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How Many Credit Cards Should I Have?

September 20, 2018 By Joni Kinney Leave a Comment

How many credit cards should I have is something we ask ourselves quite often. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the most extensive collection of active credit cards was 1,497. I don’t think any of us need that many.

How many credit cards should I have?

This answer widely depends on multiple factors such as your budget, credit score and what you plan to use them for. If you are Travel Hacking, this question becomes even harder to answer. The easiest way to get miles/points is the use of credit card sign up bonuses and daily use. Unfortunately, it isn’t one card fits all to get the most points. Most have strong categories or items that you purchase for bonus points and a flat point amount for other things. To get the best bang for the buck, I split my spend between four different cards.

Below is the list of credit cards I feel like I need to have, with most of my flights being to Las Vegas, Orlando, and Cancun. Now does this answer the question of “How many credit cards should I have?”. I’m not sure, but I think you will find the information helpful in making your credit card decisions.

Credit Card List

1.) Chase Ink

This card is no longer available in the form we use, but they do offer the Chase Ink Preferred. The version I have allows for 5x Ultimate Rewards points on my cable/cell phone bill along with purchases at office supply stores. I like to pick up gift cards for the 5x Ultimate Rewards points for stores my wife or I go to often such as Starbucks, Lowes or Target. They provide other benefits such as 2x Ultimate Rewards Points on gas. You receive 1 point on all other purchases

The Chase Ink Preferred only does 3x Ultimate Rewards points on cable/cell bill and office supply stores. Another perk we enjoy is the cell phone insurance through their card if you pay for your cellular bill with this card.

2.) Chase Freedom Unlimited card

This is one of the two default cards we usually use. This allows for 1.5x points for all purchases. Worst case, you can cash these out and its a 1.5% cash back card. But since we have the Chase Freedom Unlimited card , we can transfer the Ultimate Rewards Points to that account and converts those into miles giving us about 3% back on all purchases for travel through Southwest, Hyatt, United, and other programs.

3.) MGM Mlife Card through the First Bankcard

This is due to my loyalty to MGM casinos. Each purchase for gas and groceries is 2 points in loyalty and 2 points in credit at one of their casinos. We are fortunate that our Walmart counts as groceries. This is what allows me to maintain my higher than average rewards/loyalty status at MGM and provides better deals through their program for free nights and food comp credits. I only use this card for gas and groceries.

4.) Paypal through Synchrony Bank

This is my other default card. This is a simple and plain 2% cashback card. When all else fails, this cash back covers those items that come up on travel such as taxis and food on the trips. With this being 2% on everything with no annual fee, it will beat most of the cards that offer only one point per dollar.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? – Conclusion

Keep in mind; values change for what airline and hotels are worth. As flights get cheaper at times, the number of miles it may take may not. My general rule of thumb is if you do not get at least two percent value per dollar or some ancillary benefit like additional warranty, don’t overlook a simple cash back card at times.

Preferred Options – Las Vegas – MLIFE Casinos and Hotels

June 27, 2018 By Jason Kinney Leave a Comment

MLIFE Casinos has a large number of hotels in their portfolio on the Las Vegas Strip. Most of my stays in Las Vegas are at one of their casinos. Below I will highlight some of my favorites that are in my rotation after scoring a good flight deal.

Vdara

Vdara is my favorite Mlife resort. Notice I did not say casino for this one. This resort is a ‘suite only’ hotel that does not have a casino. Aria is right next door and is a quick walk to the nearest slot machine. This hotel is also non-smoking. Keep in mind; Las Vegas allows smoking in their casinos. This Mlife hotel is a place where there is no smoke to worry about. It has the tram just outside the doors that will get you from Bellagio to Aria to Monte Carlo (will be known as “The Park”) within a couple of months. This tram is free and gets you to and from areas very quickly. You can also get some of the best views high up in some of the rooms of the Bellagio Fountains,. Also one of the most essential features to Joni, there is a Starbucks in the lobby.

MGM Grand

Besides Vdara, this is one of the three hotels I stay at the most. This Mlife resort is across from T-Mobile Arena. This is a great option when you finish up after a Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey game, UFC fight or music concert. They have the MGM Grand Garden Arena attached which also has many events. Sometimes after walking all day then going to a show, having a close room nearby is worth it. They do have some of the comfiest beds that I have ever slept in, and the rooms always have been in excellent shape. I recommend their Executive Suites. These suites are an excellent value for the room, especially if you need the extra space when traveling with family or friends. If you have a rental car, they provide easy access to get in and out without having to go down the Las Vegas Strip. This hotel has one of my favorite spots for breakfast, MGM Grand Cafe. I will not complete a Las Vegas trip without stopping at least once to get my “Cornflake Crusted Fried French Toast” which is my favorite! Joni approves this hotel due to having multiple Starbucks (I know how important that feature is to some.)

Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is one of the other Mlife hotels in the rotation. Some people may tend to stay away due to the Route 91 festival incident. I was staying there days after and had planned at one point to attend that concert. That will be a personal choice for some to consider before booking. Mandalay Bay does have my favorite pool/beach for swimming in. It has a calm wave pool with a sandy beach. Mandalay Bay is another location that has a tram attached that will get you from Mandalay Bay to Luxor to Excalibur. Having a tram nearby helps cut down on the amount of walking between resorts. With it being at the far end of the Strip, some will look at that as a deterrent, but that means its easier to get in and out if you chose to use a rental car.

MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay have been providing some great deals over the last year. My next trip I am trying the newly upgraded casino called “The Park.” This newly named hotel is the remodeled Monte Carlo. “The Park” and “New York New York” are the two closest hotels to T-Mobile Arena. Since I will be going for UFC fight week which will take place at T-Mobile Arena, this was a perfect opportunity to try the remodeled Mlife hotel. The fact that I got two free nights did not hurt either. 🙂

To learn more about how we get free hotels and airfare check out our articles about travel hacking.