Hello,

Looking for some input on my credit card strategy and perhaps some suggestions for new ones that would compliment my arsenal. A little about me....30 years old, married with a newborn daughter, dual six figure income, not necessarily interested in churning and burning but rather getting cards that offer a long term value proposition. We usually fly coach on either Delta or United when traveling for leisure however we often splurge on 4/5 star chain hotels located in the heart of the city (i.e. Four Seasons, Grand/Park Hyatt, St. Regis). We like to go on a "big" trip once a year and then a few smaller trips throughout the year (pre covid of course). Our nearest airport is Omaha, NE so loyalty to a singular airline doesn't make sense for us, we just book whatever offers the most convenient routing and best price or points offer. Right now here's what I have in my wallet:

Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom
Hyatt Visa
Marriott Boundless
United Mileage Plus card
Amex Platinum

Currently I'm thinking about downgrading my Reserve card to a Preferred due to the increased $550 fee plus the fact the Amex Platinum offers identical benefits and more. I really only need a single benefits card and the Reserve is getting to be a tough value proposition especially in a time of Covid. I usually transfer all my Chase UR points to Hyatt or United and never use the Chase booking portal so no benefit of the increased point value of 1.5 cents.

I thought about going for the Chase IHG card but my last Chase application was a couple months ago for the Hyatt Visa and I received the dreaded "application pending" notification which is the first time I haven't been automatically approved for a card. Luckily I called the reconsideraition line and was able to move some of the credit I had on my Marriott card to be able to get the Hyatt one. I'm afraid of a similar fate with the IHG card unless someone has some knowledge as to if the IHG card is easier to be approved for?

Thoughts or suggestions on any certain cards I should look into? Or on my current strategy and perhaps advice on the best course of action forward?

I know we will ALL travel again, hopefully in less than a years time things get back to some semblance of normalcy. Until then I plan to rack up points as best I can waiting for brighter days on the horizon.