The Case for Simple Rewards: Why I Ditched Travel Perks for Cash Back

For years, I covered the credit card landscape, becoming familiar with the perks of premium travel cards. I even spent time evaluating whether a card like the American Express Platinum Card® could fit my lifestyle. I realized the complexity and cost weren’t worth it. Today, I rely on a streamlined strategy of three no-annual-fee cash back cards that reward me based on my actual spending habits.

Travel Cards: Not Always Worth the Hassle

It’s easy to be tempted by the allure of premium travel cards, seeing friends and colleagues enjoy travel benefits and rewards. However, my travel habits are infrequent – a recent trip to Las Vegas was likely my only major flight of the year, supplemented by occasional drives to nearby destinations. For someone like me, the extensive perks of a card like the Platinum Card® can feel like a glorified coupon book.

While travel cards can be valuable for frequent travelers, I found a simpler path to savings: straightforward, affordable cash back cards.

My Three-Card Cash Back System

My current credit card strategy prioritizes earning solid rewards on everyday spending without annual fees or excessive effort. Here’s my setup:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstores, restaurants, takeout, and eligible food delivery, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. I primarily use this card for dining and drugstore purchases.
• Prime Visa: Earns 5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. This card helps me save on online groceries (through an Amazon Fresh subscription) and other Amazon purchases.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Earns 2% cash rewards on purchases. I use this card for most purchases not covered by the other two, including gas, in-person shopping, and some bills.

This combination allows me to earn 3%-5% on key spending categories and 2% on everything else.

A Travel Card for the Infrequent Traveler: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card

Despite my preference for cash back, one travel card has recently caught my attention: the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card. I view it as a travel card for those who don’t travel often.

With a $0 annual fee, it offers:

• 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X points on other purchases

If I were to shift towards travel rewards, the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card would be my first choice due to its simple categories, welcome bonus, and lack of an annual fee.

Cash Back vs. Travel Rewards: Which is Right for You?

The best credit card strategy depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. If you travel frequently, a travel rewards card may offer significant value. However, if you primarily focus on everyday spending, a cash back card provides a simpler and more accessible path to rewards.