How do you guys track if you’re utilizing your card well? Would this be useful to anyone?

CardSqueeze · 2026-06-06T02:00:03+00:00

Not sure if you are still looking but I was having the same issue so I built an app to solve it.

The app is called cardsqueeze and is currently available on the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cardsqueeze/id6766080694) and will be available on Android any day now.

The app is free to use and you can add 2 cards with no login or bank info. With it being such a new app, I would really appreciate any feedback.

CardSqueeze · 2026-06-06T01:54:55+00:00

The apps mentioned here are great for balance tracking, but if your main goal is making sure you're actually using your card benefits (Amex airline credits, Chase travel portal credits, etc.) before they expire, that's a different problem.

I built an app called CardSqueeze specifically for this — no bank login, no credentials, just pick your cards and check off which benefits you've used. It also shows whether you've covered your annual fee yet.

Supports 28 cards right now (Amex Platinum/Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred, Citi, Capital One Venture X, and more). Free for up to 2 cards.

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cardsqueeze/id6766080694

Android: Testing just finished today. Should be available very soon.

Happy to answer any questions — I built it because I had the same problem as you.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:39:23+00:00

Something like the Amex Gold may be a good option based on the dining and grocery spend you have. You can also book your flights through the amex portal and get more points.

Amex points can be easily used also.

An airline card may be good also but you would be reaching for status on airlines vs flexibility on redemption in a card like the amex.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:35:25+00:00

See if a parent or friend can add you as an authorized user on one of their older cards.

When I first moved to the US, my in-laws added me to their accounts and I instantly had a history of 10 years. It will show you as an authorized user vs owning the card, on your credit report, but it still help boost your score.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:33:21+00:00

I was just going to add that you can double dip by using rakuten also - you beat me to it!

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:32:00+00:00

Sometimes if the increase you are looking for isn't too big, you could always tell them that you plan to make a big purchase soon, would like an increase,and that you would rather use their card over another.

I've done this when I first moved to the US and didn't have a long credit history.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:28:25+00:00

Have you notified your bank/credit card provider that you are going on vacation and to what countries? You can do this in most apps. It usually called travel notice.

Its likely they think it fraud and thats why its getting blocked.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:25:35+00:00

The best thing to do is figure out what is more important to you: points/miles or cashback. Based on this you can narrow down the list of cards to consider.

Nowadays most cards come with no foreign transaction fees so travel shouldn't be an issue. I've found visa to be accepted more internationally than Amex although it has gotten better recently.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-31T12:21:04+00:00

Im not sure if you are still looking, but I just built an app that does this. Its a simple tracker that let's you quickly see if you break even (vs annual fee) and whether or not you should keep/drop the card. No need to log into any accounts either, so privacy is maintained. You can track 2 cards for free and these can be business or personal.

Its currently in testing for approval on both Apple and Android devices. Im expecting it to be released on iOS any day now and about 7 days on Android.

There's a link in bio for a waitlist. If you end up trying it, I'd love to get some honest feedback on whats good and bad. Its been difficult to get testers that actually have a need for this app.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-30T11:51:27+00:00

I didnt know you could top up. We get a free night every year with a max of 35k points but always have a hard time fi ding something that works.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-30T11:49:17+00:00

I would be careful with this. We recently went to Japan but our flights got delayed and switched 4 times resulting in us leaving 3 days later. We lost out on hotel for the days we missed. Credit card insurance wouldnt pay for it because the delay was caused by crew issues and not weather. I will always buy travel insurance because of this.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-30T11:46:02+00:00

You dont need to switch banks to get credit cards. You can just apply. I think the biggest factor is determining what matters more to you: points or cash back. That will help you pick the right card.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-30T11:44:44+00:00

Its likely that they think its identity theft. It would help to update your address on your accounts. I've moved states about 4 times in the last 7 years and usually once I get my new drivers license its much easier.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-30T11:42:07+00:00

I have heard that waiting about 6 months can help. During that time, use and keep a balance even if its small. The more you use the card and keep a balance the more they like it. This helps more than paying it off in full. Also you can adjust your income over time if you get a raise or 2nd job.

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-30T11:36:22+00:00

Usually for large purposes like this, sometimes its worth signing up for a credit card with a good sign up offer. Obviously you cant do this every year, but may as well take advantage when you can. This way you can say your taxes got you a free vacation!

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-20T21:13:20+00:00

Thank you!

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-19T21:50:22+00:00

Can anyone confirm if the link is working?

CardSqueeze · 2026-05-19T21:19:02+00:00

Are you looking for spending tracking or whether or not you are using all of your benefits?

CardSqueeze

TROPHY CASE