The spending patterns of most Americans is quite different today than it was just two months ago. Bonuses for travel and entertainment are mostly meaningless and customers are switching to cards that offer the best bonus for supermarket and streaming services. Banks have been rushing to catch up to the new trends and adding new limited-time bonuses to their cards. Higher-end cards are allowing you to use your travel credit for pay for your food expenses (no matter if you’re cooking for your self or getting take-out).
But the best card for those expenses might be right in front of you. You just don’t realize it.
Use any card where you have a credit first!
I’m not sure about everyone else, but I had a bunch of plans over the last few months get canceled. Some trips had pre-paid reservations that were refunded. We had tickets for a show in New York which never happened and as our local Broadway touring season gets canceled one show at a time, refunds keep getting posted to my account.
I’ve already paid those bills so it’s my money that the bank is holding. I might as well spend it.
Once I spend that money, I’ll move to start spending my account credits. The Citi Prestige and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant are going to allow you to use the travel credits for expenses like restaurants and/or supermarkets.
So while it’s easy to get caught up in which card is offering the best bonus in each category, you’re better off spending your money first before putting new charges on a different card.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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