[Michael]

For quite some time, I have been using Freedom as my backup to AMEX Blue. I have my three categories automatically billed to Freedom - Internet, Cell phone, land phone, cable, and pet supplies. So, i use AMEX Blue for everything (incl. gas, groceries, and drugstores, all at 5%) and Freedom for the 3% categories and everywhere that AMEX is not accepted (1%).

Then I applied for the Chase Professional card, only for the 3% on restaurants, since we eat out a lot (1-2 times a week, and not at cheap hot dog places).

I now really only want to carry two cards ( and two bills) to keep things simple (so, why did I apply for Professional, to start with?). My wife could not care less about credit cards. I am the one who figures them out.

I was thinking about which card (Freedom or Professional) would be a better backup to Blue? Blue will always be #1, unless they start messing with the rebate % or tier.

I could carry Freedom, but then I give up the 3% at restaurants from Citi. Or I could carry Professional, get the 3% at restaurants, and keep my 3% categories on Freedom (even in the sockdrawer). Or, I could carry Professional and my wife could carry Freedom, and then each of us would not carry the other card.

Actually, once we are past the 3% categories (3 on Freedom and restaurants on Professional), both cards pay 1% on everything else, so is there much difference? Both pay only 1%. Freedom pays out in $50 increments, and if you wait until you get to $200, then they will send you $250. Professional pays in $50 increments, so you lose the extra $50, but you get 3% (versus 1.5% max on Blue) on restaurants.

Freedom is a much older tradeline, going back to 2002. Citi was just opened this year.

I also have Citi Driver's Edge, which pays 3% gas, groceries, and drugstores, 1% all else. Maybe I should use this. It sits in the sockdrawer.

I am at a loss about how to use the Visa and the two Mastercards. They all come after AMEX Blue, which is my primary card. Sould I use only one as backup, or two? Should I alternate them out? Or not?

I would say we spend over $40,000 annually on credit cards, and dining out is about $3800 annually. Groceries, gas, and drugstores are huge expenses also (probably about $17,000 a year)

Any opinions?