TPG Employees Are Using Credit Cards to Avoid High Prices

If you feel like life is more expensive than it is now, you’re not wrong. Inflation has risen and fallen, but prices for everyday items remain high.

With that in mind, we share tips and tricks to earn extra rewards, cash back, or discounts on your everyday spending to help offset the high prices.

Credit cards may not be the first thing that comes to mind to combat rising costs. But using a credit card that offers a quality return on your spending can help. So let’s start by looking at our favorite credit cards to combat high prices.

Credit cards we are using to beat high prices

What credit cards do we personally use to help get the best deals? Here’s what some TPG employees said when I asked them:

Senitra Horbrook, former credit card editor

I look for opportunities to use Chase Freedom Flex® every quarter because it offers 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent when combined with Ultimate Rewards Points-earning cards) on rotating categories. For Q4 2024, the categories are McDonald’s, PayPal, pet stores, veterinary services and several charities.

(Note that earning 5% cash back or 5 points per dollar is limited to the first $1,500 spent in the bonus categories each quarter you activate.)

Emily Thompson, editor

I am paying my utilities and internet/streaming services with US Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. I chose this as the 5% quarterly cash back category and I like that it’s a reward that doesn’t require any extra work or thought on my part.

(Note that the 5% cashback is limited to the first $2,000 spent in Selected portfolio each quarter.)

The information about US Bank Cash+® has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Gabe Travers, senior director of product management

I’m enjoying a steady 4 points per dollar earning rate at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar) with American Express® Gold Card. According to TPG September 2024 valuationThat earning rate equates to an 8% return on my spending in these categories, more than three times what it is now. inflation rate of 2.5%.

Additionally, up to Monthly dining statement credit is $10which I choose to use with Wine.com, is a great “treat yourself” bonus (registration required; terms apply).

Katharine Leitch, business development director

I’m earning points on rent (which is very expensive in New York City) with no annual fee Mastercard® Credit Card (see prices and fees) and I used those Bilt Points to redeem flights. Additionally, I use it at restaurants to earn 3 points per dollar spent when dining out.

TPG founder Brian Kelly is an advisor and investor in Bilt.

Matt Moffitt, managing editor for credit cards

As Gabe said, Amex Gold Card offers an incredible return on grocery purchases: 4 points for every dollar of the first $25,000 spent annually in the US supermarket (1 point per dollar after that). Due to the higher cost of eating out, I cook at home more than before, so my grocery spending has increased and I want the best return.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is also helping. I am keeping a close eye on it. Amex Offershelps me save money all year round.

My approach

My wife takes the bus to and from work every day. Chase Sapphire Reserve® helps us earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, giving us more than a 6% return on this essential spend, according to TPG’s September 2024 report valuation. If we hadn’t used the $300 annual travel credit on this card, the bus tickets would have been eligible. That means we wouldn’t have earned bonus points, but instead would have received a statement credit that cleared those purchases.

The American Express Platinum Card also offers benefits that help us save money. Walmart+ Membership Statement Credit offer us free grocery delivery (when available, subject to minimum order) and up to 10 cents off a gallon of gas at Exxon and Mobil stations (subject to auto-enrollment; Plus Up benefits are not eligible). That’s on top of providing a digital entertainment credit for eligible streaming services, so we’re using this perk to watch movies at home instead of paying to go to the cinema. Subscription required to enjoy selected benefits.

The last line

As you may know, credit cards can offer some great travel perks. Making the most of your card’s perks and benefits, like lounge access, is key to making up for the annual fee (if any).

However, perks and benefits that help you save money by providing valuable returns on spending or discounts on everyday essentials can also be important — perhaps even more important than ever.

Related: Best credit cards

For Bilt Mastercard rates and fees, click This.
To learn about the rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click This.