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Best Dual-Purpose Credit Cards: Travel Rewards + Balance Transfer Guide 2025

Credit Cards
October 2, 2025
The Points Party Team
3D credit card with airplane, coins, luggage, and gifts

Bottom Line Up Front: The best dual-purpose credit cards let you earn travel rewards while consolidating debt with 0% intro APR periods. Top picks include cards with 12-21 month intro periods that also earn meaningful rewards, saving you money on interest while building points for your next trip.

Most people think they have to choose between paying off debt and earning travel rewards. That's not true anymore. A new category of dual-purpose credit cards combines the best of both worlds: generous intro APR periods for balance transfers paired with legitimate travel rewards earning.

These cards solve a real problem. If you're carrying a balance at 18-24% APR, you're bleeding money every month. But traditional balance transfer cards earn zero rewards, making every purchase feel like a missed opportunity. Dual-purpose cards bridge this gap perfectly.

What Makes a Credit Card "Dual-Purpose"?

A dual-purpose credit card offers both:

  • 0% intro APR period (typically 12-21 months) for balance transfers
  • Meaningful rewards earning on purchases (1.5% or higher)
  • No compromise on either feature

This isn't about finding a travel card with a tiny intro period or a balance transfer card with pathetic rewards. We're talking about cards that genuinely excel at both functions.

Why This Strategy Works So Well

The math is compelling. Let's say you transfer a $5,000 balance from a card charging 22% APR:

Traditional approach: You'd save about $1,100 in interest over 18 months with a standard balance transfer card, but earn zero rewards on new purchases.

Dual-purpose approach: You save the same $1,100 on interest plus earn 1.5-2% back on every new purchase. If you spend $1,000 monthly during the payoff period, that's an additional $270-360 in rewards.

The strategy gets even better when you consider travel aspirations. Those rewards can fund your next vacation once you're debt-free.

Our Top 5 Dual-Purpose Credit Cards for 2025

1. Chase Slate Edge® Card

Best Overall Balance: Long intro period + moderate rewards

  • Balance Transfer: 0% intro APR for 18 months
  • Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases after first year
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% ($5 minimum)
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Why It Works: The longest intro period among rewards cards, giving you serious breathing room to pay down debt while earning cash back.

The Chase Slate Edge strikes the perfect balance for debt consolidation. While you won't find it in our affiliate partner list, it's consistently rated as one of the best cards for credit improvement.

2. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Longest Intro Period + Solid Rewards

  • Balance Transfer: 0% intro APR for up to 21 months
  • Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% ($5 minimum)
  • Annual Fee: $0

The Wells Fargo Reflect® offers the longest intro period available. While 1% rewards aren't spectacular, the extra breathing room can be worth thousands in saved interest.

3. Citi Diamond Preferred® Card

Strong Rewards + Extended Protection

  • Balance Transfer: 0% intro APR for 21 months
  • Purchases: 0% intro APR for 12 months
  • Rewards: Earns ThankYou® Points (can convert to travel)
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% ($5 minimum)
  • Annual Fee: $0

The Citi Diamond Preferred® is our go-to recommendation for people serious about both debt payoff and travel rewards. The ThankYou Points can transfer to airline partners, making this a true travel card in disguise.

4. Citi Strata Premier® Card

Premium Travel Rewards + Intro APR

  • Balance Transfer: 0% intro APR for 15 months
  • Rewards: 3X points on travel, dining, and gas
  • Transfer Partners: 17 airline and hotel partners
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% ($5 minimum)
  • Annual Fee: $95

If you want serious travel rewards while consolidating debt, the Citi Strata Premier® delivers. The 3X earning categories and transfer partners make this competitive with dedicated travel cards.

5. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card

Grocery Rewards + Flexibility

  • Balance Transfer: 0% intro APR for 15 months
  • Rewards: 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% at gas stations
  • Balance Transfer Fee: 3% ($5 minimum)
  • Annual Fee: $0

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday® works perfectly if you spend heavily on groceries. The 3% earning rate helps offset the shorter intro period.

Advanced Strategy: The Three-Card Approach

Here's a strategy most people miss: you don't need to do everything with one card. Smart money combines:

  1. Dedicated balance transfer card with the longest 0% period
  2. High-earning travel card for new purchases
  3. Strategic timing to maximize both benefits

For example, transfer debt to the Wells Fargo Reflect® for 21 months at 0%, then use the Chase Sapphire Preferred® for all new spending to earn 2X points on travel and dining.

This approach requires excellent organization but can deliver superior results. You get maximum debt relief and maximum rewards earning.

What About Chase and Amex Premium Cards?

You might wonder why premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum aren't on this list.

These cards focus purely on rewards, not debt consolidation. They typically offer:

  • No intro APR periods
  • High annual fees ($95-$795)
  • Maximum travel benefits

If you're not carrying debt, these cards are fantastic. But if you need balance transfer help, the dual-purpose cards above deliver better value.

