I recently wrote about my re-entry into the miles and points game with a low-hassle $0 credit card wallet. In that post, I described my thinking behind acquiring a Capital One Savor card and the Spark Miles Select card (now the Capital One VentureOne Business card).
What my $0 wallet is missing
I’ve been happy with that simple little $0 wallet so far, but it only really gives me rewards on 2 of my top spending categories: 3% back on dining and grocery with the Savor card, but just 1.5X on gas with the Spark Miles Select card. And I had a rookie moment of disappointment discovering how hard it was to actually get 5X on travel expenses with the Capital One Business Travel portal. For the hotels I’ve needed so far, the portal rates weren’t worth the 5X earnings.
That means I’m missing a good way to earn rewards on both gas and travel.
What about the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card for gas and travel?
I tested my luck with the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, which would have given me 3X on gas, flights, and hotels, all for just a $95 annual fee. And even though I already have a path for 3% back on dining and grocery with my Savor card, this card would have given me 3X on dining and grocery too, but it would give me the option to earn an arguably better transferable currency. Citi transfers to American Airlines, for example, which is the only airline that flies out of my tiny local airport.
Unfortunately, I got declined for this card, and had no luck calling the reconsideration line. (I guess Greg isn’t the only one Citi’s giving the cold shoulder to.)
What about the Wells Fargo Autograph card?
A commenter pointed out that the Wells Fargo Autograph card could help me earn 3X transferable points on my missing gas and transit categories – and without adding any annual fees to my $0 wallet. Then, as I was chatting about my card ideas with Greg, he further pointed out that I could also add the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card for 2X on everything. Just as I’m able to move my Capital One cash back earnings to my Spark Miles card for an ability to transfer to travel partners, I would be able to do the same thing with the Wells Fargo cash back earnings, moving them to my Autograph card.
I haven’t jumped on that Wells Fargo Active Cash Card yet because I’m still getting used to doing all this again so I’m letting myself move at a snail’s pace, but I did go ahead and apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, which I got approved for right away!
Now I’ll get to earn:
- 3X on dining, gas, and travel with the Autograph card
- 3% back on groceries with the Savor card
- 1.5X on everything else with my Spark Miles Select card
With much of my travel consisting of simply visiting state parks with my dogs here in the Appalachian region, my needs are still pretty basic. So while the transfer partners may not be as exciting as Citi’s, there are some I like:
- Capital One transfers 1:2 to Preferred Hotels & Resorts I Prefer
- Wells Fargo transfers 1:2 to Choice Hotels and Wyndham hotels
Bottom line
Getting declined for the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a bit of a bummer, and I’ll miss out on a great option for 3X earnings on gas and travel in a currency with a useful airline partner like American Airlines. But I also kind of like the idea of seeing how long and how far I can go with a $0 wallet. The Wells Fargo Autograph card allows me to earn 3X on gas and travel in a transferable currency that could still represent value for my common travel needs.
What do you think – should I see how far I can go with no annual fee cards?
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Love this series!
For your use case, this is a pretty good card. The transit and travel category for the autograph are pretty broad in application. And the Wyndham/Choice combo are much more friendly to rural travel on a budget.
I picked one up in the Bilt refresh and redeemed points for the first time yesterday. The ability to transfer any number of points (not just big round numbers) is also nice to keep from stranding small amounts of points everywhere. I randomly sent 440 points as a top up on another transfer so that my balance of Avios was zeroed out after redeeming for some 2027 flights.
A friend just got AAA card – 5% on groceries + a different version has 5% on gas. She even got a free suitcase. no AF cards. and no Foreign fees either! no travel portal – just cash back – in California
You just missed the opportunity for the Attune!
Those of us who are relatively low spenders or minimalists appreciate your thoughts and ideas. Maybe you can spin this off as the “Infrequent Miler”.
I think seeing how far you can go and how much you can do with a $0 wallet would be an interesting exercise for readers to follow.
I find your perspective refreshing. Let us know how it goes with your setup.
I think Wells Fargo is going to surprise us this year. Their new premiem card interests me and I think they are going to roll out one more transfer partner this year. I got declined for their cash back card but maybe I will take another run at it in 6 months. Thanks for the post
That’s a great setup. I’m excited to hear about your redemptions. The only negative I can think of is having points spread out over 3 programs but you could always buy points if you need more for redemption.
This may sound a little weird and I remember when you were a pretty heavy hitter before easing back but it’s kind of nice to hear about successes that aren’t giant like Vendoming or Emirates first class. Maybe because your goals and successes are a lot more relatable.
As I’m sure you know from the Coffee Break on the Premier, Ciiti may change some of those earnings categories and increase the annual fee with the next refresh. Although nothing is certain you may also have dodged a bullet.
I like your setup. For your travel to the state parks the Autograph covers the tolls, car rentals, camping lodges and others.
For Citi one recommendation wait at least 6 months without any inquiry on your credit card report
Love this unique angle!