re: Best CC for rewards

This is assuming you can take advantage of most of the credits, but the AMEX Trifecta is still the best in the game:

AMEX Platinum Charles Schwab - cash out AMEX points at 1.1 cents per point up to $10k per year with limitations thereafter. 5x points for AMEX Travel and flights. Thus, effective 5.5% cash back with CS Platinum for those categories).

Stack with AMEX Gold - 4x points for restaurants and groceries up to limits (effective 4.4% cash back with CS Platinum for those categories).

Also stack with AMEX Blue Business Plus - 2x points for all purchases up to $50k in purchases (effective 2.2% cash back).

Finally, stack with Rakuten, which you can get cash back via AMEX points.

The interesting part is that Charles Schwab doesn't report AMEX to Charles Schwab Roth IRA conversions as "contributions." It's been discussed and debated extensively (with Charles Schwab even sending a letter to the IRS defending their position) ( Reddit) and make sure to consult your CPA about this. But, if it works, it could be another mini back door Roth IRA that you can use to get around the income and contribution limits - You can use the AMEX points you received from all three cards. Even if you don't use this strategy, you can cash out your AMEX points at the 1.1 cent per point into your taxable brokerage or your bank account.