Which one are you: The six categories of cardholders

Swingers are savvy, according to the study. They play both sides - points and miles - to the best advantage. Cardholders in this category should consider joining programs offering everything from air to merchandise - and features like points transfer and instant redemption. Shepherds are manic about miles, the firm said. They funnel everything - hotel, rental car, and credit card miles - to fuel their free flight fixation. These cardholders should consider joining hotel programs that offer collection in miles with a large selection of airline partners, particularly with a favorite airline. Stashers are obsessed with collecting miles. They match every point and mile on their statements against hotel receipts and boarding passes, the chain added. Stashers need to join programs with no point expiration. Some can wipe out points after 18 months, the firm said. Snobs want recognition and accumulate points to get upgrades to better hotel rooms, plane seats and other benefits. Snob cardholders should opt for programs that count points toward Elite status, not just nights or stays. Sherlocks are experts at detecting the best mileage or point deal - and are determined about getting it, the study said. Sherlocks should concentrate hotel stays in programs with a large number of hotel locations, frequent "bonuses" and point-earning multiple partners. Slackers just don't care very much about either points or miles, though they will use them if they have them. Slackers will be attracted to programs that offer a program with "immediate" perks like extended checkout and weekday newspaper, the firm said.