Ramit Sethi’s “3 Credit Cards” Advice: A 2026 Review & Critique

Ramit Sethi’s credit card advice is famously refreshing because it pushes back on the idea that your wallet should be a second job. His core message in I Will Teach You To Be Rich is simple: pick a system that fits your “rich life,” automate it, and move on.

But at CardSavvy, we start from a slightly different premise: most households leave hundreds of dollars on the table by over-simplifying.

The data shows that you can earn significantly more rewards per year simply by using the right card in the right category, without building spreadsheets or playing complex “travel hacking” games. The goal isn’t to obsess over every point; it’s to capture the easy, repeatable category wins that single-card setups miss.

And in 2026, there is another reason to revisit Ramit’s shortlist: the premium-card landscape has moved. The annual fees on his two flagship premium picks have increased substantially (CSR to $795; Amex Platinum to $895), making them much harder to justify for the average spender.

This post reviews Ramit’s philosophy, critiques his three specific recommendations for the 2026 market, and offers a higher-yield alternative.

What Ramit Gets Right (and Why We Listen)

1. The "Time Cost" is Real

Ramit is correct that many people lose money by overcomplicating their finances. If you have 10 cards, you are more likely to miss a payment, forget a credit, or spend more just to “hit a bonus.” His push toward simplicity is a necessary corrective for people who are drowning in plastic.

2. Spend-Driven Decisions

He emphasizes choosing cards based on your actual spending habits over the last 12 months, rather than aspirational travel fantasies. This is the correct baseline. You shouldn't pay for a travel card if your "rich life" is mostly buying groceries and streaming services.

Where CardSavvy Differs: The "Multi-Card" Advantage

Ramit often frames optimization as hours of work for tiny gains. We disagree.

Most of a household's credit card value comes from just two or three big categories where earning rates differ dramatically:

Dining
Groceries
Travel
Gas/Transit

A simple 2- or 3-card setup, one for general spend, and one or two for your top categories—can capture this value without the headache.

For many families, this is where the "hundreds of dollars per year" difference appears. It doesn't come from elite lounge access; it comes from moving $2,000 of monthly grocery and dining spend from a 1% or 2% card to a 3–5% card.

Ramit’s 3-Card Shortlist (The 2026 Critique)

Ramit’s current guide recommends three primary cards. Here is how they hold up in 2026. (Reference: Ramit Sethi's Best Credit Cards, accessed 01/12/26.)

1. Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature®

The Pitch: Ramit likes this as a default "workhorse" because it is simple, has no annual fee, and earns a flat 2% cash back.

The Caveat: Fidelity’s terms emphasize that the 2% value is strictly tied to redeeming into an eligible Fidelity account. If you want statement credits or other redemptions, the value may drop.

CardSavvy Critique: A flat 2% card is a solid baseline, but in 2026, it is no longer the ceiling. There are now accessible cards that allow users to achieve >2% unlimited rewards on general spending (often via relationship bonuses or specific tech-centric cards). If you have high general spend, settling for 2% means you may be voluntarily taking a pay cut.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve® (CSR)

The Pitch: Ramit frames this as the best card for frequent travelers, citing the travel credit and point flexibility.

2026 Reality: The math has changed. Chase’s annual fee for the CSR is now $795. While the card still offers the $300 travel credit, the "effective" cost to you is much higher than it used to be.

CardSavvy Critique: The CSR is still a powerhouse, but it is no longer a "set-and-forget" wallet staple. With a near-$800 fee, the break-even analysis requires you to actively use DoorDash, Lyft, or other specific partner benefits. If you don't naturally use those services, you are overpaying.

3. The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Pitch: Ramit calls this "overhyped" for most people but keeps it for the luxury hotel benefits (Fine Hotels + Resorts).

2026 Reality: The annual fee has climbed to $895, and the "coupon book" nature of the card has intensified.

CardSavvy Critique: We agree with Ramit’s skepticism. The Platinum card can be worth it for a narrow slice of luxury travelers who already spend money in the specific channels it rebates (like Equinox, digital entertainment, or airline incidentals). But for most, it requires too much active management to justify the sticker shock.

The CardSavvy Approach: High Yield, Low Hassle

If you like Ramit’s "rich life" mindset but want to capture the extra rewards he leaves on the table, here is the CardSavvy formula for 2026:

Pick a strong "General Spend" card. (Note: Don't settle for 2% if your financial profile allows you to unlock 2.5% or 3% unlimited.)
Add 1–2 "Category Cards" for your biggest expenses. This is the secret sauce. By using a specialized card for your highest spend (e.g., groceries or dining), you can often double your return on those purchases compared to a generic card.
Only add a Premium Card if the math works naturally. Don't force your lifestyle to fit a coupon book.

Stop Guessing and Do the Math

You don't need a spreadsheet to figure this out. The CardSavvy Optimizer allows you to input your specific monthly spend categories and instantly compares card combinations. It shows you exactly how much extra cash you could earn by adding a category-specific card to your wallet—so you can decide if the "optimization" is worth it for you.

Try the CardSavvy Optimizer →

Quick Takeaway

Ramit Sethi is right that you shouldn't obsess over points. But in 2026, it is also true that a simple multi-card setup can effortlessly add hundreds of dollars to your bottom line.