Perfect Duos: 10 Best Credit Card Combos to Maximize Rewards

best credit card combos for the ultimate card setup

Finding a great rewards credit card setup can feel overwhelming with so many options available. However, pairing the right cards based on your spending habits and lifestyle can significantly boost your rewards and savings. Whether you’re a foodie indulging in restaurants, a frequent traveler chasing miles, or a family planner managing household expenses, there’s a perfect credit card combination for you.

We’ve curated some of the best credit card combos tailored to ten unique spending themes. From luxury seekers to everyday spenders, these pairings are designed to help you maximize points per dollar while minimizing costs. Read on to discover the ideal setup for your lifestyle and start making every swipe count.

1. The Foodie

For the food lovers feasting on local grub and exploring flavors at home.

Whether dining at a Michelin-star restaurant or perfecting a homemade pasta dish, foodies spend a significant portion of their budget on dining and groceries. A carefully chosen pairing can turn those expenses into delicious rewards.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go

us bank altitude go credit card

Designed for busy lifestyles and hectic schedules, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® offers solid rewards for restaurant spending and other everyday purchases, all without charging an annual fee.

Apply now

Reward rates

4X points

on Dining (includes Takeout)

2X points

on Grocery Stores

2X points

on Streaming Services & Gas Stations

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 within 90 days.
  • Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
  • Streaming credit: Get a $15 credit annually for a streaming service subscription.

Annual fee: $0

American Express® Blue Cash Preferred®

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® is a top pick for those who value high cash back on groceries. With its standout rewards on everyday essentials, this card ensures maximum earning as you stock your pantry.

Apply now

Reward rates

6% cash back

on U.S. Supermarkets
(up to $6,000 per year)

6% cash back

on select U.S. Streaming Subscriptions

3% cash back

on Transit and U.S. Gas Stations

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: Up to $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 within 6 months.
  • Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
  • Disney credit: Receive $7 back monthly (after spending $9.99+) on an auto-renewing Disney bundle subscription.

Annual fee: $95 (waived for the first year)

Tip!: You could also splurge on the American Express Gold Card for a single card that earns 4x on Dining and 4x on Grocery, along with hundreds in dining related credits throughout the year.

2. Frequent Traveler

For those always planning their next trip or bucket list adventure.

Domestic and global explorers can boost rewards for flights, hotels, and dining, and enjoy perks like lounge access, hotel loyalty status, and travel insurance.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

A premium travel card earning valuable rewards on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® amplifies every journey with perks like airport lounge access, travel protections, and flexible point redemption options.

Apply now

Reward rates

3X points

on Travel (includes Flights, Hotels, Cruises, Car Rental, and Transit)

3X points

on Dining (includes Takeout and Delivery)

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 within 3 months.
  • $300 Travel credit: Get a flexible statement credit annually for travel purchases you make using the card.
  • 50% Redemption boost: When you book through Chase Travel, your points will be worth 50% more (i.e. 60,000 points are worth $900).
  • Premium travel insurance: Best-in-class protections like Auto Rental, Lost or Delayed Baggage, Trip Delay or Cancellation, and more when you book your travel with the card.
  • Premium lounge access: Use Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges for yourself and two guests for added comfort and pre-flight eats anytime you fly.
  • TSA/Global Entry credit: Receive up to $120 credit every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
  • Transfer partners: Transfer your points to travel partners like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott, and Hyatt for even more value.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $550

Airline and/or Hotel card of your choice

Once you have a solid travel card, it’s best to pair it with a card from an airline and/or hotel that you frequently use to add benefits like free checked bags, elite status, and additional discounts.

