Back in 2018, I wrote about “my No BS List of Top Three ‘Best’ Keeper Premium Cards“, well since then a few things have changed. For example, my Citi shutdown means I don’t carry a Prestige card anymore. Due to some recent changes, I don’t value Hilton Aspire as highly as I once did. Anyway, this is a little different list since this one is focused on the cards that I use on daily basis.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
The regular of this blog know I have been high on this card since day one. Through Samsung Pay (and LG Pay) am effectively getting 4.5% cashback more or less everywhere I can swipe a card. You may prefer your 2x MR or 2x UR but I will value 4.5% cashback everyday.
American Express Platinum
The ongoing 100k offer (along with 30k referral) is too good to pass on but obviously that isn’t the reason why Platinum is currently my daily driver. It is on the list because of 10x MR on gas and groceries. I conservatively value 10x MR as 12.5% cashback and that’s a lot of kickback on grocery purchase. The catch is that 10x boost is only valid for first 15k spend within 6 months but I am still under the limit. Once I am through the limit, I plan to refer a family member (yay 30k referral) and continue getting 10x bonus through the new card.
Honorable Mention
The 5x Amazon cards are obviously great for shopping on amazon. Also, Ebates (now Rakuten) card is great too, especially when coupled with the fact that my portal earnings will eventually turn into MR.
Closing Thoughts
At this point U.S. Bank should be paying me for how much I shill their card. Anyway, obviously this list is subject to change because 10x MR offer from Platinum is a limited time offer but we will cross that bridge when we get there. I suspect Altitude Reserve won’t be displayed from my list for quite a while.
3 comments
Question: does the altitude reserve card allow for payments via debit card like citi does?
What are the “some recent changes” according to which you don’t value the Aspire as high as before? can you please elaborate a bit more about this
Hi Omer,
I may have mostly been referring to risk of clawback.