How to build the best credit card duo for your lifestyle
Quick insights
- Your preferred credit card duo may depend on your spending habits and how you prefer to earn and redeem rewards.
- Common credit card pairings can include a mix of cash back rewards cards, travel cards and cards with rotating bonus spending categories.
- Managing multiple cards typically involves tracking spending, due dates, minimum payments and annual fees (when applicable).
When applying for a new credit card, you may want to consider strategizing whether a credit card duo could benefit your lifestyle. A strong combination may help you earn more rewards on everyday purchases and might provide access to different benefits than with a single card.
A strategic credit card duo for your specific circumstances often depends on your spending habits and preferred credit card benefits. For example, a cash back credit card could allow you to maximize rewards on routine purchases while a travel credit card could help you maximize rewards during vacations or business trips.
In this article, we’ll discuss some considerations for pairing different types of credit cards, common card duos and factors to weigh when thinking about adding a new credit card to your wallet.
Why consider more than one credit card
A potential advantage of having multiple credit cards is the ability to maximize reward earnings. Additionally, carrying different types of cards may allow you to access more credit card benefits.
Selecting a card duo that earns rewards on purchases you typically make may help you to maximize your cards’ point earning potential. Pairing cards with unique perks may also give you access to more cardmember benefits like travel protection benefits, purchase protections or airport lounge access.
Depending on the issuer of your credit cards, you may also have the option to pool points from multiple cards into one rewards system. This is typically allowed if the cards are from the same card issuer. This could potentially unlock higher redemption values for rewards (particularly for travel cards).
Having more than one card might also provide more financial flexibility. A second card can provide backup if one card is unexpectedly lost, stolen or declined. A higher combined total credit limit also may give you more flexibility for unexpected expenses or large purchases.
Common credit card pairings
Pairing credit cards means using two cards that complement each other—typically by covering different spending categories or delivering diverse rewards or benefits. A few common credit card pairings include:
Flat-rate rewards credit card + category bonus credit card
It is a common strategy to pair a card with a fixed cash back rate—like 1.5% cash back on all purchases—with a card offering accelerated rewards in select categories on a rotating basis. Common rotating categories include purchases at grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations and home improvements stores, to name a few.
In this example, a cardmember could use the flat rate card for everyday spending while using the card with bonus categories where possible. Of note, many cards with rotating categories require the cardmember to activate the category on a quarterly basis to earn the higher rewards rate.
Travel rewards credit card + cash back credit card
A travel rewards card paired with a cash back card may enable you to earn rewards toward travel while also earning cash back on other purchases. If you travel occasionally but also like to put a variety of purchases on your credit card, this pairing may provide the ability to maximize your rewards while also enjoying perks associated with a travel rewards card. These perks often include airport lounge access, statement credits or travel protection benefits.
Rewards credit card + low annual fee credit card
Rewards cards typically have multiple categories that can earn accelerated rewards and a suite of cardmember benefits, like travel protection benefits, statement credits or even airport lounge access. It is common for this type of card to have an annual fee.
On the flip side, cards with low annual fees generally have fewer cardmember benefits but can still provide the ability to earn rewards on everyday purchases. Pairing a rewards card with perks with a low annual fee card may provide you with different benefits and ways to earn rewards while helping you manage overall annual costs.
Two credit cards with different bonus categories
Some cardmembers pair two cards that earn the highest rewards on their largest or most frequent credit card purchases. The idea here is that each card targets different spending habits and earns rewards on the categories where you spend the most.
Let's say you like putting everyday purchases on a credit card but also travel frequently. You might consider pairing a credit card that earns rewards at an accelerated rate at grocery stores or gas stations with a card that provides travel benefits and perks. In this scenario, frequent travelers may have access to travel protection benefits and airport lounge access with one card while having the ability to earn accelerated rewards on everyday spending with the other.
Determining which credit card duo is right for you
Here are a few things you may want to consider when weighing which credit card duo may work well for you:
- Spending categories: Finding a card that earns rewards in the categories where you spend the most can help you earn more rewards.
- Cardmember benefits: Consider which cardmembers benefits could be beneficial to you. Benefits may include airport lounge access, reimbursement for lost luggage or other travel-related issues, fraud protections or partner benefits and discounts.
- Rewards: How do you want to earn and redeem rewards? Cash back, points and miles are common ways to earn credit card rewards. Similarly, do you want to track rotating bonus categories or would a flat rate be easier for you to manage?
- Annual fees: The annual fees on credit cards can vary. You may want to consider what fees you feel comfortable paying and what the card offers in exchange for those fees.
Considerations of having multiple credit cards
While there are benefits of having more than one credit card, managing multiple cards can take more planning and monitoring. You may be tracking multiple payment due dates and minimum payment amounts. Having a system to notify you of payment dates may help you avoid missing payments which can result in late fees, interest charges and dips in your credit score.
If you are applying for more than one card, keep in mind that some card issuers may deny applications if you’ve applied for multiple cards in a short period of time.
In summary
Pairing credit cards could help you earn more rewards, provide access to different benefits and add flexibility to your finances. Your preferred credit card duo may depend on your lifestyle and spending habits (how frequently you travel, how often you dine out vs. make purchases at grocery stores, etc.).
Popular card duos may include a mix of travel, rewards and cash back cards as well as those with many cardmember benefits or those with low annual fees. With your preferred combination and responsible credit card use, a credit card pairing can help you maximize your cards’ reward earning potential.