United Explorer MileagePlus Credit Card

United Explorer
Apply now

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

Southwest Premier
Apply now

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Marriott Boundless
Apply now

World of Hyatt Credit Card

World of Hyatt
Apply now

Reward rates:

2x on United purchases
2x on Hotels & Dining

3x on Southwest purchases
3x on Transit

6x on Marriott purchases
3x on Grocery, Dining & Gas

4x on Hyatt purchases
2x on Flights, Dining, Transit & Gyms

Welcome bonus:

50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 within 3 months

50,000 points after you spend $1,000 within 3 months

85,000 points after you spend $4,000 within 3 months

30,000 points after you spend $3,000 within 3 months

Card benefits:

– 2 United Club passes
– Free checked bag
– Priority boarding

– 6,000 anniversary points 
– 25% back on Inflight

– Annual free night
– Marriott Silver status

– Annual free night
– Hyatt Discoverist status

Annual fee:

$95 (waived 1st year)

$99

$95

$95

3. Online Shopper

For those who prefer to shop with just the click of a mouse.

Whether hunting the latest fits, stocking up on essentials, or subscribing to a service – online shoppers can rack up substantial rewards by using cards that focus on e-commerce.

Amazon Prime Rewards

Chase Prime Visa Credit Card

For dedicated Amazon shoppers, the Amazon Prime Rewards card delivers unmatched rewards on not only Amazon.com purchases but also Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market – perfect for a seamless shopping experience.

Apply now

Reward rates

5% cash back

on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market

2% cash back

on Dining, Gas Stations, and Transit

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: $100 Amazon gift card upon approval.
  • Purchase protection: Extended warranty and purchase protection for eligible items.
  • Redeem on Amazon: Cashback can be applied directly to Amazon purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $0 (requires Amazon Prime membership, $139/year).

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

American Express Blue Cash Everyday Credit Card

A solid option for earning elevated cash back on a broad range of online purchases, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday helps maximize savings. And with no annual fee, it’s a smart way to save money.

Apply now

Reward rates

3% cash back

on Online Retail (up to $6,000 annually)

3% cash back

on Groceries (up to $6,000 annually)

3% cash back

on Gas (up to $6,000 annually)

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $2,000 within 6 months.
  • Home Chef credit: Up to $180 Home Chef credit annually ($15 per month).
  • Disney credit: Up to $84 Disney Bundle credit annually ($7 per month).

Annual fee: $0

4. Small Business Owner

For entrepreneurs juggling operational costs and many different hats.

We all want our money to work smarter, not harder. A well-chosen business card pairing that aligns with ongoing expense categories can supercharge rewards while managing cash flow.

Chase Ink Business Preferred®

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Built for all types of entrepreneurs, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® credit card offers substantial earning potential on business expenses like shipping, advertising, and travel, helping to optimize budgets and rewards.

Apply now

Reward rates

3X points

on Shipping & Advertising

3X points

on Internet, Cable, Phone

3X points

on Travel

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: 90,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards after you spend $8,000 within 3 months.
  • Transfer partners: Transfer your points to airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott, and Hyatt for even more value.
  • 25% points boost: Get a 25% point discount when booking with points on Chase Travel.
  • Purchase protection: Extended warranty and purchase protection for eligible items.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $95

American Express Blue Business® Plus

American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card

The Amex Blue Business® Plus credit card is a simple, straightforward solution for small business owners and sole proprietors alike, with an elevated rate of Membership Rewards earned on every purchase.

Apply now

Reward rates

2X points

on All Purchases
(up to $50,000 per year)

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 within 3 months + 0% intro APR for 12 months.
  • Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
  • Transfer partners: Transfer your points to airlines and hotels like Delta, Emirates, JetBlue, Hilton, and Marriott for even more value.
  • Purchase protection: Extended warranty and purchase protection for eligible items.

Annual fee: $0

5. Family Planner

For parents and caregivers managing everyday expenses for a whole crew.

The home organizer spends on groceries, gas, entertainment, and all those little necessities that keep life running smoothly – and needs a combination that delivers big on rewards.

American Express® Blue Cash Preferred®

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred is a top pick for those who value high cash back on groceries. With its standout rewards on everyday essentials, this card ensures maximum earning as you stock your pantry.

