Once I get the upfront bonus for meeting spend requirements (typically travel rewards), I stop using that card and sign-up for a new one with a new introductory bonus. I stay on budget and get a pretty lucrative bonus every few months or less. Its much more valuable than an on-going 2-3% by continuing to spend on the same card. Although we shop a ton at Costco, this is why we've never had their cards. The two-player method with your spouse means you can get the same bonus twice. Over time, you will have traveled like people who have high six figure incomes. Always cancel the card before its annual fee hits the next year if it has one. Often you can churn through the same cards/bonuses depending on the rules different issuers have.