Can you have a Chase points credit card and cash back card?
Quick insights
- You can apply for both a points and a cash back credit card with Chase.
- Pairing different credit cards may increase the potential to earn rewards across multiple spending categories.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards® points earned with eligible cards can be combined, which could provide more redemption options for cardmembers.
If you’re looking to strategize earning rewards with your credit card purchases, you may find that pairing a points card with a cash back card provides a way to earn more from your purchases. The good news is that you can hold both types of Chase credit cards simultaneously.
In this guide, we’ll cover ways to strategically use this card pairing, while also highlighting some considerations for managing multiple credit cards.
Having multiple Chase credit cards
Chase allows cardmembers to hold more than one rewards credit card. “Rewards credit card” is a broad term these days; Chase has rewards cards that include cash back cards, travel cards and co-branded cards. If a card earns any type of rewards, it can be considered a rewards card.
Generally, Chase does not have restrictions on holding more than one different credit card at a time, provided cardmembers meet the eligibility requirements for each card in question. Note that some credit card issuers might deny applications for cardmembers who open more than one card in a 30-day period.
Pairing a points credit card and cash back credit card
Even though they share the same issuer, Chase credit cards can earn rewards in different forms—such as points, miles or cash back—and earn rates may vary by card. Accelerated earn categories (for example, travel or dining) differ by product and can affect how quickly rewards accumulate.
Chase travel cards, including co-branded cards with airlines and hotels, earn points or miles; their accelerated categories often include travel purchases. Cash back cards earn a set percentage back on purchases. Because cash back is technically posted to your account as points, you may redeem cash back as a statement credit or a direct deposit into an eligible Chase account, as well as for gift cards, travel and shopping.
Pairing both a points card and a cash back card can be a useful way to combine benefits and earning structures. Travel credit cards may include features such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits or travel-related status benefits with airlines or hotels. Cash back cards can be a practical option for everyday spending, with the ability to redeem rewards for statement credits or eligible deposits.
Combining rewards from multiple cards
Having multiple cards from the same card issuer, like Chase, means you may be able to combine the rewards of multiple cards for potentially greater redemption options. Chase, for example, allows cardmembers to combine points across certain cards or even transfer points to members of their household.
Chase-branded credit card rewards can be redeemed or transferred through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Chase cardmembers can manage multiple cards from a single online account, which may make it easier to track and transfer rewards. Ultimate Rewards points do not expire provided the cardmember’s account is open and in good standing, which means it's possible to save up points over time before redeeming them.
Considerations for holding multiple cards
Managing multiple credit cards may require a bit of additional time and effort. Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind when using or applying for additional cards:
- Annual fees: Many rewards cards have an annual fee. If you plan to have multiple credit cards with annual fees, it may be helpful to consider your budget and if the benefits are worth the fees.
- Managing payments: Keeping track of different billing cycles, payment due dates and minimum payment amounts for several cards may take more planning and management than keeping track of a single card.
- Overlapping benefits: If two cards offer similar benefits, you might be paying annual fees for perks you already have or can only use once.
When you apply for a new card, it might have a new cardmember welcome bonus offer. These offers generally provide the opportunity to earn additional rewards when a new cardmember hits a spending target within a specific period. If you apply for a new credit card, you may want to consider if you’re able to meet the spending requirements to earn the welcome bonus offer.
You also may want to consider the impact of applying for multiple credit cards. Credit card applications typically result in a hard pull of your credit, which can affect your credit score.
In summary
Chase cardmembers can have a points credit card and a cash back card at the same time if you meet the eligibility requirements for both cards. Having different rewards cards may give you more ways to earn and redeem rewards.
“Rewards credit card” is a general term for any card that earns rewards. This can include cash back cards as well as travel and co-branded cards. Some rewards cards earn points or miles, while others earn a set percent of your purchase back (e.g., 1% cash back on all purchases).
Cardmembers can combine or pool their rewards from Chase-branded credit cards in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. In the portal, points can be used for a variety of redemption options.
