Originally Posted by
flyaxa
First off...welcome to FT!
Now, on to your question(s)
My only advice is if you're dead set on this philosophy, it's going to take you a LONG time to accumulate miles/points of any significance. One does not need to carry any balances in the credit card game. In fact it would be foolish to do so.
This.^^^
"Having a credit card" and "Being in debt" are two very different things.
(If you simply don't trust yourself with a credit card, and know you'll end up in debt with one...well, that makes you more self-aware than a lot of people. However, if you don't have a credit card solely to proclaim yourself debt-free; that's foolish.)
<--Corporate card, hotel credit card and 2x airline credit cards. Debt free (minus mortgage). Delta Diamond, AA Platinum. IHG Ambassador Platinum.
That aside...
What is it that you want to earn?
Free flights?
Okay.
Are you looking to fly a family of five to Disney Land once a year?
Take a special someone to Thailand/Dubai/Cape Town in first class every year or two?
Launch by yourself in coach on whimsical trips to Hanoi/Changsha/Windhoek whenever the urge strikes?
It all depends on what you're looking for in return for your loyalty.
IE...I'm in the "first class with SO to Thailand" camp. So Delta is my go-to loyalty program. Their rewards system is infuriating, but it's easy to rack up a lot of miles and (with effort), I've managed to take my significant-other on posh flights to far-flung destinations every 12-14 months. (Which makes my travel for work a win/win for my domestic life).
See how this works?
Spend a little time with yourself and figure out what's important to you and yours.