With so many credit cards on the market offering valuable benefits and rewards, it can be challenging to decide which one deserves an application.
Even here at TPG, our staff regularly evaluate their credit card setups to determine whether adding a new card makes sense.
From lucrative welcome bonuses to refreshed perks, many factors can influence your decision. Here's a snapshot of the cards TPG staffers are applying for right now and why.
American Express Gold Card
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
TPG's principal spokesperson Clint Henderson and TPG senior analyst Priyan Desilva both applied for the American Express® Gold Card for its strong earning rates on groceries and dining.
Clint was targeted for a 60,000-point welcome offer* and was particularly interested in the card's up to $100 Resy statement credits each calendar year (split into two up to $50 semiannual statement credits) and monthly Uber Cash benefit**.
Priyan, meanwhile, was offered a 100,000-point welcome offer* and said the card's statement credits have been easy to use on purchases he was already making, helping him offset the $325 annual fee.
*Welcome offers vary.
**Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex
Welcome offer: New cardmembers can apply and find out if their welcome offer is as high as 90,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. You may not be eligible for the maximum offer amount.
Annual fee: $350 (see rates and fees)
TPG senior aviation reporter Sean Cudahy and TPG integrated marketing manager Kevin Peragine both recently applied for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for two key benefits: the card's Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Headstart and annual companion certificate.
The card provides a $2,500 MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year, helping cardmembers make progress toward Delta Medallion elite status. It also offers an annual companion certificate after each account renewal, allowing cardmembers to book an eligible companion ticket^ by paying the applicable taxes and fees (subject to restrictions).
For frequent Delta flyers, those benefits can help justify keeping the card beyond the first year.
^Valid for round-trip, domestic travel in the main cabin, including all 50 U.S. states, Caribbean, Central America and Mexico.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex.
IHG One Rewards Premier Select
Welcome offer: For a limited time, new cardholders can earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer ends Nov. 18.
Annual fee: $350
TPG senior loyalty programs editor Christine Gallipeau recently applied for the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card (see rates and fees), thanks to its elevated welcome offer and additional benefits for loyal IHG travelers.
IHG is Christine's preferred hotel loyalty program, and although she already holds the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees), she saw enough additional value in the Premier Select to justify another annual fee.
Two benefits particularly stood out: 20 annual elite qualifying night credits, which can help her receive an IHG One Rewards Milestone Reward, and quarterly food-and-beverage rewards.
For Christine, these are perks she expects to use regularly, helping offset the card's annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier Select Credit Card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $795
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) has been particularly popular among TPG staffers, many of whom applied during the card's previously offered 150,000-point welcome bonus (no longer available).
TPG senior hotels reporter Tanner Saunders said the elevated bonus sealed the deal, but he was also looking to add a premium travel card with valuable earning rates, benefits and travel credits he knew he'd use. He's already taken advantage of the card's Points Boost feature to book a business-class flight to Fiji.
TPG director of sales enablement and integrated marketing Brooke Willaby also applied for the elevated bonus and has already used several benefits, including Hertz membership perks, airport lounge access and a credit toward a stay booked through The Edit by Chase Travel℠ during a September trip to the Dolomites. She also used Points Boost, along with other points, to book her honeymoon in the Maldives.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve.
Bottom line
TPG staffers approach each new card strategically. They consider their existing cards, upcoming trips and where new perks will add the most value.
There’s no single best strategy, but by reviewing your cards and goals, you can build a setup that supports your travel ambitions — just like our experts.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