Apply now

Reward rates

6% cash back

on U.S. Supermarkets
(up to $6,000 per year)

6% cash back

on select U.S. Streaming Subscriptions

3% cash back

on Transit and U.S. Gas Stations

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: Up to $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 within 6 months.
  • Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
  • Disney credit: Receive $7 back monthly (after spending $9.99+) on an auto-renewing Disney bundle subscription.

Annual fee: $95 (waived for the first year)

Costco Anywhere Visa®

Costco Anywhere Visa Credit Card

Designed for value-conscious families, the Costco Anywhere Visa provides generous rewards on gas, dining, and Costco purchases, making it an ideal solution for bulk buying and more.

Apply now

Reward rates

4% cash back

on Gas & EV Charging (up to $7,000 annually)

3% cash back

on Dining and eligible Travel

2% cash back

on Costco and Costco.com

Card benefits

  • Cash rewards: Certificate issued annually for Costco redemption.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $0 (requires a Costco membership, starting at $60/year).

Tip!:  If you don’t shop at Costco, consider the U.S. Bank Cash+ card which earns 5% cash back on your top 2 eligible spending categories each quarter (includes Fast Food, Internet/Phone, Home Utilities, Department Stores, Fitness Centers, and more).

6. Luxury Seeker

For those who love boujee perks, status, and elevated experiences.

Living the high life brings exclusivity and convenience. Airport lounge access, concierge services, and exclusive travel upgrades that provide comfort, ease, and maximum rewards.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card from American Express

With its impressive benefits and satisfying metal card weight, The Platinum Card from American Express is a total flex. It’s loaded with luxe perks that outshine the mediocre earning multipliers.

Apply now

Reward rates

5X points

on Flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually)

5X points

on prepaid Hotels through Amex Travel

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Premium lounge access: Use The Centurion® Lounge, Priority Pass lounges, and more for added comfort and pre-flight eats anytime you fly.
  • Digital entertainment credit: Up to $240 credit annually for Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal (up to $20 per month).
  • Uber Cash: Up to $200 credit annually for Uber and Uber Eats (up to $15 per month).
  • Hotel credit: Get an annual credit up to $200 for hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Airline fee credit: Up to $200 annually toward airline incidental fees on your selected airline.
  • CLEAR Plus credit: Breeze through security with an annual $199 CLEAR Plus credit.
  • Walmart+ credit: Receive an annual $155 credit for Walmart+ membership.
  • Saks credit: Up to $100 Saks credit annually (up to $50 semi-annually).
  • TSA/Global Entry credit: Receive up to $120 credit every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
  • Hotel & Car rental status: Marriott Gold Elite, Hilton Gold, Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus, and National Emerald Club.
  • Transfer partners: Transfer your points to airlines and hotels like Delta, Emirates, JetBlue, Hilton, and Marriott for even more value.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $695

The Ritz-Carlton Card

The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card

Combining a blend of luxury travel perks and Marriott Bonvoy benefits, The Ritz-Carlton Card is a truly unmatched option for elevated stays, premium protection, and access to world-class hospitality.

Apply now

Reward rates

6X points

on Marriott purchases

3X points

on Dining and Airfare

2X points

on Everything Else

Card benefits

  • Free night award: Up to 85,000 point night credit annually (valued at up to $720).
  • Airline fee credit: Up to $300 annually toward incidental fees on any airline.
  • Elite Marriott status: Receive Marriott Gold Elite status as long as you hold the rewards card.
  • Club-level upgrades: 3 upgrade certificates each year for upgrades to club-level rooms.
  • Premium travel insurance: Best-in-class protections like Auto Rental, Lost or Delayed Baggage, Trip Delay or Cancellation, and more when you book your travel with the card.
  • Premium lounge access: Use Chase Sapphire and Priority Pass lounges for yourself and unlimited guests for added comfort and pre-flight eats anytime you fly.
  • Transfer partners: Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to partner airlines like United, Delta, and Southwest at a 3:1 ratio. 
  • TSA/Global Entry credit: Receive up to $120 credit every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.

