Hi folks,
The strategy for payments depends on what you want: points, cash back or cash rebates.
If you are okay with all three, my suggestion is Standard Chartered Manhattan Card that provides 5% cash rebate on the next quarter capped at $300 rebate for previous quater. That translates to pay $6000 max if you want 5% cash rebate. Since it is 1 couple, 2 person, sign up for 2 cards. You may need to ask siblings, friends for additional help if you want to pay all by Manhattan Card. As the market rate for deposit is also $3000, you may want to consider using the same card.
Note: this is for reference only!