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Additional Posts in All things points
Best Hyatt in Hawaii (ideally Kona or Maui)?
Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire?
Best way to cash $2000 in visa gift cards?
Thoughts on the new Chase Freedom Flex?
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Look for cards offering high introductory bonuses and flexible points. Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Citi Premier are all solid. Pick one with a bonus you can hit based on your expected spend.
If you’re just getting into it you shouldn’t start with plat. Once you get a plat you can’t get a bonus on the other cards (green/gold)
Rising Star
By far the most important, make sure you are paying it off on time. Don't fall into the trap of thinking it's just extra money. The insane interest will negate all the points and more.
As far as what cards, start with something that gives transferable currencies and a large bonus. Would be something like Venture X (easy card to breakeven, but not great for lounge access for the fam), Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Citi Strata Premier/Elite, and then technically Amex Plat (get Amex Gold first or it will be very difficult to get both bonuses).
For a newbie, Sapphire Preferred is probably easiest. Low fee, high bonus, and introduction to Chase points, which will be one of the easiest for a large family that will find better value at Hyatt hotels than trying to grab 4+ award tickets.