Annual fee: $450

Tip!: The Ritz-Carlton card is no longer publicly available, but if you hold an eligible Chase Marriott card (Bold, Boundless, or Bountiful) for 12+ months, you can product change to this card.

7. Tech Enthusiast

For the techie who seeks the freshest gadgets and lives a digital lifestyle.

Tech shoppers spend on everything from big gadgets to little must-have apps, making a combo of cards for electronics, software, and digital services the perfect pairing to level up.

Apple Card

Apple Credit Card

Tailored for tech-savvy users living the iLife, the Apple Card offers a modern rewards structure with daily cash back on Apple purchases, all wrapped up in a sleek, digital-first experience.

Apply now

Reward rates

3% cash back

on Apple purchases (including devices, accessories, and subscriptions)

3% cash back

on Chargepoint, Nike, T-Mobile, Uber, Walgreens, and more when you pay with Apple Pay

2% cash back

on all other purchases made with Apple Pay

Card benefits

  • Daily Cash: Automatic deposits of cash back to high-yield savings (optional).
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $0

U.S. Bank Cash+®

US Bank Cash Plus Credit Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+ card offers flexibility by letting you select your reward categories. It’s a great option if you want to earn higher rewards on tech purchases and digital subscriptions.

Apply now

Reward rates

5% cash back

on two categories of your choice each quarter (up to $2,000 quarterly), including Electronics Stores.

3% cash back

on one everyday category each quarter, like Groceries, Gas/EV Charging, or Dining

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $1,000 within 90 days + 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles.
  • 5% categories: Includes Fast Food, TV / Internet / Streaming, Phone, Home Utilities, Department Stores, Furniture Stores, Electronic Stores, Sporting Goods Stores, Gyms/Fitness Centers, Ground Transportation, Movie Theatres, and select Clothing Stores.

Annual fee: $0

8. Self Care Fanatic

For those who prioritize everyday wellness, from physical fitness to mental fitness. 

When you treat yourself, you can turn your wellness routine into rewards that glow-up with things like gym memberships, spa days, drugstores, and health spending.

Citi Custom Cash℠

citi custom cash credit card

The Citi Custom Cash automatically offers higher rewards in your top spending category each month, making it a solid option if you frequently spend in areas like gym memberships or spas.

Apply now

Reward rates

5% cash back

on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), including Fitness Clubs and Drugstores.

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $1,500 within 6 months.
  • Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 months.
  • 5% Categories: Includes Dining, Drugstores, Fitness Clubs, Gas/EV Charging, Groceries, Home Improvement Stores, Live Entertainment, select Streaming, select Transit, and select Travel.

Annual fee: $0

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards

Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Credit Card

Perfect for wellness spending, the Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards offers a unique option to boost your earnings in categories like drugstores, health services, and more to support a healthier you.

Apply now

Reward rates

3% cash back

on Health purchases

3% cash back

on Home & Auto purchases

Card benefits

  • Welcome Bonus: $200 bonus after you open a Rewards Checking account and make 3 debit transactions.
  • 3% Health categories: Includes Chiropractors, Counseling Services, Health and Beauty Spas, Drugstores, Dance Halls and Studios, Sports Clubs, and more.

Annual fee: $0

9. Eco-Conscious Consumer

For the eco-warriors striving for sustainability and green initiatives for the planet.

Shoppers can make an impact with environmentally friendly habits, such as renewable energy, eco-friendly products, and secondhand purchases – and get rewarded in the process.

FutureCard

FutureCard Debit

For eco-friendly shoppers, the FutureCard encourages greener habits in everyday life and rewards sustainable purchases like renewable energy, public transportation, and eco-conscious brands.

