Green Light
Proceed through a Green Light without hesitation, would get any card identified with a green light without giving it a second thought. All these are elite Credit Cards

Yellow Light
Proceed through a Yellow Light with hesitation but still run a yellow 9/10 times, would get any card identified with a yellow light but think twice or take a step back before applying

Red Light
Proceed through a Red Light with a good reason (wife’s about to give birth) would only get a card identified with a red light for a GOOD reason (going on a cruise or need to build your credit)

CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED

Pros:

-$200 intro bonus after spending $500 in purchase on your card within 3 months of opening (40% return)
-No annual fee
-0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
-Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

Cons:

-Cash back disappears when you close the account
-Boring 1.5% cash back on everything
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee

CHASE FREEDOM

Pros:

-$200 intro bonus after spending $500 in purchase on your card within 3 months of opening (40% return)
-No annual fee
-0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
-Different 5% cash back category each quarter. This past quarter’s was gas stations I would imagine we still have grocery stores, restaurants, and travel in the coming quarters
-Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty

Cons:

-Cash back disappears when you close the account
-Need to activate 5% cash back (this takes maybe 30 seconds but still an extra step)
-1% cash back on everything outside of the bonus categories
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee

UNITED EXPLORER CARD

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus United miles after spending $2,000 in purchases on your card within 3 months of opening
-$0 annual fee for the first year and then $95 every year after
-No foreign transaction fees
-First checked bag for the cardmember and a companion are free on United operated flights when the tickets are purchased with your card
-2 complimentary United Club passes each year
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck
-Miles stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-No anniversary mileage bonus for paying the annual fee
-Benefits are exclusively for United flights
-2 United miles for $1 spent at restaurants, hotels, and on United travel
-1 mile per $1 spent on other purchases

WORLD OF HYATT

Pros:

-Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card in 3 months and earn a bonus 25,000 points after spending $6,000 on the card in 6 months
-Anniversary night at any category 1-4 hotel every cardmember anniversary
-Get an additional anniversary night if you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
-No foreign transaction fees
-Automatic Hilton elite status and 5 qualifying nights towards your next tier status each year plus 2 extra qualifying nights each time you spend $5,000 on the card
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Insurance, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Purchase Protection
-Keep the points if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Points exclusive to Hyatt properties
-Points from purchases expire if you don’t make a purchase on your card within 24 months
-Have to pay a $95 annual fee for the first year and it doesn’t include a free anniversary night
-4 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels

SAPPHIRE PREFERRED

Pros:

-Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on your card within 3 months of opening
-Can transfer points to Chase travel partners instantly
-Extra 25% in value if you redeem points in Chase’s travel portal
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection

Cons:

-2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining purchases
-Insurance policies are the best benefit from this card but not worth the $95 annual fee
-If you cancel the card points disappear forever!
-$95 annual fee not waived for the first year

SAPPHIRE RESERVE

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,000 on your card within 3 months of opening
-$300 Annual Travel Credit for all travel purchases (flights included)
-Can transfer points to Chase travel partners instantly
-Extra 50% in value if you redeem points in Chase’s travel portal
-No foreign transaction fees
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Priority Pass Select membership including restaurant locations
-15% off Lyft rides, waived cancellation fees, complimentary Lyft Pink access
-$60 per year in DoorDash statement credits
-3x Points on Travel and Dining
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection

Cons:

-1 point per dollar spent on everything else
-$550 Annual fee definitely not worth it if you don’t travel much and is not waived the first year
-If you cancel the card points disappear forever!
-Not a great selection of Priority Pass lounges in the U.S.

MARRIOTT BONVOY BOUNDLESS

Pros:

-Earn 75,000 bonus Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-6 points per $1 spent at Marriott hotels
-One free night a year at a Marriott property for up to 35,000 points
-No foreign transaction fees
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Insurance, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Protection
-Automatic Silver Elite Marriott status, Gold status after spending $35,000 on the card in a year, 15 Elite Night credits
-Keep the points if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Points exclusive to Marriott properties
-Have to pay a $95 annual fee for the first year and it doesn’t include a free anniversary night
-75,000 Bonvoy points tops out at about $700 in value
-Points from purchases expire if you don’t make a purchase on your card within 24 months

IHG REWARDS CLUB PREMIER

Pros:

-Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 25 points for every $1 spent at IHG properties
-One free anniversary night a year that can be used on any IHG property up to 40,000 points
-One free night when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights (book 3 nights get the 4th night free)
-No foreign transaction fees
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Credit Card Purchase Protection, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Cons:

