Juggling 15 credit cards may sound like a lot, but Air Force Ones Quinn and Brittney Sturgis use them strategically to earn perks and build credit — just one of the disciplined habits that helped save them Almost $500,000 in their 20s.
“We never have a balance,” says Quinn, a 30-year-old pilot. “Whatever the balance was for the previous billing period becomes automatically paid before the next billing cycle.”
By doing this, they avoid interest charges while making the most of their tickets’ perks, including earning reward cash back, air miles and upgrades on flights or hotels.
The Sturgis Family.
Courtesy of Quinn and Brittney Sturgis
The couple — both stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California — primarily use a handful of cards for everyday purchases, like their Chase Freedom or American Express Gold Cards. Less often, the couple uses their Costco gas card and Hilton Honors Aspire Card for hotel reservations.
As active duty military service members, they also benefit from waived annual fees on their premium cards, reducing costs and making it easier to maximize rewards.
In addition to prize money, trips often cover significant expenses. “We do a lot of family trips that are paid for with points,” says Quinn, including a recent business class flight from San Francisco to London, covered entirely by airline points.
These benefits help them stretch their budget. They put about 30% of their income into investments.
Their credit card strategy ‘isn’t for everyone’
The couple’s ability to manage so many credit cards is impressive, says Betsy Hutchins, Certified Financial Planner in Tennessee. “I applaud their ability to maximize credit card perks to their advantage,” she says. “Kudos to them for paying them every month.”
Although carrying an outstanding balance can lead to high-interest debt—especially with prices On average over 20% – Credit cards offer advantages over debit cards. They include stronger protections, such as zero liability for fraud and easier settlement of disputes, making them a smart choice for everyday spending. A large credit limit can, too Help boost your credit score.
That said, carrying 15 cards “isn’t for everyone,” says Noah Damsky, CFP in Los Angeles.
While Quinn and Brittney are effectively maximizing financial rewards, “squeezing those last few credit card points” may not be “optimal from a practical perspective, because it’s such a pain to manage and track,” he says.
Brittney and Quinn Sturgis in uniform.
Kevin Heinz | CNBC make it
And managing 15 credit cards — which Quinn calls a “hobby” — requires significant organization and financial discipline, which not everyone is diligent about.
Although the Sturgis family “sounds incredibly disciplined in the way they use consumer credit,” it takes “a lot of willpower and record-keeping to maintain 15 credit cards without a steady balance,” Hutchins says.
For most people, he recommends carrying no more than four credit cards. Otherwise, it gets “hairy” for the typical borrower.
But, “obviously the Sturgis are not typical, which worked for them,” Hutchins says.
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