How I Got 1 Million Points From 20 Credit Cards

In this video, we’re going through my entire credit card roadmap to show how I got 20 credit cards by age 28. I’ll walk through my thought process behind getting each of these credit cards and I’ll also discuss the sign up bonuses that I was able to get. These sign up bonuses have now combined to over 1 million credit card points, so hopefully this roadmap is useful for anyone else looking to do something like I’ve done!

In the beginning, I focused a lot on Chase credit cards because I wanted to optimize my setup for the Chase 5/24 rule. I also got a few American Express credit cards early on, before going back to Chase. Eventually I started adding some business credit cards, hotel credit cards, and airline credit cards as well. This video is a full recap of all of this in my credit card journey, so I hope you enjoy!

LINKS:

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - Card 1
2:09 - Card 2
3:12 - Card 3
4:04 - Card 4
5:24 - Card 5
6:06 - Card 6
7:16 - Card 7
8:16 - Cuts Clothing
9:17 - Card 8
10:40 - Card 9
11:23 - Card 10
12:15 - Card 11
13:10 - Card 12
13:42 - Cards 13 & 14
15:06 - Card 15
16:27 - Card 16
16:53 - Cards 17 & 18
18:36 - Card 19
19:32 - Card 20

CHECK OUT SOME OF MY OTHER VIDEOS:

The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

[schm]

It's very kind of Matt Damon to teach us about credit cards in his spare time

[MattWelterOfficial]

Love how your journey has progressed over-time and how the Credit Cards you got reflected the priorities you had at the time. Smart to start with Chase & add some of those Mid-Tier Hotel Cards that can be treated as Keepers in your Setup (assuming the Free Night is utilized). Fun video Daniel!

[sjg]

Amazing that you don't get overwhelmed by all the cards. Thanks for the video, as usual.

[higoku]

Did a quick tally; if we don't factor any sign up bonuses, card spending multiplier, plus other benefits, Dan's CC portfolio has an total annual cost of $3, 040 in just fees (after Amex annual fee adjustments).
I've always wondered about his combined annual fees and I'm glad he did this video to make the info gathering easier.

[sidekicklxid]

always apply for sapphire cards in the spring, they just upped the reserve bonus to 75k and the preferred has a inbranch offer for 85k

[druiz]

I just wish I started as young as you did.... but I definitely make the most of it now at 40

[ronaldhuzo]

I make one year of following your content in June! I came across your freedom unlimited vids back when I first started out my points and miles game. I’m about 9 cards in atm (no debt lol )

Keep up the great content Dan!

[ZenlyWorlds]

I have been watching your videos for years, and just realized I was never subscribed. I have subscribed now, weird that it continued to come up on my fyp but it has benefited me in my youth financial education

[patrickoneal]

Daniel: with you being in Philadelphia, I’m surprised you don’t have a Citi AAdvantage Executive card in your mix, since PHL is an American hub.

Congrats on your 20th card at 28! I got my very first credit card in 2012 (via my ex-wife) in my mid 30s. Once I remarried, I began applying for additional credit cards. From 2018 to present day, I have a total of 15 credit cards (in my late 40s)! I have 5 AMEX, 5 Chase (to include the Ritz), 2 Citi AA cards, 1 Barclays AA Red, 1 Cap One Venture (my 2012 card), and 1 Navy Federal Platinum Visa.

[michaelmclaughlin]

Love seeing roadmap videos like this Daniel. Thanks. And while I understand that not everyone is going to be comfortable with a large setup like yours, I think the two things that all credit card users can take away from this video is the importance of a solid foundational budget, and that a little planning and research can go a long way towards making good decisions on what card(s) to pick up so they get maximum benefit from them.

[elijahoneal]

Definitely about to get the platinum in a few months for the Philly lounge. I don’t have confidence in how soon the sapphire lounge will open they aren’t even done building the walls in there. However they advertising more and more by the day in the terminal

[debimajumdar]

hello, can you go over hotel credit cards more! I love your videos and wanted to know more about your opinion on the marriott hotel cards. I am looking to get the Chase marriot bonvoy boundless as my next card.

[MLANATD]

I would love to see how much you pay on annual fees each year vs. how much you saved on the perks of each card each year after the initial SUB.

I feel like it would be a ton of research but it would give some really awesome data points!

[tulmer]

Could you or have you discussed how your score fluctuated when applying and opening all these accounts under two years as the number of hard credit inquiries and new accounts being opened affects your credit score?

That’s my main hesitation when opening new cards close together. I generally haven’t done more than 1-2 in a couple years 😅.

I understand taking a temporary hit, but wondering how that worked when it seems you got 2-3 consistently for several years (you also recommended every 3-6 months).

[JacobsPointsAndProfit]

This was an awesome video! Welcome offers are the best way to earn points fast and it's cool you're at over 1, 000, 000 points and counting from just the bonuses

[sabrinamiller]

I got a 50K deal for AMEX BBP. I love that card! Glad I held out for that deal.

[dbest]

Hi Daniel, having 20 credit cards is quite impressive. I'm curious if there's a genuine need for so many cards. As someone who prefers cashback, I fail to see the purpose of having 20 credit cards unless I have intentions of purchasing a commercial building and require the cash advance. However, the high interest rates would likely deter me from pursuing that avenue.

[fredjohnson]

how on earth do you keep track of what spending should be done on which card? put a post-in note on every card? i have a hard enough time remembering with only 4 cards! 🙃

[Cousinz]

Great video! I have accumulated 7 credit cards since October 2022 due to watching you. Appreciate you!

[omerwaheed]

Daniel you’re so inspiring I have no credit history and decided to implement your strategy right at once that’s why I applied for 20 cards at the same time and now I’m sure to get that sweet sweet welcome bonus as well as that cash back








I’m kidding 3 CCs are enough for me