It's that time again for what has become a standing My FICO tradition. We're starting the last month of 2025, so it's time to consider our credit and financial plans for 2026! 
This annual thread began in 2020. (See these links: >2021<, >2022<, >2023<, >2024<, and >2025<.) Again, thanks to @Remedios for the suggestion of the original thread. Below are the highlights of my original message:
We often remind each other that "Credit is a marathon, not a Sprint," to try to pace ourselves, and to realize that we need to keep some self-discipline in the process. Self discipline requires a plan. Periodically, we may look on with horror (or envy) as someone tries to get away with a monster App Spree. We know that's not really the way to build good credit. Overly-seeking credit can be addictive and counterproductive to finances and FICO. As a general guideline, I usually suggest to newer members that slow and steady wins the race, and that planning to add about one new account every six months is a good long-term pacing that will usually keep them within the various lender limitations, especially for those with low-to-medium scores, thinner files or derogatories. The more they go over that, the more likely they'll start getting denials or low-limit approvals eventually, and that's regardless of the strength of their profile.
Having a good strategy requires taking inventory of our existing cards, an honest evaluation of our financial picture and needs, and a careful consideration of which credit cards (if any) would be most beneficial. Sometimes, chasing after the FOTM card (Flavor of the Month) or the latest, greatest SUB isn't the card we most need. And over-app'ing can be a disruption to improving our finances with the best card for us. At times, I've been guilty of the impulsive apps so I'm not pointing fingers. But I've also planned for new cards and I'm doing so right now. Writing down my card details and plan helps me to come up with strategies for the short term (~six months), medium term (~one year), and long term (~two years.)
As we approach the new year, and with the goal of making credit changes a premeditated and mindful decision, what are the planned changes for your card lineup in 2026?
For the first time in a while or maybe ever, I don't have any set plans for a next card. I grabbed the new 5321 card after getting a mailer recently, then gave the Rakuten card a whirl (soft pull before accepting) and also approved there.
The 100k bonus from Citi Strata Elite will hit before the end of this year, I still have the 10% bonus based on when I had PC'd into the Rewards+, which is now Strata. I'll redeem the 100k early in 2026, let a little time pass for the bonus to be confirmed, then PC the Strata into a fourth Custom Cash. If there are no positive changes to the Strata Elite, and maybe I'm being optimistic but I think such is at least possible, I will PC it to Strata Premier at one year, October 2026.
Will be closing some cards: Affinity Cash Rewards and second Elan MCP, largely due to $25 redemption minimum combined with category overlap/saturation. Like with Affinity, I originally got it for the quarterly rotating categories, but with the changes and also having a Chase Prime card, there's no point. Will likely close my Delta Gold Business as well, it's basically a wash if we use the portal credit, but we are moving away from cards that require portals. That means P2's Venture X will change to VentureOne - the more I learn about rental car insurance for NY residents, it sounds like any card would only provide primary coverage if one does not have insurance of their own, so in practice that would not be an actual benefit of Venture X, for us, which was a big reason we bothered keeping a card that is pretty much a wash otherwise. P2 will also close or PC her BoA Sonesta (got during decent bonus, but struggling to use points) and Chase Sapphire Preferred (unless there are positive changes before).
I do wonder what Bilt will look like - it just depends so much on what will be offered, could become a focus for spend all the way down to not bothering in the first place. Speaking of, the transition on the WF side will leave me with two Autographs, one at $15k and one at $4.5k. I don't see an option to change the $4.5k Autograph to anything else right now, but if that changes would certainly consider swapping it, either Active Cash or Attune (if offered) would be fine by me.
APR 
P2 Chopping Block 
Close: Amex Gold, all 3 Biz Plats and both Biz Golds, Discover It, maybe the Autograph I'll get from the Bilt change over
Open: At least 2 Biz Plats (mailers arrived recently), new Bilt card as they transition to Cardless, hopefully a Citi Strata Elite or Premier with max SUB. Trying to work my way back towards 5/24 so likely will go light here this year.
PC: Remaining Chase Ink Preferred to Cash, one Hilton Surpass to Aspire after 30k spend to get 3 FNCs, forced conversion of my Wells Fargo Bilt to Autograph
My strategy is to hope and pray not to get nerfed. I never thought I'd have a cash back set up that never gets less than 4% CB on everything. The citi SYW turned into the citi ThankYou where it actually got buffed, not nerfed! It now earns TY points (at 1cpp) instead of SYW points good only for gift cards. It appears to still have the same ongoing amazing spending offers. The spend categories and caps have been expanded so I earn more TYPs when meeting those spend offers. I am experimenting with paying the bill with a 1% debit card which will make go from a 5/3/2/1% card to a 6/4/3/2% card. It's now my gas card, freeing up my two citi Custom Cashes for 5% in other chosen cats - and actually possibly 6% as I am experimenting with paying with a 1% debit card. I'm just over the moon with the cash back I get. I get 6% on my prime card with no-rush shipping. My $139 prime is covered by NFCU. Etc., etc. So, not sure if this counts but, more or less, my 2026 strategy is simply to keep all four fingers crossed for 365 days!!
