With so many credit cards on the market offering valuable benefits and rewards, it can be challenging to decide which one deserves an application.
Here at TPG, we understand this firsthand, as our staff members often take inventory of their own setups and weigh whether they should add a new card to their wallets. With multiple considerations at play, the decision is not always straightforward.
From lucrative welcome bonuses to refreshed perks, many factors can influence your decision. Here’s a snapshot of the cards TPG staffers are applying for right now and why.
American Express Platinum Card (Mehdi Sijelmassi)
Welcome offer: New American Express Platinum Card® members can find out their offer and may be eligible for as high as 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Annual fee: $895 (see rates and fees)
Senior Product Analyst Mehdi Sijelmassi said the fact that he qualified for the 175,000-point welcome offer on the Amex Platinum was a big driver in his decision to apply. He ran the numbers on the card benefits he already spends money on and which ones he plans to use, and saw that he came out in the green.
The statement credits that made up most of the value for Mehdi were:
Plus, he said he’s looking forward to receiving Centurion Lounge access and elevating his travel experience even further.
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To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Platinum.
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
#Pay with your Amex Platinum at an eligible U.S. Resy restaurant; no reservation is required.
^Valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Platinum as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.
Apply here: Amex Platinum
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card (Ben Smithson)
Welcome offer: New applicants can earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days from account opening.
Annual fee: $395
The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card is at the top of Senior Points and Miles Writer Ben Smithson’s wish list, even though he’s never flown Alaska Airlines (and said he probably never will).
Ben wants to earn some of the most valuable airline points in one large welcome bonus. He also sees the value in the flexible 25,000‑point Global Companion Award, which can be redeemed on all of Alaska’s airline partners, including American Airlines and British Airways. That perk is ideal even for someone like Ben, who is based in London and doesn’t fly with Alaska Airlines.
To learn more, read our full review of the Atmos Rewards Summit.
Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit
Citi Strata Premier Card (Julie Hong)
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
Senior PR Manager Julie Hong opened the Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees) because she’s eager to start transferring Citi ThankYou Rewards points to American Airlines.
Plus, she has the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) and will be able to combine rewards from that card with those from the Strata Premier for a better transfer ratio.
With the Double Cash alone, Julie could transfer her ThankYou points to American Airlines AAdvantage at a 1:0.7 ratio, meaning 1,000 ThankYou points would become 700 American Airlines miles. However, by pairing the Strata Premier with her Double Cash, she’ll unlock a higher 1:1 transfer ratio and receive 1,000 American Airlines miles for every 1,000 ThankYou points transferred.
To learn more, read our full review of the Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier
United Explorer Card (Rachel Craft)
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $150 thereafter)
Travel Writer Rachel Craft has been eyeing the United℠ Explorer Card (see rates and fees) for a while, as it was a strong contender for her next airline card when she broke up with Southwest Airlines.
She’s finally pulling the trigger because she wants to do a safari next year, and United Airlines has 80,000-mile business-class award flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to various cities in Africa. She has also received a slightly higher personalized welcome offer (80,000 miles), which is just enough to cover one of her flights.
To learn more, read our full review of the United Explorer.
Apply here: United Explorer
World of Hyatt Credit Card (Olivia Mittak)
Welcome offer: Earn up to 60,000 bonus points:
- 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
- 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points per dollar spent in the first six months from account opening (on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point; on up to $15,000 spent)
Also, earn two total tier-qualifying night credits toward Hyatt elite status (for each eligible night stayed with Hyatt from Oct. 16, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026, on up to 15 nights).
Annual fee: $95
Credit Cards Editor Olivia Mittak is interested in the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) for its Category 1-4 free night certificate and the ability to earn qualifying night credits for status.
By redeeming the card’s annual free night certificate, Olivia can easily offset the $95 annual fee, since any stay costing at least $96 per night puts her ahead.
To learn more, read our full review of the World of Hyatt card.
Apply here: World of Hyatt card
Bottom line
TPG staffers approach each new card strategically. They consider their existing cards, upcoming trips and where new perks will add the most value.
There’s no single best strategy, but by reviewing your cards and goals, you can build a setup that supports your travel ambitions — just like our experts.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
