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    <description>Credit card optimization guides, comparisons, and news.</description>
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    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:08:33 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[How OptimalCardSetup Finds Your Mathematically Optimal Card Setup]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/how-the-optimizer-works</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A deep dive into the CP-SAT solver, integer programming, and how we prove — not guess — the best credit card combination for your spending.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/how-the-optimizer-works</guid>
      <category>guide</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve: Which One Should You Get?]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/chase-sapphire-preferred-vs-reserve</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A data-driven comparison of the CSP ($95/yr) and CSR ($550/yr). We break down the math to show exactly when each card is worth it.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/chase-sapphire-preferred-vs-reserve</guid>
      <category>comparison</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards: The Complete Strategy]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/maximize-credit-card-rewards</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Stop leaving money on the table. A systematic approach to earning the most from your credit card rewards, backed by math.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/maximize-credit-card-rewards</guid>
      <category>guide</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[Capital One Savor vs Amex Blue Cash Everyday: Best No-Fee Cash Back Card]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/capital-one-savor-vs-amex-blue-cash-everyday</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Two of the best $0 annual fee cash back cards compared. Which earns more — the Savor's 3% dining/grocery/streaming combo or the BCE's 3% gas/grocery/online combo? We do the math.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/capital-one-savor-vs-amex-blue-cash-everyday</guid>
      <category>comparison</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[Amex Gold vs Citi Strata Premier vs Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best Mid-Tier Rewards Card]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/amex-gold-vs-citi-strata-premier-vs-chase-sapphire-preferred</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Three of the best mid-tier rewards cards compared head-to-head. We break down earn rates, transfer partners, and the math behind each card.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/amex-gold-vs-citi-strata-premier-vs-chase-sapphire-preferred</guid>
      <category>comparison</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[Credit Card Points for Beginners: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/credit-card-points-beginners-guide</link>
      <description><![CDATA[New to credit card rewards? This guide covers everything — point currencies, transfer partners, redemption strategies, and how to avoid common mistakes.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/credit-card-points-beginners-guide</guid>
      <category>guide</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[When Is an Annual Fee Card Worth It? The Break-Even Math]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/when-annual-fee-cards-worth-it</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Annual fee cards can earn hundreds more per year — or be a waste of money. Here's exactly how to calculate whether a fee card pays for itself.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/when-annual-fee-cards-worth-it</guid>
      <category>guide</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cash Back vs Travel Rewards: Which Strategy Wins?]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/cash-back-vs-travel-rewards</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Compare the two main credit card reward strategies — simple cash back vs transferable travel points. We break down the math, personality fit, and when each approach wins.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/cash-back-vs-travel-rewards</guid>
      <category>guide</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Best $0 Annual Fee Card Combinations]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/best-no-annual-fee-card-combos</link>
      <description><![CDATA[You don't need to pay annual fees to earn strong rewards. These 2-3 card setups cost nothing to hold and can earn $1,400-$1,800/year on typical spending.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/best-no-annual-fee-card-combos</guid>
      <category>guide</category>
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      <title><![CDATA[Understanding Spending Caps and Tiered Earn Rates]]></title>
      <link>https://optimalcardsetup.com/blog/understanding-spending-caps-and-tiers</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Many bonus rates have spending limits that reset quarterly or annually. Learn how caps, tiers, and choose-your-category cards work — and how to optimize around them.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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