Apply now

Reward rates

6% cash back

on Brand Partners (includes Bombas, Purple Carrot, Rothy’s, AllBirds, and more)

5% cash back

on 50k+ Sustainable Stores and Public transit

5% cash back

on Groceries

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: $5 after you fund $10+ to the card.
  • Sustainable stores: Includes Secondhand and Thrift Stores, Sustainable Home Goods and Beauty, Plant-based Restaurants, and more.
  • EV charging boost: Earn 10% cash back at U.S. Charging Stations
  • Community solar boost: Save 10% on your Arcadia energy bill when you link and pay with FutureCard (where available).
  • Bikeshare & Scootershare: Earn 10% cashback on bike and scooter shares nationwide.
  • Earn on your balance: Get up to 1.75% APY on your debit balance.
  • No physical card: Save the plastic, it’s all digital. Use your card on your phone.

Annual fee: $0

Wells Fargo Attune

Wells Fargo Attune Credit Card

Designed with sustainability in mind, the Wells Fargo Attune offers rewards for environmentally friendly purchases and helps you take steps to lower your carbon footprint.

Apply now

Reward rates

4% cash back

on Local transit and EV charging

4% cash back

on select Thrift Stores

4% cash back

on Gym memberships, Salons, Spas

Card benefits

  • Welcome Bonus: $100 bonus after you spend $500 within 3 months.
  • Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
  • Giving bonus: Wells Fargo will donate $50 to Capital Link when you qualify for the welcome bonus.
  • Recycled card: Feel better about your impact knowing your card is made of recycled plastic.
  • Cell protection: Get up to $600 of cell phone protection when you pay your phone bill with this card.

Annual fee: $0

10. Everyday Spender

For those seeking simplicity and consistent rewards across all categories.

Whether buying groceries, filling up at the gas station, or covering daily essentials, everyday spenders need cards that provide straightforward, high-value rewards.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash Credit Card

A no-fuss card offering simple and consistent cash back on all purchases, the Citi Double Cash® is perfect for those seeking straightforward, reliable everyday value across a wide range of spending categories.

Apply now

Reward rates

2% cash back

on All Purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $1,500 within 6 months.
  • Unlimited cash back: Get 2% on everything you buy without any spending caps.

Annual fee: $0

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Rewards Mastercard

Ideal for renters, the Bilt Mastercard is the only card that offers rewards on rent payments without fees. Plus, you can earn extra points when you spend on dining and travel.

Apply now

Reward rates

3X points

on Dining

2X points

on Travel

1X points

on Rent

Card benefits

  • Welcome bonus: 5x for 5 days on all purchases (targeted).
  • Rent day bonuses: Earn even more on the 1st of each month with 6x on dining, 4x on travel, and 2x on other purchases (except rent).
  • Transfer partners: Transfer your points to airlines and hotels like Alaska Airlines, Emirates, United, Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt for even more value.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Annual fee: $0

Tip!: If you don’t pay rent, consider the Citi Strata Premier which earns 3x on Dining, Grocery, and Gas/EV Charging to boost your spending in those everyday categories. You’d also get 3x on Flights and Hotels when you travel.

Pairing the Best Credit Card Combos

The right rewards credit card combination can transform your everyday spending into incredible rewards. By aligning your card choices with your spending habits, you can earn more points, cash back, or miles without spending extra. From the tech enthusiast upgrading their gadgets to the eco-conscious consumer aiming for sustainability, each of these card setups has something valuable to offer.

Remember, the combination of cards must work for your unique needs, no matter if it’s for travel rewards or a cash back card. Take a moment to assess your spending habits, explore the cards that suit your goals, and make the most of the opportunities at hand. With the right cards in your wallet, you’ll be on your way to smarter spending and maximum rewards.

Editor’s note: Opinions shared in this article are solely the author’s and do not represent the views of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other organization. The content has not been evaluated, approved, or endorsed by any of the mentioned entities. These are our recommendations but it isn’t financial advice. We may receive a commission if you click through any of the links in this article.

Share this article: