Key takeaways
- The right combination of credit cards can help you to gain more redemption options and get more than 1 cent in value from your rewards.
- Since the best credit card combinations usually involve at least one card with an annual fee, this strategy is best for consumers who will be able to utilize enough premium card benefits to make paying the annual fee worth it.
- This type of card combination strategy is not suited for consumers who plan on carrying a balance since paying interest will wipe out any rewards earnings.
Having the right credit card makes it easy to earn cash back or travel rewards for each dollar you spend, but the right combination of cards can be even better. That’s because many cards have rewards structures that work well together. Plus, many cards from the same card issuer allow you to pool all of your rewards into one account, which means you may have more redemption options available, allowing you to maximize reward value.
Although juggling multiple credit cards for rewards can be risky for some given the potential to rack up debt and miss payments, organized rewards enthusiasts could reap the benefits of combining cards. If you’d like to know more about this somewhat advanced rewards strategy, this guide will help.
Top card combos to maximize rewards
Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for diverse spending
Bankrate’s Take
The Chase Freedom Flex is perfect if your spending stretches across several areas and carries some benefits that could pair nicely with your rewards like a complimentary six-month Dash Pass membership and, as a Dash Pass member, $10 off non-restaurant DoorDash orders each quarter (you must activate your membership by Dec. 31, 2027). The Chase Sapphire Reserve serves as your luxury travel card with a slew of benefits, including an annual $300 travel credit.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome Offer | Introductory APR offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex® | $0 |
|
$200 after you spend $500 in the first 3 months | 0 percent APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.99% to 28.49% |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 |
|
60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months | None |
Pros
- Chase Ultimate Rewards are some of the most valuable credit card rewards in the industry.
- The high-value benefits could make the large annual fee of the Sapphire Reserve worth it.
- You can combine Chase Ultimate Rewards between the two cards to use for larger redemptions.
Cons
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has one of the highest annual fees for a credit card.
- This card combo isn’t the best choice for a simple rewards strategy.
- If you’ve surpassed the Chase 5/24 rule, it could be awhile before you can qualify for both.
-
Maximizing this combination starts with enrolling in the complimentary memberships like DashPass and Priority Pass Select. You should also consider completing your application with Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS to receive the up to $120 statement credit Sapphire Reserve cardholders enjoy. You’ll want to fully use the Sapphire Reserve’s benefits to recoup the annual fee so that holding the card is worth it.
Another key here is using the right card in the right situation. Instead of earning cash back with the Chase Freedom Flex, you’ll actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which you can transfer to the Chase Sapphire Reserve to take advantage of high-value redemption options. For example, you’ll get a 50 percent points boost on travel redemptions through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
For possibly an even better deal, redeem your points for 1:1 transfers to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners like Southwest Rapid Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus. Although it depends on which transfer partner you redeem with, you can get around 2.0 cents per point in value from Ultimate Rewards, according to our points and miles valuations.
The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for business travelers
Bankrate’s Take
The Amex Platinum earns its highest rewards on flights and prepaid hotels, while the Blue Business Plus earns a consistent rate of rewards on all purchases up to $50,000 each year before earning a lower rate. That makes this combo best suited for lower spenders. If you can take advantage of the multitude of statement credits and benefits, that could make the high annual fee of this combination worth it for you.
Since the rewards from both cards can be combined, you could use the rewards you’ve earned from your business spending to help cover the cost of your personal travel while enjoying luxury benefits like airport lounge access, status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and reimbursement of up to $120 for your CLEAR Plus, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
When your business takes you across the world, the combination of the American Express Platinum Card and the Blue Business Plus could help you stretch your credit card rewards further while tacking on some luxury benefits.
| Cards | Annual fee | Rewards | Introductory APR | Welcome Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 | None | 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer). | |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | No annual fee |
|
0 percent for 12 months from account opening (then, [shortcode APR] | 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. |
Pros
- Amex Membership Rewards are transferable to 21 airline and hotel partners.
- The American Express Platinum Card alone has over $2,300 in ongoing value, thanks to a variety of statement credit opportunities.
- The welcome offers on both cards may reward large upcoming purchases.
Cons
- The annual fee of the Amex Platinum could eat into the value of your rewards and benefits.
- This card combo is only accessible to business owners.
- If your spending stretches beyond the rewards caps of either or both cards, you could miss out on rewards.
