Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Editor's Note This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Whether you're new to the world of points and miles or just looking for the best ways to level up your current card portfolio, a strategic credit card pairing is one of the easiest ways to maximize your earning potential.
You've likely heard of the most popular card groupings — such as the Chase Trifecta and the Amex Trifecta — but these are far from the only ways to combine credit cards.
Let's discuss how different credit cards work together to boost your earning power and go over some of the best credit card combinations.
Several factors can make a good card combination.
Often, a good pair is one in which both cards earn the same rewards currency, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards , but have different bonus categories. This way, you'll be able to maximize your earnings across a wider range of purchases than you would with just one card.
Each pairing below shows how to boost your earnings with two complementary cards.
Related: 7 of the best cards to pair with the Amex Gold
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high $895 annual fee (see rates and fees ) but is great for travelers since it earns 5 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
It also comes with extensive airport lounge access for eligible cardmembers, plus a slew of valuable statement credits .
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The American Express® Gold Card is a foodie's dream card with a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees ). It earns 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter) and on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter).
It also comes with statement credits each calendar year for dining and takeout purchases. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Why they're a great combination : These cards work great together because you'll earn more on flights with the Amex Platinum than you would with the Amex Gold alone (5 points per dollar spent when booking directly or through Amex Travel rather than 3 points per dollar spent when booking directly with airlines, amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™; a spending cap applies for the Amex Platinum) and more at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets with the Gold than you wou…