If you’re just getting started you need to get the most powerful combo of credit cards to earn miles. I’ve discussed the general strategy to maximize miles from credit cards over your lifetime recently, but let me be very specific for beginners.

Start with the Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Reserve. While you’re at it, get the Ink Business Preferred if you have more spending capacity and a business. I recommend these 2-3 cards because:

They earn Ultimate Rewards, which transfer to seven types of airline miles, which can book over 60 airlines’ award space.
They complement each other.