Originally Posted by
BA_Jfan
Mostly spend money on groceries, restaurants, and random transport and Amazon expenses. I typically spend about $300 a month. Looking for flight rewards or hotel rewards. I heard that chase cards are difficult to get with little history.
I think the best single card for you right now is the Amex Blue Preferred. 6% cashback at supermarkets on the first $6000 in spending per 12 months. $75 annual fee (I think). Also gets you some online offers from Amex IIRC.
Buy gift cards for certain restaurants and gasoline and Amazon at supermarkets. For other spending, like insurance, buy $500 Visa/MC/Amex gift cards at supermarket.
Perfect card for you at your stage in life. If you want to get into levels above $6000, Sapphire Preferred is a good choice, especially for 2x travel spend. Club Carlson card is good if you stay at those hotels. 5 points per dollar on all spending, and one night free on redemptions of 2 nights or more; cannot beat certain city Radissons @ 50K for 2 nights.
You'll eventually need a V/MC in addition to the Amex. Some places don't take Amex.
Also, as you are near ORD, you should start coming to our local Chicago gatherings, posted in Community Buzz.