Earn More Points.
Without Spending More Money.

The credit card strategy can be a complicated one, but let's start with the basics. The three "starter cards" that I always recommend, in this order, are as follows:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred — Reasonable annual fee, flexible points, and strong travel benefits. The welcome bonus alone can fund multiple international airline tickets!
• AMEX Green — you need an AMEX card that earns points in order to connect to Rakuten to earn Membership Rewards (MRs) instead of just cash back. The cobranded AMEX cards don't work. Only the Green, Gold, Platinum cards work — cards that earn MR points.
• Chase Hyatt Card — the annual free night pays for the $95 annual fee and gives you something that you can trade for Guest of Honor and Suite Upgrade Awards! These are VERY valuable for families!

* I may receive points or a commission if you apply through my link.

Shopping portals reward you for purchases you were already planning to make. This is one of the easiest ways to earn thousands of additional points every year.

Chrissy's favorite "no brainer" way to earn points? ALWAYS go through Rakuten first!

Almost every major card issuer provides bonus offers.

Activate them. Use them. Get rewarded.

Learn how to stack them with shopping portals.

Did you know you can earn airline miles just for eating at restaurants? We'll show you how.

You don't need a Fortune 500 company. Many side hustles and small businesses qualify.

Business cards can dramatically increase your earning potential.

Your spouse should be earning points too. We'll teach you how couples and families can earn points together.

Combine a shopping portal, a bonus credit card, an activated offer, and a store loyalty program on a single purchase — and earn rewards four different ways.