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What % back would you need to only have 1 card

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digitek
Established Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card

Yeah it has.  Very similar to the DC just no FTF.  Chip + PIN priority has been no issue at all over 2 months and I like the CU so far so decided to fully make the switch.

 

Honestly I had no really issues with the Citi DC at all, was a solid card for me.  I had 2 separate cases of fraud on it, one for $3k that was a little scary and both times they took care of it promptly.  Phone app and website are both A+.  Customer service was more like a B or so, not including the retention specialist guy I got the end which would bring it to D-.  I closed it because it was just going to be $12k of credit on my personal credit report that I never use, would maybe like to use it for different cards.

 

The experience I had when trying to close it, though, kind of highlights the difference between the 2 cards.  I want to focus on building a relationship with SDFCU.  It's website and phone app are kind of like C grade, they work but nothing too fancy, customer service B+ so far.

 

I actually closed down $43,500 of personal credit in Chase cards, too.  CSR at $25k, Freedom at $10k, Amazon Prime at $8.5k.  CSR will be replaced with USBank Altitude Reserve + Uber, Freedom not replaced, Amazon Prime already replaced with Amex Amazon Prime Business.

 

My SL when I got the SDFCU card was only $5k, their lowest limit available, but my APR was 11.xx% the lowest they offer.  My DTI is really low and credit good, so it made me think that they just didn't like my total available credit.  I was going to switch to the Altitude Reserve + Uber combo anyway so I reduced my credit by $55.5k total and am going to ask SDFCU to increase the limit on my Premium Cash Back + and then apply for the Alt Reserve and Uber.

 

I made a thread in Approvals section about my experience app'ing for the SDFCU card.  Long story short is to apply for membership first and get fully accepted before applying for the CC.  Doing both at the same time can be...troublesome Smiley LOL

Message 21 of 41
longtimelurker
Epic Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card


@Anonymous wrote:
So, with the PayPal change looming I was wondering...what would YOU need for a cash back percentage from a card, on all purchases, to get you to use this fictitious card as your one and only. 3%? 4%? 5%? More?
I’d need 3.5%-4%. On every single purchase. All the time.
I see a card that does that I forget everything else and use that card only.

Some people have mentioned travel protections, another issue is loss of serial SUB.   Depending on your spend, and usage of these things now, obviously a large enough % will make these non-issues  (if I get 30% CB, I can buy all the travel insurance I want and if my spend is big enough, the savings will let me be able to afford J tickets for cash).

 

For me, since I currently get 10% on a major spend item (with Square Cash debit) I would probably need around that.

Message 22 of 41
Namaste7
Established Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card

If the AMEX Gold offered 1.5-2X MRs on general spend OR if the AMEX BBP offered 3-3.5X MRs.

I’m breaking the rules, but the Schwab Plat is required for just-in-case MR deposits and additional travel perks.
~~MMXX~~
2024 Goal$
2023 Goal$
FICOs 760+
Message 23 of 41
AverageJoesCredit
Legendary Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card

Sorry to hear of your bad experience @Digitec. This is why its great to have backups in case we dont want to continue with a lender for whatever reason.
Message 24 of 41
pinkandgrey
Senior Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card

Honestly I would settle for 2.5%. If it weren’t for that AF, the Alliant VS would be my goal and possibly only card. 

Discover It: 21.5k
Amex Cash Magnet: 18k
Fidelity Visa: 16.5k
Apple Card: 4.25k
Message 25 of 41
UncleB
Credit Mentor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card


@digitek wrote:

If the USAA Limitless ever came out in my state I probably would've just stopped there and closed a few cards down.  It is really freaking close...2.5% cash back, no caps, no FTF, no AF, Visa network, middle of the road CC benefit/protections, issued by a rock solid bank.


I have the USAA Limitless, and I have to say I couldn't agree more... it's really hard to beat.

 

I've actually considered cutting some of my 3% cards loose and just going with the Limitless for everything, but for now I'm sticking with what I currently have.

 

My only (small) gripe with USAA is their fraud algorithm can be sensitive at times.  My USAA Limitless is the only card I occasionally get fraud declines with, and it's always for the most mundane things (a small Sam's Club purchase, for example).  On the other hand, international online orders go right through. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Message 26 of 41
simplynoir
Community Leader
Mega Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card


@pinkandgrey wrote:

Honestly I would settle for 2.5%. If it weren’t for that AF, the Alliant VS would be my goal and possibly only card. 


If you have enough ML/ME/deposit holdings with BofA they would be ideal with their Preferred Honors program.

Message 27 of 41
SouthJamaica
Mega Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card


@Anonymous wrote:
So, with the PayPal change looming I was wondering...what would YOU need for a cash back percentage from a card, on all purchases, to get you to use this fictitious card as your one and only. 3%? 4%? 5%? More?
I’d need 3.5%-4%. On every single purchase. All the time.
I see a card that does that I forget everything else and use that card only.

There's no card that would make want to have only one card.

 

1. I don't trust lenders. To me diversification is important.

 

2. Not all cards are for cash back; some are for travel rewards; some are for lower interest, and less fees.

 

3. I wouldn't want everything I owe to have the same due date.

 

4. The percentage of cash back is not the only factor I would consider in a cash back card; other factors are whether there is a redemption minimum, the timing of the reward issuance, the categories or lack of category requirements, the type of spending I'm likely to do, and the quality of the lender.


Total revolving limits 741200 (620700 reporting) FICO 8: EQ 703 TU 704 EX 687

Message 28 of 41
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card

As of right now I have:

CFU for 1.5% on everything
Quicksilver for 1.5% on everything
Discover for 5% rotating
BCE for 3% on groceries
SimplyCash for 3% on gas
CSP for 2x on dining

For the future, I will downgrade my CSP before the AF hits to a Freedom for another 5% rotating card (potentially setting up for a Chase Trifecta).

I also hope to PC my Quicksilver to a SavorOne with 3% on dining/entertainment as a replacement for the CSP.

Eventually, I’ll probably get a US Bank+ for 3% on utilities and phone bill.

So to answer your question, I would want around 4% back on everything for a one-card setup. Preferably Amex (for the purchase/return benefits) or Visa.
Message 29 of 41
longtimelurker
Epic Contributor

Re: What % back would you need to only have 1 card


@SouthJamaica wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
So, with the PayPal change looming I was wondering...what would YOU need for a cash back percentage from a card, on all purchases, to get you to use this fictitious card as your one and only. 3%? 4%? 5%? More?
I’d need 3.5%-4%. On every single purchase. All the time.
I see a card that does that I forget everything else and use that card only.

There's no card that would make want to have only one card.

 

1. I don't trust lenders. To me diversification is important.

 

2. Not all cards are for cash back; some are for travel rewards; some are for lower interest, and less fees.

 

3. I wouldn't want everything I owe to have the same due date.

 

4. The percentage of cash back is not the only factor I would consider in a cash back card; other factors are whether there is a redemption minimum, the timing of the reward issuance, the categories or lack of category requirements, the type of spending I'm likely to do, and the quality of the lender.


I think much of the pain can be handled by a big enough percentage (e.g. with 90% cash back, having just one due date isn't likely to be such a big deal, and redemption minimums are much more likely to be met!)

 

But I guess there are two interpretations where I would agree with you more:

 

1) Agree to get this one card for ever (no other cards ever allowed again).   Then I would probably pass too!

2) While you have this card, you can have no others, but if you close it, then you are free again.   Then I would give it a try for enough %

Message 30 of 41
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