I'll second the concept that it really depends on where you plan on staying ...and what other cards you have.

My thoughts:

*wood: Best transfer options. If this was the only card you used for all spending, then I would say this or the CSP would give you the most options. For hotel stays: more limited locations, but if it covers your needs, then this might be it. Also, this is an AMEX, which may or may not matter to you as compared to a V/MC (ex. I can only pay my property taxes with a V/MC). Small annual fee.

Hilton Amex: Great earning rate on certain categories. Elite status with spending thresholds. More properties in small town USA. No fee. No real transfer options. AMEX not VC/MC.

Marriott: Free night each year. Not a great earning rate except at Marriott. Low tier status. Not AMEX. No foreign transaction fee on the higher end card (I think...). I really only found the Marriott card worthwhile for Marriott spending.


During my "year of living in a hotel", I had Marriott and Hilton as options, but no *wood hotel was close to the area I needed. It was worthwhile for me to have both cards. Once my travel stopped, I dropped the Marriott card and kept the HH AMEX (but dropped to non-surpass). I now use this card for groceries, gas, cell, Costco, and cable ...plus enough extra to hit the $20k spend threshold to earn gold status (for when I lose my current diamond status next year). The remainder of my spending goes on the Sapphire Pref (dining or nonUA travel) or UA Club card (everything else).

Lastly, I do prefer to have credit cards from two or more different banks... just in case somebody's network goes down. Am I paranoid? Maybe...


In your case, I'd probably look at the *wood AMEX, HH Amex, or Chase Sap. Pref. (for the flexibility) as the top cards... Likewise, I'd follow christianj's very sound advice and think about having several cards that complement each other.