Combining Credit Cards to Maximize Benefits

Introduction to Credit Card Combinations

Diving into the world of rewards points and travel can be overwhelming, especially if you're looking to optimize your current collection of credit cards. Strategically combining credit cards is one of the easiest ways to maximize your earning potential. You may have heard of popular credit card combinations like the Chase Trifecta or Amex Trifecta, but there are plenty of other ways to mix and match cards for the best benefits.

Optimal Card Combinations

A good credit card combination often depends on several factors. The key point is that both cards should offer similar rewards but have different bonus categories. This allows you to maximize benefits across various transactions instead of relying on just one card.

Combining Amex Platinum and Amex Gold

The American Express Platinum card comes with a hefty annual fee of $895, but it’s ideal for frequent travelers. With this card, you earn 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. Plus, it grants you access to airport lounges and a host of other valuable perks.

On the other hand, the American Express Gold card, with a $325 annual fee, is perfect for food enthusiasts. You’ll earn 4 points for every dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.

Why This is a Great Combination

Using both of these cards allows you to earn more points on flights with the Amex Platinum compared to only using the Gold card (5 points vs. 3 points). For restaurant and supermarket spending, the Gold card also yields more points (4 points vs. 1 point) than the Platinum. Moreover, the benefits and statement credits offered by both cards complement each other seamlessly.

To learn more, check out the full reviews of the Amex Platinum and Amex Gold cards.

Combining Chase Sapphire Preferred and Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one of my favorite travel rewards cards. It allows you to earn 5 Ultimate Rewards points for every dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3 points for dining, and 2 points on all other purchases. With an annual fee of only $95, it’s quite a reasonable option.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is an excellent choice for everyday use. This card has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on all other transactions.

Why This is an Effective Combination

Both of these cards help you earn more points on dining transactions. However, the Sapphire Preferred will earn you more points on non-travel purchases through Chase. The Freedom Unlimited card shines for spending outside of bonus categories. By owning both cards, you can combine their rewards and transfer them to any of Chase’s travel partners to maximize value.

Combining Ink Business Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Ink Business Preferred card is one of my top business cards, allowing you to earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet services, cable, and phone services, as well as social media advertising.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the premium version of the Sapphire Preferred. With it, you gain access to lounges and numerous other valuable benefits.

Why This is a Good Combination

If you have significant business expenses, combining a business card with a personal card can be advantageous. This combination allows you to use the Ink Business Preferred for your initial spending each year and the Sapphire Reserve for travel and dining transactions to maximize your points earning potential.

Combining Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve

By owning both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards, you can optimize your rewards points for travel spending.

The Sapphire Reserve will help you earn 8 points for every dollar spent on transactions through Chase Travel and 4 points for hotel and flight bookings.

Why This is a Smart Combination

This combination will maximize your rewards points for travel spending, ensuring you earn at least 2 points for every dollar spent.

Combining Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and Capital One Venture Rewards

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card has no annual fee and is perfect for everyday spending. This card allows you to earn 5% cash back on hotels, rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.