the Citi DC, but part of the reason is I'm a weirdo that doesn't really like statement credits. I would rather see the cash back grow.

[jbsea]

Citi DC is good or just a 1.5% card works for them.  I'm a Amex person who like to travel so I use PRG for almost everything.  But if your using UR then I would go with CSP / Freedom.

[Anonymous]

go for the CSP then apply 30 days later for fredoom unlimited.with the points acumulate you can book the flights/hotel for a nice vacantion pay off

[JustBPatient]

Per some of the other suggestions on here.  I agree with Chase combo first because of the 5/24 rule.  General spend with either DoubleCash or Quicksilver is pretty straightforward.  You also can do well with a PRG, ED or EDP for MR accumulation.

[Anonymous]

General spend: I am currently testing the Citi DC - not entirely sure I will stick with it over the QS. The .5% extra does not seem to be worth the delay in rewards or the $25 minimum. BUT I am trying for a few months to see if I change my mind.

[Anonymous]

And if you dont mind a throwaway card, Discover IT Miles is great for the first year

[kdm31091]

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@Anonymous wrote:

General spend: I am currently testing the Citi DC - not entirely sure I will stick with it over the QS. The .5% extra does not seem to be worth the delay in rewards or the $25 minimum. BUT I am trying for a few months to see if I change my mind.

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Generally speaking, unless you spend a ton of money, 1.5% vs 2% is not going to be a big difference and the DC definitely pays out slower. That said, some people don't mind. Just depends on perspective.

As for catch all cards, while it's good to have in theory, I find they tend to get limited use due to category cards, 5% rotating, using other cards to give them activity, etc.  Then you have to figure how much spend really falls into "everything else" all that often? Bills are one example, such as utilities, but often they do surcharges for credit cards meaning it isn't worth it to charge these things.

[redpat]

IMO, the best card for go to /  catch all is EDP 4.50, 3 and 1.50 MR w/ 50% bonus w/ 30 swipes a month.  DW and I with just daily coffee at 5bucks and gas are way over 30 swipes, lol.

It's my favorite card, you really don't need a combo with it.

[Anonymous]

I like the Blispay so far. The cash back is automatic. Some people like to have cash back deposited or whatever, but mathematically it's the same: 2% is 2%, whether you're paying 2% less or paying and getting 2% of it back. The difference between 1.5 and 2% will add up over time. 1k/mo will be 180 with my Quicksilver, and 240 with the Blispay, and 1k each month isn't even that much compared to what I see many people put through their cards each month. Just be aware that Blispay gives lower starting limits and it's a startup.