Like burgers and fries or chutes and ladders, some things are just better when used together. Credit card rewards are no different. Not only can you pair complementary cards together to ramp up your earning power, but you can also pair yourself with a partner to get better returns on your card strategy. This is called “two-player mode” by those who employ the system. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works.
The power of partnerships: Two-player mode credit card rewards explained
Working together to make the most out of credit card rewards programs can be a powerful way to accrue a sizable stash. Two-player mode refers to two people working in tandem to optimize their points and miles-earning strategy. By coordinating credit card applications, sign-up bonuses and spending patterns, two cardholders can earn a lot more than just one.
Instead of just one person juggling multiple cards, spending categories and new card bonuses, both partners take on complementary roles, alternating sign-ups and spending and pooling their rewards together to effectively double their overall earnings. Plus, each can reap the benefits of the other’s card perks.
How to maximize credit card rewards with a partner
There’s no one exact way to make two-player mode work for every willing pair. The best card strategies are different for everyone depending on their end goals. A couple looking to earn enough rewards to fly first-class overseas to an overwater bungalow may have a different strategy than a pair looking to plan multiple budget-minded trips throughout the year. That said, there are some universal ways to get the most out of working together.
Better rewards overall
Player One and Player Two do not need to hold the exact same cards. In many cases it could make more sense to each hold a different, yet complementary card.
For example, Player One might possess the card_name card, which offers enhanced rewards on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, a solid return on drugstore and restaurant spending (including takeout and eligible delivery), and a slightly higher-than-average return on all remaining purchases.
Player Two could carry the card_name, which provides significant rewards on travel booked via Chase Travel, a notable return on other travel purchases, elevated rewards on dining (encompassing eligible delivery services, takeout, and eating out), and a base level of rewards on all other spending.
Therefore, this pair would accumulate rewards on all their purchases at a rate ranging from a respectable starting point to a high-end value per dollar. Plus, they’ll have the ability to pool their rewards between the cards and redeem them through Chase for 25% more value or transfer them to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners, like JetBlue, United and Hyatt.
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Increased welcome bonus opportunities
Many top rewards cards offer generous welcome offers, which is a great way to amass a pile of points quickly. With two people working together on a card strategy, there’s more opportunity to earn new card member bonuses and share the bounty.
Consider a scenario where card_name introduces a more generous welcome bonus than it used to offer. The card presently includes an offer of a considerable sum of Membership Rewards points after a certain amount is spent on qualifying purchases within a specific period. However, Player One’s past ownership of the Amex Platinum some years prior disqualifies them from receiving a welcome bonus on that card, according to Amex’s rule limiting such bonuses to new cardholders. On the other hand, Player Two, who has never held the card, is free to apply and take advantage of the bonus. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
Staggering welcome bonuses between two players can also offer time to meet spending requirements or get around other restrictions.
Another scenario where this strategy can be helpful is with the unofficial Chase 5/24 rule. If Player One has applied for five or more credit cards in the last two years, Chase is unlikely to approve them for another card. But, if Player Two is under that number of new card applications, they can take advantage of a particularly appealing welcome bonus on a new card.
Using authorized users to earn more rewards
Two-player mode doesn’t require each player to have a separate card. Another common strategy involves one player adding the other as an authorized user. This can accelerate point accumulation on a single account or help meet welcome bonus spending requirements more quickly. It can also grant the authorized user access to valuable credit card benefits they might not otherwise receive. While some premium cards charge for adding authorized users, others, like the card_name, do not. Often, authorized users enjoy the same significant perks as the primary cardholder. The Venture X card, for example, offers Priority Pass lounge access to both, representing a considerable cost-saving benefit.
The bottom line
Working with a partner to earn maximum rewards and benefits from credit cards can improve your overall results. You can earn more points from card sign-ups and everyday spending, plus gain access to perks that can make your travel more comfortable as well as gain protections, too. If you have someone willing to play the points and miles game with you, consider making them your Player Two.
