Double Your Points: The Best Credit Card Pairings

If you're a newcomer to the realm of points and miles or seeking to enhance your existing credit card lineup for maximum rewards, a strategic credit card pairing is a straightforward method to optimize your credit card use.

While you might be familiar with well-known card combinations like the Chase Trifecta and the Amex Trifecta, numerous other ways exist to complement and combine credit cards effectively. In our guide below, we will explore various methods of card synergy and highlight some of the best credit card pairings for you to consider.

What is The Best Credit Card Combination To Look For?

Several factors contribute to a strong card pairing. Still, at its core, a successful card combination involves two cards that both earn the same type of rewards while offering distinct bonus categories.

This approach allows you to optimize your rewards accumulation for a broader spectrum of purchases compared to relying solely on reward categories for a single card.

Best Credit Card Pairings to Consider

Our picks for the best credit card pairings will show you how to enhance your earnings by strategically using two complementary cards.

Pairing Cards - The Platinum Card from American Express and American Express Gold Card

The American Express Platinum Card and American Express Gold Card are a powerful combination for maximizing rewards and enjoying a luxurious travel experience.

Amex Platinum Card:

• Annual Fee: $250
• Earning Potential: Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and 1x points on all other purchases.
• Benefits: Enjoy access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges. Get a $200 annual airline fee credit and take advantage of other travel perks.

Amex Gold Card:

• Annual Fee: $250
• Earning Potential: Earn 4x Membership Rewards points on U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (up to $25,000 annually), and 1x points on all other purchases.
• Benefits: Enjoy a $250 annual dining credit, Uber Cash credits, and other dining perks.

The Benefits of Pairing Cards:

• Maximize Rewards: By using both cards strategically, you can earn more points on flights and dining.
• Flexible Redemption: Transfer Membership Rewards points to over 20 airline and hotel partners for a variety of redemption options.
• Complementary Benefits: The cards offer different benefits, such as lounge access and dining credits, providing added value when used together.

By combining the American Express Platinum Card and American Express Gold Card, you can enjoy a more luxurious and rewarding travel experience.

Best Credit Card Pairings - Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Earning Potential: 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel, dining, and drugstore purchases, 1x points on all other purchases.
• Benefits: $50 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, travel insurance.

Chase Freedom Unlimited:

• Annual Fee: None
• Earning Potential: 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

The Benefits of Pairing Cards:

• Maximize Rewards: Earn 3x points on dining and drugstore purchases with both cards.
• Flexibility: Transfer Ultimate Rewards points to various airline and hotel partners.
• Value-Added Benefits: Enjoy the travel credit and lounge access offered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

By combining the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can effectively maximize your rewards and enjoy a more rewarding travel experience.

What is the Best Credit Card Combination? - Citi Premier Card and Citi Rewards+ Card

Citi Premier:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Earning Potential: 3x ThankYou Points on hotels, flights, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations, 1x point on all other purchases.
• Benefits: $60 annual travel credit, access to Priority Pass lounges.

Citi Rewards+:

• Annual Fee: None
• Earning Potential: 2x ThankYou Points on supermarket and gas station spending, 1x point on all other purchases.
• Unique Feature: Purchases round up to the nearest 10 points.

The Benefits of Pairing Cards:

• Maximize Rewards: Earn 3x points on bonus categories with the Citi Premier and take advantage of the Citi Rewards+ rounding feature for small purchases.
• Flexibility: Transfer ThankYou Points to various airline and hotel partners for a variety of redemption options.
• Value-Added Benefits: Enjoy the travel credit and lounge access offered by the Citi Premier.

Pairing Cards - Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and Citi Double Cash Card

Capital One SavorOne:

The Capital One SavorOne is an excellent choice for everyday spending, offering a generous 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and popular streaming services (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target). It also provides a standard 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Citi Double Cash:

The Citi Double Cash provides a consistent 2% cash back on all purchases. This is broken down into 1% when you make the purchase and another 1% as you pay it off). This feature makes it a reliable way to secure a 2% return on spending that doesn't align with the bonus categories of other cards.

The Benefits of Pairing Cards:

• Simplicity: Earn cash back on all purchases without worrying about meeting specific spending categories.
• Flexibility: Use the Capital One SavorOne for 3% cash back on bonus categories and the Citi Double Cash for everything else.
• Consistent Returns: Earn a reliable 2% cash back on all purchases with the Citi Double Cash card.

Pairing the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ink Business Preferred:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Earning Potential: 3x Ultimate Rewards points on shipping, internet, cable, travel, phone services, and advertising, 1x points on all other purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred:

• Annual Fee: $550
• Earning Potential: 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel, dining, and drugstore purchases, 1x points on all other purchases.
• Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access.

The Benefits of Pairing Cards:

• Maximize Rewards: Earn 3x points on various spending categories with both cards.
• Flexibility: Transfer Ultimate Rewards points to various airline and hotel partners.
• Value-Added Benefits: Enjoy the travel credit and lounge access offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Takeaway - Better Together: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Credit Card Pairings

A variety of valuable credit cards can be enhanced when you pair them with another complementary card.

Assess your spending patterns and the objectives you have for rewards to assist you in identifying the card that will provide the greatest benefit when added to your existing lineup. By establishing a well-thought-out strategy, you'll be well on your way to achieving your reward targets with the best credit card pairings swiftly.