Spreadsheet vs. App

Why I Stopped Using Google Sheets to Track Credit Cards

I had a 47-tab spreadsheet. It worked — until it didn't. Here's the honest comparison between manual spreadsheet tracking and Fenrir Ledger for serious credit card churners.

By Odin ·

9 min read

Our Verdict

Spreadsheets are a great starting point, but they don't scale past 4–5 cards without becoming a part-time job. Fenrir Ledger eliminates the cognitive overhead — 5/24 tracking, net annual fee calculation, and balance alerts are all automatic.

Winner

Fenrir Ledger

For 5+ cards

Feature Comparison

FeatureSpreadsheetFenrir Ledger
Setup Time2–4 hours< 5 minutes
5/24 TrackingManual countAutomatic
Annual Fee AlertsNoneBuilt-in
Net AF CalculationManual formulasAuto-calculated
Balance Due AlertsNoneReal-time
Rewards OptimizationManual mathGuided suggestions
Mobile AccessClunky (app exists but limited)Mobile-first
CustomisationUnlimitedStructured
CostFreeFree tier + Karl plan
Offline AccessYes (with sync)PWA (in progress)

ᚢ Winner cells: bold + underline. Color is not the sole differentiator (WCAG 2.1 AA).

Best For

Spreadsheets

  • Beginners tracking 2–3 cards
  • Developers who enjoy building automation
  • Anyone who wants full data ownership
  • Situations where internet access is unreliable

Fenrir Ledger

  • Churners carrying 5+ cards simultaneously
  • Anyone who has missed an annual fee deadline
  • People tracking points across multiple programs
  • Households where multiple people share card tracking

Pros & Cons

Spreadsheets

Pros

  • Completely free
  • No vendor lock-in — your data stays yours
  • Infinitely customisable formulas and views

Cons

  • No alerts — you have to remember to check it
  • 5/24 tracking is manual and error-prone
  • Annual fee and credit refresh math breaks as card count grows

Fenrir Ledger

Pros

  • Automatic 5/24 status calculation
  • Annual fee alerts and net-AF dashboard built in
  • Balance due reminders so you never miss a payment

Cons

  • Less flexible than a fully custom spreadsheet
  • Advanced features require the Karl plan
  • PWA offline support still in progress

How to Switch: 5-Step Migration Guide

  1. Count your active cards. If it's 5 or more, you're in the target zone — the spreadsheet friction is real.

  2. Export your spreadsheet as CSV. Fenrir Ledger can import it so you don't start from zero.

  3. Map your annual fee dates. These are the highest-stakes dates — make sure they transfer correctly.

  4. Set up balance alerts for each card. This alone pays for the switch.

  5. Run both in parallel for 30 days. Only abandon the spreadsheet once you trust the new system.

FAQ

Can I import my existing Google Sheet into Fenrir Ledger?
Yes. Fenrir Ledger supports CSV import so you can bring your existing card data across without re-entering everything manually. Export your spreadsheet, map the columns, and import.
Is Fenrir Ledger free to use?
There is a free tier that covers the core card tracking features. The Karl plan unlocks advanced analytics, household sharing, and priority alerts. You can start for free and upgrade when the value is clear.
Does Fenrir Ledger track the Chase 5/24 rule automatically?
Yes. 5/24 tracking is built in — Fenrir Ledger watches your card open dates and tells you your current count without any manual calculation.
What if I want to keep my spreadsheet as a backup?
That's completely reasonable. Running both in parallel for a month is the recommended approach. Fenrir Ledger does not lock your data — you can export at any time.
Does Fenrir Ledger work offline?
PWA offline support is currently in development. For now, a stable internet connection is required. Full offline capability is on the roadmap.