Even experts need advice: How I chose my next credit card with help from fellow TPGers

06.01.2025 - 19:49 / thepointsguy.com / Delta Skymiles

"Which credit card should I get next?" It's easily one of the most common questions we at TPG get from readers, friends and family members. It's also one of the most common questions we ask ourselves. Most of us are constantly chasing our next sign-up bonus and trying to optimize the travel perks we hold in our wallets with our changing spending habits and travel needs each year.

We've extensively covered how to choose the best card for you — whether you're a beginner learning how to build your card portfolio, a frequent traveler wanting a jump-start on earning elite status or just someone wondering what cards TPG staffers can't live without. But sometimes, the best way to learn is to see someone's thought process firsthand.

It had been a little over a year since I applied for my most recent credit card and I had upcoming moving expenses to cover — the perfect scenario to add another card to my wallet and snag a sign-up bonus. Here's the step-by-step walkthrough of how I came to my decision to help you outline how you can decide on your next card.

Regardless of why I want a new card, I always start my decision-making process by evaluating what's currently in my wallet. The more cards I collect, the more important this step becomes. This way, I can figure out what perks or bonus categories I'm missing, as well as take stock of any cards I might want to get rid of after I apply for my new card. Both help set the stage for coming up with a list of potential card options.

Here's what my card lineup looked like coming into the process:

The information for the Discover It Cash Back 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.

There honestly aren't any obvious holes in my portfolio in terms of bonus categories or rewards programs. I have points and miles stockpiled with issuers like Capital One, Chase and American Express as well as loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines AAdvantage (thanks to living near a hub for three years, not due to any of my credit cards) and World of Hyatt (thanks to work travel).

Based on all of that, it made the most sense for my next card to focus on sign-up bonus value and perks — specifically either helping me earn elite status or granting me lounge access since they were both priorities for me this year.

When coming up with my shortlist of cards, I thought about both my short- and long-term goals for the card. Plenty of people don't mind having a sock drawer with 20 credit cards they rarely (if ever) use. To be frank, the idea of 20 cards chilling in a drawer somewhere gives me more anxiety than it's worth, so I only like to apply for cards I know I'll keep in my