There’s a wide range of credit cards available right now, and sifting through the vast number of cards to figure out which one you should apply for next can be daunting.
We receive a constant stream of questions about what credit cards people should apply for next. While we can’t provide personalized strategies for everyone, it’s worth highlighting our own approaches in case this helps you decide what card or cards you should apply for at this moment.
Related: The best current credit card welcome bonuses
American Express cash-back cards
Sophia Fen, media partnerships director
I’m currently eyeing either the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express or the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express!
Because I already have a mix of travel cards (including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card), I am looking for a solid cash-back card — especially now for online shopping during the holiday season.
Apply here: Amex Blue Cash Preferred and Amex Blue Cash Everyday
Prime Visa
Eileen Wang, senior analyst of card ops
I am looking at the Prime Visa! As someone who shares an Amazon Prime membership via household and doesn’t pay for my membership myself, I still have access to the Prime card and its benefits despite the primary owner also having the card.
Plus, with the holidays coming up, I love the chance to get a gift card instantly upon approval to put toward my seasonal shopping.
Apply here: Prime Visa
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Rachel Craft, associate points and miles writer
I just got the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card! I’d been thinking about it for years because I’ve had the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card forever and was ready to upgrade from 1.25 miles to 2 miles per dollar spent on all my nonbonus purchases.
I finally decided to do it now ahead of holiday shopping and a couple of international trips so I could earn 2 miles per dollar spent on gifts and souvenirs with no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).
Another reason I got the Venture X is because one of the few Capital One lounges is in my home airport, Denver International Airport (DEN).
Apply here: Capital One Venture X
Aeroplan Credit Card
Clint Henderson, managing editor
I just signed up for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, and I’m working on the welcome bonus now.
I’ll earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
Cardholders can also earn an additional 25,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months — not a bad deal, considering you can often find business-class flights on Star Alliance partners for as little as 70,000 miles one-way to Europe and other international destinations.
Apply here: Aeroplan Credit Card
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer
I recently got the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®. Since its miles will soon become much more valuable Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, I figured I might as well get the card (and its bonus) before it stops being offered due to the Alaska-Hawaiian merger.
The information for the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Learn more: Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard review
Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Matt Moffitt, credit cards managing editor
I applied for the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) in early November, taking advantage of a limited-time welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $5,000 in the first five months of account opening.
That’s 5,000 fewer miles than the best-ever offer on this card, but it is still a great deal, as the offer is worth $1,200, according to our November 2024 valuations. Plus, the card’s $99 annual fee is waived for the first 12 months.
I value AAdvantage miles highly, as I often use them for economy and premium-cabin redemptions on American Airlines, Iberia and Qantas.
One recent redemption I made was for a one-way flight in a lie-flat business-class seat on Iberia from Bogota, Colombia, to Madrid for 55,000 AAdvantage miles plus $163 in taxes. With this card’s welcome bonus, I could make this redemption and still have 20,000 miles left for another redemption.
As I experienced with the two personal American-cobranded Citi cards I have in my wallet, I wasn’t approved instantly. Instead, I waited about a week for a letter to come in the mail with a security verification code; then, I entered that code online and was approved with a large $20,000 credit limit.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Chris Nelson, associate credit cards writer
I am thinking of applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, as it provides 15 elite night credits.
I am 16 nights away from Titanium Elite status, so with the card, I would only need to stay one more night this year. Additionally, the card has a gateway path to upgrading to the Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Credit Card, which provides exceptional value.
The information for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
The Platinum Card from American Express
Olivia Mittak, credit cards writer
I opened the Amex Platinum primarily for its far-reaching lounge access. It’s currently the best card for gaining access to as many lounges as possible.
I’m also able to organically use many of its credits, including the Uber Cash benefit, the digital entertainment credit and the airline credit. ($695 annual fee, see rates and fees; Enrollment is required; terms apply.)
As for the welcome bonus, I’m currently in a great position to hit the $8,000 spending requirement, so it made sense to pull the trigger now.
Apply here: Amex Platinum
Bottom line
As you can see, TPG staffers are applying for different cards for different reasons. Consider your current situation and what can add value to your portfolio, especially with a big welcome bonus.
Also, look at our list of the best credit cards for each spending category. If you aren’t earning bonus points and miles on your typical purchases, that might be an angle for your next credit card application.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