-$89 Annual fee isn’t waived for the first year and doesn’t include the free anniversary night until the second time you pay the fee

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PRIORITY

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-$75 annual Southwest travel credit for the calendar year that can be applied to airline tickets
-7,500 points on your card member anniversary
-4 Upgraded boardings that allow you to board in position A1-A15 (you buy these on your card and get reimbursed via statement credits)
-No foreign transaction fees
-Lost Luggage Insurance, Luggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty, and Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$149 annual fee not waived for the first year and is pretty steep for an airline card but definitely get $149 of value from the anniversary bonuses and calendar year statement credit (get this card after June)
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Southwest purchases
-Only earn 1 point on all your purchases besides Southwest

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PERFORMANCE BUSINESS

Pros:

-Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchase on the card within the first 3 months and an additional 30,000 points after spending $25,000 in purchased on the card within 6 months of opening the account
-Earn 3 points for every $1 you spend with Southwest
-Receive 9,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Get an $8 credit for in-flight wifi purchases, up to 365 credits each year
-4 Upgraded boardings that allow you to board in position A1-A15 (you buy these on your card and get reimbursed via statement credits)
-No foreign transaction fees
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$199 annual fee not waived for the first year
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on digital advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
-Only earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PLUS

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$69 annual fee (not waived the first year) only gets you 3,000 card member anniversary bonus points
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest purchases
-Only earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PREMIER

Pros:

-Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Baggage Delay Insurance, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$99 annual fee (not waived the first year) only gets you 6,000 card member anniversary bonus points
-Only earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest purchases
-Only earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

UNITED CLUB INFITE

Pros:

-$525 annual fee is waived for the first year of membership, no spending required
-4 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases
-Access to United Clubs and Star Alliance affiliated lounges around the world
-Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck every 4 years
-Up to 2 free checked bags for the cardmember and a companion on United operated flights when the tickets are purchased on the United Club Infinite Card
-Complimentary Premier Upgrades on United-operated flights for the primary Cardmember
-Trip Cancellations/ Trip Interruption Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Protection, Return Protection
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Hertz Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle Membership
-Miles stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-$525 annual fee not waived the first year
-High spend to unlock the intro bonus
-Only given access to the United Clubs when flying United
-Only 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining purchases
-Only 1 mile per $1 spent on everything else

MARRIOTT BONVOY BOLD

Pros:

-Earn 30,000 bonus Bonvoy points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-3 points for every $1 spent on Marriott purchases
-No annual fee
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Automatic Silver Elite Marriott status and 15 Elite Night credits towards higher status
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Insurance, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Protection
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Points exclusive to Marriott properties
-30,000 Bonvoy points tops out at $250 in value
-Points from purchases expire if you don’t make a purchase on your card within 24 months
-Only 1 point per $1 spent on everything else

IHG REWARDS CLUB TRAVELER

Pros:

-Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-Earn 15 points for every $1 spent at IHG properties
-No annual fee
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-1 free night when you redeem points for any stay of 4 or more nights (book 3 nights get the 4th night free)
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Credit Card Purchase Protection, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
-Points stay in your account if you cancel the card

Cons:

-Points exclusive to IHG properties
-Only 2 points for every $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants
-Only 1 point per $1 spent on everything else
-No free anniversary night

AMAZON PRIME REWARDS VISA

Pros:

-Random Amazon.com gift card amount? Can someone fill me in?
-5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases if your have a prime membership
-No annual fee
-No Foreign Transaction Fees
-Can redeem rewards balance on Amazon.com or for cash back, gift cards, and travel at Chase.com
-Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection, Baggage Delay Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement

Cons:

-Unknown sign up bonus
-Only 2% cash back for purchases at gas stations, drug stores and restaurants
-Only 1% cash back on everything else
-No free anniversary night

INK BUSINESS CASH

Pros:

-Earn $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
-2% cash back on first $25,000 spent at gas stations on restaurants
-0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
-No annual fee
-Auto Rental Collision Waiver, Travel and Emergency Assistance Services, Roadside Dispatch, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection

Cons:

-1% cash back on every other purchase
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-No travel insurance
-Cash back disappears if you close your account

INK BUSINESS UNLIMITED

Pros:

-Earn $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
-No annual fee
-Auto Rental Collision Waiver, Travel and Emergency Assistance Services, Roadside Dispatch, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection

Cons:

-1.5% cash back on every purchase
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-No travel insurance
-Cash back disappears if you close your account

INK BUSINESS PREFERRED

Pros:

-Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in purchases on the card within the first 3 months
-3 points for every $1 spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone service, and digital advertising purchases up to $150,000 each year
-25% more when you redeem your points for travel
-No foreign transaction fees
-1:1 point transfer with Chase’s travel partners
-Auto Rental Collision Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Roadside Dispatch, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, Cell Phone Protection

Cons:

-$95 annual fee not waived for the first year
-1 point for every $1 spent on every thing else
-Points disappear if you close your account

UNITED BUSINESS CARD

Pros:

-Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card within the first 3 months
-First checked bag free for you and one companion while traveling on United-operated flights purchased with the card
-Two United Club passes per year
-5,000 bonus miles for every cardmember anniversary
-No foreign transaction fees
-$100 flight credit after making 7 United-travel related purchase totaling $100 or more each
-Auto Rental Collision Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Baggage Delay Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$99 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 miles for every $1 spent on purchases made with United, taxis, ride shares, tolls, transit, gas, office supply stores and restaurants
-1 mile for every $1 spent on everything else

BRITISH AIRWAYS VISA SIGNATURE

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and earn an additional 50,000 Bonus Avios after spending $20,000 on the card within the first year of opening
-3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia purchases
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Purchase Protection, Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$95 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
-1 Avios for every $1 spent on everything else
-Avios have a low redemption value with high taxes and fees for International flights

AER LINGUS VISA SIGNATURE

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and earn an additional 50,000 Bonus Avios after spending $20,000 on the card within the first year of opening
-3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia purchases
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Purchase Protection, Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$95 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
-1 Avios for every $1 spent on everything else
-Avios have a low redemption value with high taxes and fees for International flights

IBERIA VISA SIGNATURE

Pros:

-Earn 50,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months and earn an additional 50,000 Bonus Avios after spending $20,000 on the card within the first year of opening
-3 Avios for every $1 spent on British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia purchases
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Baggage Delay Insurance, Purchase Protection, Lost Luggage Reimbursement
-Keep the miles if you close your account

Cons:

-$95 Annual fee not waived for the first year
-2 Avios for every $1 spent on hotel accommodations made directly with the hotel
-1 Avios for every $1 spent on everything else
-Avios have a low redemption value with high taxes and fees for International flights

UNITED TRAVELBANK CARD

Pros:

-Earn $150 in United TravelBank cash after spending $1,000 in purchase on the card within 3 months of opening
-No annual fee
-No foreign transaction fees
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Purchase Protection, Price Protection

Cons:

-2% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on United travel
-1.5% in TravelBank cash per $1 spent on all other purchases
-TravelBank cash back is exclusive to United products
-Better off with a Chase Freedom card

DISNEY PREMIER VISA

Pros:

-Earn a $200 statement credit after making $500 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-0% intro APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages
-10% savings on select Disney merchandise
-Flexibility to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a statement credit towards airline travel
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Credit Card Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection
-10 cool Disney themed cards to choose from

Cons:

-2% back in Disney Rewards cash per $1 spent at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and Disney locations
-1% in Disney Rewards cash per $1 spent on all other purchases
-$49 Annual Fee not waived the first year
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-Better off with a Chase Freedom card

DISNEY VISA

Pros:

-Earn a $50 statement credit after your first purchase on the card
-0% intro APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages
-10% savings on select Disney merchandise
-No annual fee
-Baggage Delay Insurance, Credit Card Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty Protection
-10 cool Disney themed cards to choose from

Cons:

-1% in Disney Rewards cash for every $1 spent on your card
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-Better off with a Chase Freedom card

STARBUCKS REWARDS VISA

Pros:

-Earn 6,500 Stars after you spend $500 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-300 Bonus Stars when you add your Starbucks Rewards Visa to your registered Starbucks account
-Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Extended Warranty Protection, Purchase Protection, Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Cons:

-$49 annual fee
-Earn 1 star for every $2 you spend at grocery stores, transit, internet, cable, and phone service
-Earn 1 star for every 4 dollars spent everywhere else
-On average about 125 stars will get you 1 free sandwich or coffee at Starbucks, spending $500 at restaurants would get you 1 free coffee or sandwich
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-Better off with a Chase Freedom card

AARP VISA

Pros:

-Earn $100 bonus cash back after spending $500 in purchases on the card within 3 months of opening
-3% cash back on purchases at restaurants including fast food and gas stations
-Lots of options for cash back use; direct deposit, travel, gift cards, AARP membership
-No annual fee
-Extended Warranty Protection

Cons:

-Earn 1% cash back for every $1 spent on everything else
-3% Foreign Transaction Fee
-Better off with a Chase Freedom card