Credit card rewards can be a great way to earn points and miles for travel, cash back, or other valuable perks. But with so many credit cards on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones to use and when. One strategy for maximizing rewards is to use a combination of credit cards that complement each other’s earning categories and benefits. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best credit card combinations for maximizing points and getting the most out of your spending.
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Credit Card Combinations for Maximizing Points (Personal Cards)
Amex Gold Card + Amex Everyday Preferred
The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card and the American Express Gold Card are both great credit card options for maximizing rewards. The EveryDay Preferred card earns 3X Membership Rewards points at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases), 2X points at US gas stations, and 1X points on other purchases. Plus, if you use your card 30 or more times in a billing period, you’ll earn 50% extra points on all purchases.
The American Express Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards points at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases), 4X points at restaurants worldwide, 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 1X points on other purchases. Additionally, the Gold Card offers a variety of travel and dining benefits. By using both of these cards strategically, you can earn bonus points in multiple categories and maximize your rewards potential.
Chase Sapphire Preferred + Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Freedom Unlimited are two credit cards that can be used together to maximize rewards. The Sapphire Preferred earns 2X points on travel and 3X points on dining, and 1X point on all other purchases.
The Freedom Unlimited, on the other hand, earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. However, when paired with the Sapphire Preferred, the cash back earned on the Freedom Unlimited can be converted to Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio, effectively earning 1.5X points on all purchases. By using the Sapphire Preferred for travel and dining purchases and the Freedom Unlimited for all other purchases, you can earn bonus points on all of your spending and maximize your rewards potential.
Citi Premier Card + Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Premier Card and Citi Double Cash Card are two credit cards that can be combined to maximize rewards. The Citi Premier Card earns 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and on airfare and hotels. It also offers a variety of travel benefits, such as travel protection and transfer options to partner loyalty programs.
The Citi Double Cash Card, on the other hand, earns 1% cash back on all purchases, with an additional 1% cash back when you pay your balance. However, when paired with the Citi Premier Card, the cash back earned on the Citi Double Cash Card can be converted to ThankYou Points at a 1:1 ratio, effectively earning 2X points on all purchases. By using the Citi Premier Card for travel, dining, and entertainment purchases and the Citi Double Cash Card for all other purchases, you can earn bonus points on all of your spending and maximize your rewards potential.
Best Credit Card Combinations (Business Cards)
Amex Business Gold Card + Amex Blue Business Plus
The Amex Business Gold Card and Amex Blue Business Plus are two credit cards that can be combined to maximize rewards for business owners. The Amex Business Gold Card earns 4X points on the two categories where your business spends the most (Airfare; U.S. purchases for advertising in select media; U.S. purchases at gas stations; U.S. purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions; U.S. purchases at restaurants, including take out and delivery; U.S. purchases for shipping) each billing cycle, up to $150,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, and offers a variety of business-focused benefits such as travel and purchase protection.
The Amex Blue Business Plus, on the other hand, earns 2X points on all purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year and 1X points on all other purchases, with no category restrictions. By using the Amex Business Gold Card for the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle and the Amex Blue Business Plus for all other purchases, you can earn bonus points on all of your business spending and maximize your rewards potential.
Chase Ink Business Preferred + Chase Ink Business Unlimited
The Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card combination is a great way to maximize rewards for business owners. The Chase Ink Business Preferred card earns 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. It also offers cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a great card to pair with the Ink Business Preferred for non-bonus spending categories. This combination can help you earn rewards faster and more efficiently, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to maximize their rewards potential.
What credit card combinations have you found most effective for maximizing points? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or feel free to contact me through my contact page.
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