Hi there,

After reading through this site and some others, I've realized that my credit card strategy could use a LOT of revision. I currently have 2 cards: a Merrill Lynch Visa, and a Chase Sapphire. I picked the 1st because it was easy to get as a first card, the 2nd because a co worker recommended it. Didn't strategize much either time.

I'm thinking I need to shift around my spending to be more strategic, but can't figure out what to do. It seems like it makes sense to get a new card to replace the ML visa, but don't know which direction to take. I'd appreciate advice! I'm considering the SPG AmEx, the AmExGold, or a cash back card. Here are some details about me to give more context.

Spend: About 1,200 personal per month, paid in full. I currently use the Sapphire for business expenses only, and that ranges from $0 - 2,500 depending on how much travel I do. My personal spend is pretty much bills + groceries + dining out + cabs/bus. I don't buy gas.

Travel habits: I travel for work, but my schedule is pretty unpredictable. I've spent 12 hotel nights so far this year and expect another 6 nights before the end of June. Past that it's anyone's guess, but I will definitely be on the road again. For personal travel I tend to stay with friends or use points- I go for the cheapest properties possible vs. the fancy ones, to save points. I am a SPG gal, though I sometimes get stuck elsewhere if SPG isn't available. I am currently SPG gold and expect I'll maintain that this year through work travel. I tend to fly American, though again, sometimes end up on Southwest or Delta depending on flight options.

I don't have a specific trip or points goal in mind, so I'm finding it hard to evaluate which card is the best bang for my buck. I know I already have enough miles for one flight I need later this year, and will probably want to use miles/points for an international vacation, but haven't decided where I'm off to yet. I do worry a bit about the fact that SPG doesn't have as many value properties, and is more limited in its spread, because it's sometimes harder to find a cheap SPG property vs. something like a Marriott.

Ok, sorry, that was a lot! But I'd appreciate any tips you have about how to pick rewards vs. cash back, and then from there, which rewards or cash card seems to make sense.