How TPG staffers are using credit cards to combat high prices

24.09.2024 - 14:37 / thepointsguy.com / Brian Kelly

If you feel like life is more expensive right now, you aren't wrong. Inflation has risen and softened, yet the prices of everyday items continue to stay high.

With that in mind, we're sharing tips and tricks on earning extra rewards, cash back or discounts on your daily spending to help offset high prices.

Credit cards may not be the first thing you think of for combatting elevated costs. However, using a credit card that provides a quality return on your spending can help. So, let's kick things off by looking at our favorite credit cards for beating high prices.

Which credit cards do we personally use to help beat high prices? Here's what some TPG staff members said when I asked them:

I look for opportunities to use my Chase Freedom Flex® each quarter because it offers 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent when combined with Ultimate Rewards points-earning cards) on rotating categories. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the categories are McDonald's, PayPal, pet shops, veterinarian services and select charities.

(Note that earning 5% cash back or 5 points per dollar is limited to the first $1,500 spent in the bonus categories each quarter you activate.)

I am paying my utilities and internet/streaming services with my U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. I choose this as my 5% cash-back category each quarter, and I love that this is a bonus that doesn't require any extra work or thought on my part.

(Note that the 5% cash back is limited to the first $2,000 spent in your chosen category each quarter.)

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

I'm enjoying the solid earning rate of 4 points per dollar at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to the first $25,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar) with my American Express® Gold Card. According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, that earning rate is equivalent to an 8% return on my spending in these categories, more than three times the current inflation rate of 2.5%.

Also, the up to $10 monthly dining statement credit, which I choose to use with Wine.com, is a nice "treat yourself" bonus (enrollment required; terms apply).

I'm earning points on (very expensive New York City) rent with the no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees) and I've used those Bilt Points for a flight redemption. Also, I use it at restaurants to earn 3 points per dollar spent when dining out.

TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

Like Gabe said, the Amex Gold Card provides an unbeatable return on grocery purchases: 4 points per