TPG staff members share their 2022 credit card New Year’s resolutions
Now that we're a few days into the new year, many of us are looking forward to the prospect of earning thousands of points and miles throughout 2022.
Here are eight TPG staffers' credit card resolutions as we get to finally make our bucket-list trips happen this year (fingers crossed).
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Stella Shon, reporter
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A question I always ask myself periodically is, "How can I earn the maximum number of points and miles possible?" After a quick glance at my wallet, I'm generally pretty happy with how I'm maximizing my everyday purchases to accrue thousands of points and miles every year.
But a big area of opportunity remains: rent. Next year, I'm thinking of applying for the Bilt Mastercard, the first-ever credit card that lets you earn points and miles for rent. Some of the Bilt program's transfer partners — including American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt — are too lucrative to ignore.
(Editor’s note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt advisor and investor.)
Related: Five ways to pay your rent or mortgage with a credit card
Chris Dong, reporter
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2022 is the year I start trimming the fat on cards I don’t really find useful. For instance, the American Express® Green Card that has been sock drawered for a couple of years is getting the axe.
The information for the Amex Green has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Can you downgrade and then upgrade the same card?
Benji Stawski, reporter
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I haven’t opened many new credit cards recently so I’m currently under Chase’s 5/24 count (meaning I haven’t opened more than five new cards in 24 months). Assuming we see more big sign-up bonuses from Chase in 2022, I plan to jump on them and take full advantage of these open slots.
I also don’t have any Capital One cards yet so I have my eyes on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, though I likely won’t apply for it until I’ve maxed out my 5/24 limit with Chase.
Related: Who should (and shouldn’t) get the Capital One Venture X card?
Katie Genter, senior reporter
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I'm actually pretty happy with my current credit card portfolio. But, I expect I'll downgrade some cards to no-annual-fee versions if their annual fee comes due and I can't justify paying it. And I expect I'll add a few new cards to my wallet if they offer spectacular bonuses or perks.
Additionally, if I decide to requalify for high-tier American Airlines elite status in 2022, I'll need an American Airlines credit card to help me earn Loyalty Points. So, my next card will likely be the AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard, which I'll hopefully be able to upgrade to the AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard.
The information for the AAdvantage Aviator Red and AAdvantage Aviator Silver cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on American Airlines
Juan Ruiz, editor
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I took an app-o-rama hiatus (when you apply for several cards in a short period of time) in 2021 but next year I intend to apply for a handful of cards and increase my points and miles balances to keep up with my growing family. Now that I'm under 5/24, the sky's the limit on which generous welcome offers I'm going to target in the new year.
Related: Four easy strategies I use to earn over 500,000 points and miles a year
Madison Blancaflor, editor
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I think 2022 is the year I finally get a premium credit card with lounge access. After a recent, unexpected eight-hour layover, I’ve decided that lounge access is a good thing to have in my back pocket for future delays or unexpected complications during multi-segment trips.
Related: Guide to accessing the American Express Centurion Lounges
Benét Wilson, senior editor
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Now that I’ve fully committed to World of Hyatt, I think it’s time to sign up for that chain’s credit card (the World of Hyatt Credit Card) once I get from under Chase’s 5/24 in April 2022.
Related: Why I dropped Marriott after 35 years of loyalty
Erica Silverstein, senior editor
My goal is to find a new credit card or two that will help me earn free travel for my family and give me travel perks like lounge access for the work travel I do. But I want to do this without overpaying for the privilege of owning a credit card, since I won't be traveling every month and tend to stay in vacation rentals more than hotels.
Related: How to find and book an Airbnb for your next road trip
Bottom line
It shouldn't come as a surprise that many of our staffers have their sights set on new credit cards to help them earn more welcome bonuses and rewards on everyday purchases in the new year. Remember though, if your resolutions include improving your credit score or refinancing your debt, be sure to make these goals a priority before chasing your next travel credit card.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
10X | Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site |
5X | Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas |
1X | Earn 1x points on all other purchases |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The revamped Wander Card from Credit One Bank earns cardmembers up to 10 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, the card is also great for international travel. However, points earned from this card can only be used at a fixed value, so it may not be the best option for those striving to get maximum value from their rewards.Pros
- This card has no foreign transaction fees and earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
Cons
- While cardholders can earn a significant amount of points on travel purchases, there isn't any way to redeem points from the Wander Card for maximum value (beyond 1 cent per point).
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travel
- Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site
- Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
10X | Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site |
5X | Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas |
1X | Earn 1x points on all other purchases |
Intro Offer
Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travelEarn 10,000 Bonus PointsAnnual Fee
$95Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Fair/Good
Why We Chose It
The revamped Wander Card from Credit One Bank earns cardmembers up to 10 points per dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. With no foreign transaction fees, the card is also great for international travel. However, points earned from this card can only be used at a fixed value, so it may not be the best option for those striving to get maximum value from their rewards.Pros
- This card has no foreign transaction fees and earns up to 10 points per dollar on travel purchases through the Credit One Bank travel partner site.
Cons
- While cardholders can earn a significant amount of points on travel purchases, there isn't any way to redeem points from the Wander Card for maximum value (beyond 1 cent per point).
- Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days and redeem for a $100 statement credit, gift cards, or travel
- Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site
- Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
- Earn 1x points on all other purchases
- Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
- See Rates & Fees