Cards We Actually Use
Not every card that exists — just the ones in our family’s wallet, and the specific reason each one earns its spot.
Advertiser Disclosure: Points with Cobb may earn a commission when you’re approved for a card through links on this site. This comes at no cost to you and does not influence which cards we recommend. Opinions are our own. We have not reviewed every available offer, and card terms, rates, and bonuses are set by the issuer and may change.
Bilt Palladium
Welcome Offer: 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 in the first 90 days, plus $300 in Bilt Cash. Offer as of Aug. 1, 2026 — bonuses change often; see issuer’s site for current terms.
Our #1 for a reason: it’s the only card capturing points on our mortgage — spend we were completely missing before. And Bilt points transfer 1:1 to some of the best partners in the game, including World of Hyatt, Japan Airlines, and Alaska’s Atmos Rewards (Bilt is the ONLY card that can transfer to Alaska). Best everyday earning ecosystem we’ve found.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Welcome Offer: 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Offer as of Aug. 1, 2026 — bonuses change often; see issuer’s site for current terms.
The best beginner travel card, full stop. If you’re just stepping into the travel-points world, this is the on-ramp — a reasonable $95 annual fee, real transfer partners, and a points system that actually clicks. Heads up: Chase recently refreshed it and trimmed the Hyatt transfer ratio from 1:1 to 4:3, which stings a little — but between the new bonus categories and the $100 hotel credit, it still delivers real value at the entry level.
Capital One Venture X
Welcome Offer: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Offer as of Aug. 1, 2026 — bonuses change often; see issuer’s site for current terms.
The card that basically pays for itself. Between the $300 annual travel credit (used through the Capital One Travel portal) and 10,000 anniversary miles every year, the perks cover the fee. It’s our favorite entry into premium travel cards — but get it EARLY in your journey, because Capital One is notoriously strict about how many recent accounts and inquiries are on your report.
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select
Welcome Offer: 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $3,500 in the first 4 months (limited-time offer). Offer as of Aug. 1, 2026 — bonuses change often; see issuer’s site for current terms.
A strategic play, especially on an elevated welcome offer. Catch a big AA miles bonus and pair it with the transfer points from one of the cards above, and you can line up free flights on American AND a free hotel stay from a totally separate points balance — the kind of stack that turns one trip into almost entirely “free.”