The Credit Card Game: How I Got Started

Kendall Card Collection

For most of my twenties, I never really paid much attention to credit cards. I had a Discover it and a Capital One card, but I never really used them for anything other than the occasional purchase. To be honest, I wasn't all that interested in credit cards. I had heard horror stories about people getting into deep credit card debt and I didn't want to be one of those people. Plus, my credit was trash, so I figured I wouldn't qualify for anything better anyways.

But in 2020, that all changed. I had decided that I wanted to focus on eliminating debt, saving money, and purchasing my first home. I knew that having good credit would be essential to achieving these goals, so I made it a priority to improve my credit score. I started by paying off any outstanding debts and making sure to pay my bills on time. I also set up automatic payments for my credit cards to make sure I never missed a payment.

By 2021, my hard work had paid off. My FICO score had increased significantly, and I was finally in a position to apply for more "premium" credit cards. But even though my credit score had improved, I was still a bit hesitant to apply for new cards. I wasn't sure if I was ready to take on the responsibility of having more credit available to me.

But then, Nigel, co-founder of this blog, who had been bragging about all the crazy benefits he had been taking advantage of with travel cards, finally convinced me to take the plunge. I decided to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Freedom Unlimited cards on the same day, and to my surprise, I was approved for both of them!

That was the day that changed everything for me. I had never realized just how much value you could get from using credit cards responsibly. I learned about all the different types of rewards programs and how to maximize my points and miles. I started using my credit cards for everyday purchases, and before long, I was earning free flights, hotel stays, and other valuable rewards.

Looking back, I can't believe how much my relationship with credit cards has changed. I used to be hesitant and skeptical, but now, I'm a credit card junkie. I'm so glad I took the leap and applied for those cards, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.

It's important to note that the key to success in the credit card game is to use credit cards responsibly. Always pay your bills on time, never spend more than you can afford to pay back, and be sure to fully understand the terms and conditions of any card you apply for. If done correctly, credit cards can be a powerful tool for achieving your financial goals.