How I Keep Track of Credit Card Perks So I Always Use the Best Card
You can remember and pick the most rewarding card by keeping a simple, consistent system: a one-page reference (digital or paper) listing each card's top perks, categories, limits, and any activation or promo windows, then checking it quickly before any purchase.
Why a system matters
Most people carry several cards but use one or two—so you need an easy way to match the purchase to the card that gives the best reward or discount without mental overload.
Simple one-page format (what to track)
- Card name — the short label you'll recognize instantly.
- Best categories — e.g., groceries, gas, dining, online shopping, travel.
- Reward type & rate — cash back %, points/mile rate, or special discount.
- Caps & limits — monthly/quarterly maximums or minimum spend to earn.
- Key conditions — activation steps, enrollment required, or 0% promo end date.
- Annual fee note — whether it's waived, or how to avoid it.
- Card for international use — FX fee or travel perks if applicable.
Recommended tools (pick one and stick to it)
- Phone note — a single note (Apple Notes, Google Keep) titled "Card Cheatsheet." Quick to edit and always available.
- Spreadsheet — one sheet with columns for the items above; sortable and easy to update monthly.
- Paper wallet card — a single laminated index card in your wallet with top 2–3 rules (works offline and fast).
- Home screen shortcut — keep your digital note or spreadsheet as a homescreen icon for one-tap access at checkout.
How to use the system in real time
- Before checkout, glance at your one-page cheatsheet and match the merchant/category to the highest reward or biggest discount.
- If a card requires enrollment for offers, mark that card in your note as "Enroll" until you complete it.
- For big purchases, compare points value vs. cashback quickly—if unsure, use the higher guaranteed cashback unless the points redemption is clearly worth more.
Maintenance routine (takes 5–10 minutes/week)
- Quick scan for expiring promos, enrollments, or posted limit resets.
- Remove expired offers and add any new welcome bonuses or seasonal deals.
- Update if you close or get a new card; keep the sheet to one page by dropping low-value cards.
Practical tips to avoid overload
- Limit active cards you try to optimize to 3–4; carry one everyday card for small purchases and rotate a specialty card for dining/travel.
- Use merchant-specific cards only when the reward is clearly higher or the merchant is used often.
- Set calendar reminders for annual-fee decisions and to check quarterly caps.
- If you hate checking, pick the card that gives steady, easy rewards (flat cashback) as your default.
Sample one-line entries (copy this into your note)
- Card A — 5% groceries (max ₫300k/month), enroll for supermarket offers, no FX fee.
- Card B — 3% online shopping (no cap), 1% elsewhere, waive annual fee if spend ₫10M/yr.
- Card C — 10% partner marketplace (limited), 0% for travel bookings with code, watch promo end date.
Quick decision rules (use when you're rushed)
- If purchase category matches a card's top rate and you're under cap → use that card.
- If unsure and it's a small purchase → use your default flat-rate cashback card.
- For big purchases → check enrollments/promos and compare reward value; pay attention to installment/0% offers if you need them.
Final checklist to set this up now (10–15 minutes)
- Create one note or spreadsheet titled "Card Cheatsheet."
- List each card with the fields above (name, categories, rate, caps, enrollments, fee).
- Place a shortcut to the note on your phone home screen and, if you like, print a wallet card.
- Schedule a weekly 5-minute review reminder for promo and cap checks.
Credit: Hoang Diep
