Here’s something to consider: What if the best credit card for you is actually two credit cards? Pairing two cards that earn rewards in complementary areas of spending can help you maximize every dollar you spend.
Just like burgers and buns or jackets and zippers, the best credit card combinations enhance one another so your overall benefits can be greater than owning just one or the other. This can help you amass a stash of points more quickly and can come with other benefits too, like additional insurances and protections or opening up greater reward redemption options.
Best credit card combinations
One of the easiest ways to get started is to own two cards from the same issuer that earn the same type of rewards. Here are some of the top picks for card couplings and how to make the pairings work together optimally.
card_name and card_name
On its own, the no-annual-fee card_name is a solid flat-rate 2% cash-back card. It can be ideal for anyone who simply wants to earn elevated rewards on every dollar they spend, without having to track categories or spending caps. It earns cardholders 1% back when making a purchase, plus an additional 1% back when paying off the purchase on time. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
The annual_fees annual fee card_name has appeal for those who don’t want to spend hundreds on a premium travel card but want to earn at an accelerated rate. The card rivals the rewards rate on pricier cards with earnings of 10x points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com; 3x points per dollar on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations; and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Why they’re a great combination
Owning both of these cards means you can earn high rewards on travel and several everyday categories with the card_name and earn a still-impressive 2% on everything else with the card_name. Plus, the card_name is loaded with travel protections, making it a smart choice to use for travel plans.
How to maximize this combination
Rewards on both cards can be pooled together and, since the card_name has points transfer capabilities, that combined stash can be used to book travel through travel transfer partners, which often yields outsized value.
Aim to use the card_name‘s $100 annual travel credit valid for stays of $500 or more booked through Citi Travel (excluding taxes and fees); this can take the sting out of the card’s annual fee.
card_name and card_name
For those whose spending aligns with the bonus categories, the card_name could be a great card to pair with the card_name. Using the two cards together strategically can help you capture maximum rewards on all your spending. The no-annual-fee card_name earns 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services and drugstore purchases; and 1.5% on all other purchases. The card_name, which has a annual_fees annual fee, earns 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries; 2x on all other travel purchases; and 1x on all other purchases.
Why they’re a great combination
Chase Ultimate Rewards are a highly flexible currency that can be taken as cash back, used to book travel or to buy gift cards and merchandise. The earnings from each of the cards can be pooled together, allowing you to save up for big redemptions. Between the two, you’ll earn above-average rewards on all of your spending, which can give you a big boost to building a rewards stash.
How to maximize this combination
The card_name has several perks that make it popular with travelers. In addition to its long list of travel transfer partners and travel and purchase protections, rewards are worth 25% more when you book your travel through Chase Travel. This can sometimes work out to be a better deal than transferring to travel partners and booking directly with the airline or hotel. Plus, the card_name comes with an annual $50 statement credit for hotels booked through Chase which, if used, can effectively knock the card’s annual fee down to just $45.
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card_name and card_name
Earning at least 2% back on everything you buy is pretty great, but pair that with a card that earns even higher rewards across a wide swath of categories and you’ll have rewards-earning power that packs a punch. Earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all spending with the no-annual-fee card_name but take it up a notch by using the card_name on travel and dining spending. The card_name earns 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on restaurants and other travel, and 1x point on other purchases. The card_name has a annual_fees annual fee.
Why they’re a great combination
The Autograph Journey card’s rewards on hotels and airlines are eye-catching, especially since there’s no requirement to book through an issuer portal or specific brand to get those rates. But even busy globetrotters have expenses outside of getting around and dining. Using the card_name for all of your purchases that aren’t eligible for 3x or more on the Autograph Journey still earns top-notch rewards at a combined carrying cost of under $100 a year.
How to maximize this combination
Wells Fargo’s rewards program includes a growing network of travel transfer partners. Use the Autograph Journey Card to book all of your paid travel and dining, and pool your rewards together for simple cash-back that you can use any way you’d like. More experienced points-and-miles fans may prefer to take advantage of the Autograph Journey’s travel transfer capabilities and book directly through a Wells Fargo loyalty partner for a potentially increased redemption value.
Don’t sleep on the Autograph Journey’s $50 airline statement credit (with $50 minimum airline purchase) that will be applied when you book airfare using the card. Unlike many of the other cards at this price point that offer a travel credit, you don’t have to book through an issuer portal or spend a minimum amount to use it.
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Small business owners who like to travel in style should consider pairing the annual_fees-annual-fee card_name with the premium card_name, which carries an annual fee of annual_fees. The card_name is ideal for typical business expenses, earning 3x points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1x point per dollar on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Why they’re a great combination
You can keep your business expenses separate from your personal expenses, but reap the benefits of both with this card combo. Whether you travel for business, pleasure or both, the card_name unlocks premium lounge access at more than 1,300 Priority Pass Select lounges and the growing network of Chase Sapphire lounges. Airport lounges can be an ideal place to get work done before a flight or just a quiet respite before a big meeting. Both cards offer primary auto rental coverage so you can save money at the car rental counter, too, without having to charge a rental car or vacation to your business card or vice versa.
How to maximize this combination
Make sure to put all of your business spending on the card_name. You can pool your rewards with those earned on the card_name and either redeem them for travel at a 50% increase in value when booking travel through Chase, or transfer them to over a dozen of the issuer’s travel transfer partners. Use those earnings for business or leisure travel. Either way, with the myriad of benefits and credits that come with the Sapphire Reserve, such as an application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS trusted traveler membership, you can get through security lines faster and go relax in a lounge, making your overall travel experience smoother.
The bottom line on credit card combinations
When you pair the right cards together, the benefits can far outweigh the effort it might take to juggle two cards. Owning complementary rewards cards allows you to get the maximum returns on every dollar you spend. Depending on the specific card pairings, you can also diversify your cardholder benefits and also increase your reward redemption options, which can make your earnings more flexible and in some cases more valuable.
The card combinations above are just a few that can work out well for the right cardholder. If the benefits and reward rates don’t align with your spending, use our credit card comparison tool to find a combination that would best suit your needs.
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