-
To make the most of this combo, use the Amex Platinum for all of your airfare and prepaid hotels and use your Amex Blue Business Plus for all non-category spending. The Platinum Card from American Express works best for consumers who travel a lot and can take advantage of the slew of premium Platinum card benefits. Although a $695 annual fee applies, cardholders who take advantage of even a few of these benefits can easily regain the cost of card membership.
Be sure to select an airline you fly with frequently for the up to $200 annual airline incidentals credit, and connect your credit card to your Uber account so you can use the allotted monthly credit (up to $15 per month, plus a bonus $20 in December, for a total of up to $200 in Uber Cash per year).
Although this combo is great for business travelers, you’ll want to avoid using your Blue Business Plus in foreign countries since it has foreign transaction fees. Use your Platinum card for that instead. If you’re planning to make a large purchase for your business, take advantage of the Blue Business Plus’ introductory APR offer of 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening (then 17.49% – 27.49% Variable APR) to pay for that purchase over time.
As with many other credit card combinations, you can pool all of your points in your Amex account and redeem them for travel purchases through American Express Travel or for transfers to Amex airline and hotel partners, like Delta SkyMiles or Air France/KLM Flying Blue. Plus, Membership Rewards points can be worth around 2.0 cents apiece according to our points and miles valuations. More information on strategically redeeming points and miles can be found in Bankrate’s travel toolkit.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card and Citi Double Cash® Card: Best all-around combination
Bankrate’s Take
Since the Citi Double Cash technically earns basic Citi ThankYou points, you can’t transfer them to Citi travel partners without a premium Citi card like the Strata Premier. Although the Strata Premier has a $95 annual fee, you should be able to recoup the cost of card membership through the card’s up to $100 annual hotel credit, which is applicable on a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through Citi Travel.
| Cards | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome Offer | Introductory APR offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Strata Premier℠ Card | $95 |
|
60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months | None |
| Citi Double Cash® Card |
$0 |
|
$200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months | 0 percent for 18 months on eligible balance transfers (then 18.24% to 28.24%) |
Pros
- This card combination is relatively affordable in terms of annual fees
- The Citi Double Cash features an introductory APR on balance transfers.
- Both cards have welcome offers after spending a certain amount on purchases.
Cons
- Citi Thank You Points are valued at less than other credit card travel rewards
- You only get the other 1% of your Citi Double Cash rewards when you pay your purchases.
-
Use the Citi Strata Premier for all of your air travel, restaurant, supermarket, hotel and gas station purchases. Meanwhile, use the Citi Double Cash for all non-bonus category purchases since you’ll earn up to 2 percent back. As you rack up rewards, pool them all in your Citi Strata Premier account, which earns full-fledged Citi ThankYou points — meaning you can then transfer points to Citi travel partners for optimal value. Citi ThankYou points are estimated to be worth around 1.6 cents apiece according to our points and miles valuations.
You can also recoup the annual fee through rewards earned on bonus category purchases. For example, if you’re able to spend at least $267 per month ($3,204 per year) on bonus categories that earn 3X points, you’ll earn 9,612 points (worth $96.12) and be able to make up for the Citi Strata annual fee.
The Chase trifecta: Best for maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards
Bankrate’s take
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- The Chase Freedom Flex®
If you’re looking for more luxury perks like lounge access and travel credits, you could opt to swap the Chase Sapphire Preferred for the higher annual annual fee Chase Sapphire Reserve, which could score you even higher rewards.
| Cards | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome Offer | Introductory APR offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 |
|
60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. | None |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
$0 |
|
$200 bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months. | 0 percent APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers (then APR 18.99% – 28.49% Variable APR) |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | $0 |
|
$200 bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months | 0 percent APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers (then 18.99% – 28.49% Variable APR) |
Pros
- This combination is flexible and the Sapphire Preferred can be swapped out for the more premium Chase Sapphire Reserve.
- The intro APR offers on the Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex are helpful for paying down a balance transfer or a new purchase.
- This Chase combo works well for infrequent travelers who don’t need the luxury benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Cons
- Managing three credit cards with bonus categories can be confusing for inexperienced rewards strategists.
-
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most valuable rewards currencies in the credit card space, and strategically tripling your efforts on collecting those points can allow you to fast-track your way to lucrative redemptions.
