What do consultants look for in their own personal Credit Card?

Question

Hi, I am reaching out to seek help in selecting a personal credit card for day-to-day use as an incoming consultant in the US. My company would give us a comapny card to use, but what should I look for in choosing my own credit card? Any recommendations? Thank you

Answer 1

Hi there,

This is one of my favorite topics! I used to be completely on top of this as a consultant (it helped keep me sane :P).

I actually have a “On the Job” guide - feel free to message me to see this (free, no problem). I've also included a snippet from it below.

You can't go wrong with the Chase Sapphire Preferred. And it has a fantastic sign-on bonus at the moment. Definitely get this!

Get a card specifically for your hotel chain (the Mariott card is great)
Get a card specifically for your airline (only if you personally book it and get reimbursed…not if your company has a portal)
Get a card for “everything else”…as in, the highest cashback across non-hotel and non-airline spend (Chase Sapphire)

From My Guide

Points, cash back, admin:
- Figure out who you’re with early on—airline, ride hailing, hotel, food delivery; sign up to loyalty program, link loyalty programs!
- Find the optimal credit card/credit cards—one for restaurants, another for hotels and another for everything else—this takes a few weeks; if you’re staying at Marriott, get the Marriott card
- Cash back sites—if there’s ever team events where you have to buy snacks, get that extra cash back
- During orientation they will list a whole bunch of things re insurance, retirement—the milking it process should happen in the first few weeks and then you’re just done

Answer 2

Hey there! Perhaps you might find better credit-card advice on a different forum.

Answer 3

Hello,

The Chase Sapphire Reserve was by far the most popular card among my cohort of consultants when we started work. I didn't get one myself so I'm not super knowledgeable about all the perks, but it might be worth looking into.

Answer 4

Hi, if you can book flights and hotels with your card and then get reimbursements, I recommend cards of the airline and the hotel chain you most use, to accumulate extra points to spend for your personal vacations

Best,
Antonello

Answer 5

For me - a decent miles conversion rate and miles/points that don't expire.

The latter is important because you really get super busy at work - “earn and forget about it” is how I would phrase it.

Answer 6

Hi there, Interesting question. I will address this more like a real project, which you can convert in an interview... (read entire answer)

Hi there, Interesting question. I will address this more like a real project, which you can convert in an interview case. 1. Clarify the problem. "How will you reduce the... (read entire answer)