For a detailed comparison of premium travel cards, check out our Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Preferred guide.

How to Choose Your Dual-Purpose Card

If Your Priority Is Debt Payoff (70%+ of your motivation)

If Your Priority Is Travel Rewards (60%+ of your motivation)

  • Accept a shorter intro period for better earning rates
  • Consider Citi Strata Premier® for transferable points
  • Plan your debt payoff timeline carefully

If You Want True Balance

  • The Chase Slate Edge offers the best middle ground
  • 18 months is enough time for most debt situations
  • 1.5% rewards are respectable for all spending

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Applying for multiple cards simultaneouslyThis hurts your credit score and reduces approval odds. Apply for one card, get approved, then wait 6+ months before considering another.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the balance transfer deadlineMost cards require transfers within 60-120 days of account opening. Miss this window and you lose the 0% rate.

Mistake #3: Making only minimum paymentsThe intro period is your opportunity to aggressively pay down the principal. Calculate a payment plan that eliminates the debt before the promotional rate expires.

Mistake #4: Running up new debtDon't treat the available credit as "extra money." The goal is debt reduction, not debt growth.

Maximizing Your Dual-Purpose Strategy

Month 1-2: Setup Phase

  • Apply for your chosen dual-purpose card
  • Transfer high-interest balances immediately
  • Set up automatic payments above the minimum
  • Learn the rewards program thoroughly

Month 3-12: Execution Phase

  • Focus all new spending on the dual-purpose card
  • Use bonus categories strategically (if available)
  • Track your debt payoff progress monthly
  • Start researching your first rewards redemption

Month 12+: Transition Phase

  • Plan your post-intro APR strategy
  • Consider upgrading to a premium travel card
  • Begin booking that debt-free vacation
  • Monitor your improved credit score

Integration with Other Travel Strategies

Dual-purpose cards work beautifully with other travel hacking strategies:

Chase Ultimate Rewards Ecosystem: If you choose a Chase card, you can later add the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to maximize the Chase trifecta approach.

Transfer Partner Optimization: Cards like the Citi Strata Premier connect to our favorite transfer partner strategies for maximum redemption value.

Credit Building: As you pay down debt and improve utilization, you'll qualify for better travel cards. Learn more in our credit improvement guide.

Real-World Success Story

Sarah, a Points Party reader, used this exact strategy:

  • Starting debt: $8,200 at 19.9% APR across three cards
  • Card choice: Citi Diamond Preferred for the 21-month intro period
  • Strategy: $400 monthly payments + all new spending on the card
  • Results: Debt eliminated in 18 months, earned 14,000 ThankYou Points
  • Vacation: Used points for economy flights to Europe ($560 value)

"I saved over $1,300 in interest and earned a free trip to Paris. This approach changed my relationship with credit cards completely," Sarah told us.

Alternatives to Consider

If you can't qualify for dual-purpose cards:

If you're debt-free already:

The Bottom Line: Your Path to Debt-Free Travel

Dual-purpose credit cards prove you don't have to choose between financial responsibility and travel dreams. The best cards offer legitimate solutions for both debt consolidation and rewards earning.

Start with your debt situation. If you need 18+ months to pay off balances, prioritize the longest intro APR periods. If you can eliminate debt faster, focus on higher rewards rates.

Either way, you'll save money on interest while building toward your next adventure. That's a combination that makes perfect financial sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use multiple dual-purpose cards simultaneously?A: Yes, but be strategic. Transfer debt to the card with the longest intro period, then use another for new purchases if it offers better rewards.

Q: What happens if I can't pay off the balance before the intro period ends?A: You'll face the regular APR, typically 18-24%. Plan your payments to avoid this situation, or consider another balance transfer.

Q: Do balance transfers hurt my credit score?A: The credit inquiry will cause a small, temporary drop. However, reducing your overall utilization usually improves your score within a few months.

Q: Can I transfer balances between cards from the same bank?A: Generally no. Most issuers don't allow transfers between their own cards.

Q: Should I close my old cards after transferring balances?A: Usually no. Keeping them open (with zero balances) helps your credit utilization ratio and credit history length.

Q: What's the difference between these cards and traditional balance transfer cards?A: Traditional balance transfer cards like the Wells Fargo Reflect® focus solely on debt consolidation. Dual-purpose cards add meaningful rewards earning to the equation.

Q: Can I earn sign-up bonuses on these cards?A: Yes! Many dual-purpose cards offer welcome bonuses ranging from $200-500 cash back or equivalent points after meeting spending requirements.

Q: How do dual-purpose cards compare to personal loans for debt consolidation?A: Personal loans offer fixed rates and terms but no rewards. Dual-purpose cards provide flexibility and earning potential but require discipline to avoid new debt.

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Credit Cards