If you opt for this trio, a key way to maximize it is by activating your rotating bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex each quarter to earn the highest rewards on your qualifying purchases. You should also make sure you’re using the right card for your purchases.
Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred for bookings through Chase Travel, dining, online grocery purchases, streaming services and other travel spending. Then use the Chase Freedom Flex’s boosted rewards on the relevant rotating categories each quarter. If your spending doesn’t fit any of the bonus categories, use the Chase Freedom Unlimited to earn at least 1.5 percent back (technically earned as Ultimate Rewards points). If this trio doesn’t match your spending habits, you should consider other top Chase cards until you find the trio that works best for your needs.
The Amex Trifecta: Best for American Express loyalists
Bankrate’s take
Sticking with American Express can be a rewarding option if you have a premium Amex card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points. If you’re looking to maximize rewards, consider the Amex trifecta: the Amex Platinum Card, the Blue Business Plus and the American Express® Gold Card.
Keep in mind that this trio will cost you $1,020 in annual fees. While you can more than justify the cost if you use all (or many) of the available statement credit benefits and card perks, doing so may require significant spending and effort on your part.
| Cards | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 |
|
80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months |
| American Express® Gold Card | $325 |
|
60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | No annual fee |
|
15,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months |
Pros
- Amex’s Membership Rewards are one of the most valuable rewards currencies in the credit card space.
- Amex has 21 airline and hotel transfer partners, which could allow you to make your Membership Rewards more valuable.
- The VIP travel perks and benefits may make the annual fees worth it.
Cons
- The high annual fees could make this trio inaccessible for many.
- Statement credits for Uber, Dunkin’ or the dining credit are divided up monthly and can’t be combined.
- This trifecta is only accessible to business owners.
-
We’ve already covered how the Amex Platinum and Amex Blue Business Plus work together, but by adding the Amex Gold, you can significantly boost your rewards earnings. The Amex Gold offers generous rewards on groceries, dining, and travel-related purchases. Plus, there’s a great rewards structure for trips booked through Amex Travel.
Although the American Express Gold Card has a $325 annual fee, the card almost pays for itself with its annual statement credit benefits for Uber and dining. And much like the other card combinations we mentioned, you can pool your rewards to take advantage of larger redemptions. To get the most from your Amex trifecta, make sure you enroll for the services offering statement credits including WalMart+, your preferred airline, CLEAR Plus and Uber. Use your Platinum card for booking travel through the Amex Travel portal to earn the most points. It could also be helpful to set reminders each month (or semi-annually) to take advantage of the statement credits.
Comparing the best credit card combos cards
| Card combination | Best for | Credit cards included | Annual Fee total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase duo | Diverse spending | Chase Freedom Flex Chase Sapphire Reserve |
$550 |
| American Express duo | Business travelers | The Platinum Card from American Express and The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express |
$695 |
| Citi | All-Around | Citi Premier Citi Double Cash |
$95 |
| Chase trifecta | Maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards | Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Freedom Flex |
$95 |
| American Express trifecta | American Express loyalists | American Express Platinum Card, American Express Blue Business Plus and American Express® Gold Card | $1,020 |
How to choose a card combo
Choosing a card combo begins with choosing the right first card. Consider your credit score, spending habits, lifestyle and rewards goals to form the outline for your strategy. If your credit isn’t already in the good to excellent range, focus on that first. Get your credit into pristine shape before considering ways to use multiple cards to your advantage.
Once you’ve decided on what you need in a card combo, it’s time to understand each issuer’s application rules, such as Chase’s 5/24 rule that says Chase won’t approve you for a credit card if you’ve opened five or more accounts with any issuer in the past 24 months.
Lastly, take stock of how you plan to meet the sign-up bonus requirements for each card. If you apply for cards too quickly and without a plan for spending enough to earn each card’s bonus, you’ll miss out on valuable rewards.
What’s next?
The bottom line
Having a few top rewards credit cards that complement each other can help you earn a lot more rewards and benefits over time. To make the most of these card combinations, you’ll have to be committed to only making purchases you planned to make anyway so that all your spending stays within your budget.
Be prepared to pay your balances in full each month to avoid paying interest on your purchases. If you wind up paying a 20 percent APR or more on a revolving balance, the rewards you’ll earn on purchases won’t be worth it.
For rates and fees of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
*The information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Citi Double Cash® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
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