Credit Card Lounge

I am travelling internationally so I will want to pay attention to fees for international transactions.

I figure there is some card that is running a compelling promotion/bonus for signing up so I should look into a new rewards card for this business travel. I would need to apply for this card in the next few days so I receive it before I leave (April 23rd).

I have excellent credit and I already have Blue Cash by Amex, Points through Capital One, and Nordstrom Platinum Rewards. I just started a new reward year for Amex so I haven’t spent the $6500 that is required to tier up to 1/5% rewards yet. The limits on the Capital One and Nordstrom are too low right now but I could call and have them raised if I don’t go with a new card.

I want rewards for dining, and hotels mainly. I anticipate spending around $7K on hotels and $2500 on dining between now and July related to travel for business. Work is purchasing the flights directly.

For example, Citibank has a credit card called “Citi Dividend Platinum Select”. You get 1% cashback on all your purchases. Are you legally supposed to report the rewards you get back from this as income on your 1040? Even if it’s a small amount such as about $200?

I just applied for my first credit card and my application was denied because I have “no revolving account balance”. I looked up what that means and it means that I don’t have any credit cards with a balance. So are they saying they don’t know if they should give me a card because I’ve never used one before?

I have a debit card and an Amex and my credit reports says I’m in the “Low-Risk” / “Good” range. I have never missed a payment and I’m responsible with my money. That’s why I never had to get a card before. I want one so I can start building my credit. How do I get one?

The one I applied for was the Citi Platinum. BTW, I’ve been working a full-time job for 4 years now, so it’s not like I’m a student with no job or anything like that.

Any ideas what I should do?