For me, I feel like the Chase trifecta is a pretty simple way to maximize for a cash back and travel (CSR/CSP + CFF + CFU). While I've never done it, you can certainly cash out at 1 cent/point if you're feeling like just getting a deposit (vs. Amex which is just a 0.6 cent/point statement credit) but the transfer partners are also useful for most Americans since Chase has a variety of domestic partners like United/JetBlue/Southwest/Hyatt. Just having 3 cards to carry around to use is pretty nice and I'm not diluting my points around different ecosystems.

I also have the Southwest Priority card and I set it up for the 2% back on internet/phone/TV but otherwise it's just a sock drawer card that pays for itself. Looking to probably pick up some hotel cards over the next year as well with a similar concept if there's a hotel chain or airline that I use frequently.

Also the fact that Chase lets you downgrade/cancel and get a new sign up bonus every 24-48 months is pretty nice while Amex is a "once in a lifetime". I mean you can certainly juggle a 12 card system to maximize but in my opinion, sign up bonuses are much more lucrative so having a small card setup but also being able to get a Sapphire/Southwest/Hyatt sign up bonus every 2-4 years is pretty nice as well (It's not worth it to get a new CFF + CFU so I'm just gonna let that age on my account)