Maximizing Cash Back: Strategies for Using Multiple Cards
The best cash back credit cards let you get a percentage back in rewards for each dollar you spend. Rewards may be given out as a flat rate that applies no matter what you charge to your card, or you could earn more rewards in specific bonus categories like groceries or dining out. The best part? Most cash back credit cards don't charge an annual fee, and some come with perks like purchase protection and extended warranties.
To take your cash back rewards to the next level, you can even pair up a few different rewards cards that complement each other. This strategy makes the most sense for consumers who are organized, willing to trade out cards for different types of purchases and not at risk for racking up long-term debt.
Why is it good to have multiple credit cards? We'll explain more below with tips on how to pick cards that work well together.
Key Insights
Having more than one credit card can help you boost your rewards balances over time, but only if you pick the right cards and use them in a strategic way.
Pitfalls of having multiple credit cards include the inconvenience of having several bills and due dates and the potential for long-term debt.
Remember that having more than one card can help or hurt your credit. For the best results, pay your credit card statement balance in full each month and never make a late payment.
Is it Good to Have Multiple Credit Cards?
Having more than one credit card can be a game-changer for your rewards game, and that's true whether you focus on earning cash back, want to earn travel rewards or prefer to have a little of both. Not only do you have the potential to earn more rewards if you're strategic about card use, but having any number of cards gives you the chance to build credit with on-time payments and responsible use.
However, serious downsides can come into play when you lean too hard on credit and fall behind on your bills. Consider the pros and cons of having multiple cards before you dive in.
Pros
Having multiple cards with different earning rates helps you maximize rewards. If you use different cards with different rewards rates that give you more points or cash back for various types of spending, you can boost your rewards over time.
You can earn more than one sign-up bonus. Depending on the cards you sign up for, these bonuses can be worth a few hundred dollars each or potentially more.
Take advantage of different cardholder perks. You can also select cards based on the benefits they offer, whether you're interested in purchase protections or travel insurance benefits.
Some programs let you pool rewards for premium redemptions. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards let you pool points from most cards for premium travel options like enhanced travel redemptions through a portal or 1:1 point transfers to airlines and hotels.
Cons
Multiple cards means multiple bills. Juggling a few cards means you'll have several credit card bills to track and pay each month.
It may be easier to rack up debt. Multiple credit card bills and due dates may make it easier to spend more than you planned and rack up long-term debt.
You might be paying for overlapping benefits. If you use more than one travel credit card specifically, you may be paying annual fees for perks you don't need more than once.
Watch out for credit score impact. While on-time payments on credit cards help your score over time, each new card you sign up for results in a hard inquiry on your credit reports. These inquiries can ding your score in the short-term.
How to Use Multiple Credit Cards: Expert Tips and Strategies
Is it good or bad to have multiple credit cards? At the end of the day, it all depends on how you use them. These expert tips can help you get the most out of multiple credit cards while avoiding pitfalls like late payments and debt.
Search for the Best Bonus Offers
If you plan to sign up for multiple credit cards, you'll want to make sure each one has a generous sign-up bonus you can earn right off the bat. And remember, that's on top of the rewards you earn for regular purchases.
That said, you need to make sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement for bonuses with regular spending and bills. Credit card rewards expert Ryan Smith says that, each time you begin pursuing a credit card signup bonus, you should "shift your phone bill, rent, insurance and anything possible onto a card providing a bonus" to ensure you meet the spending threshold with ease.
"That's the most valuable return on spending possible," he said.
Alternate Cards for Different Purchases
The main point of having different cards is picking ones that have contrasting rewards rates on different types of spending. Many rewards enthusiasts go with one or two cards that earn bonus rewards in categories like dining out, gas, groceries, drugstore purchases or streaming services, then pair up with a card that offers a higher flat rate on all types of spending.
According to Smith, it's smart to be strategic about which cards you pick for your wallet. Ideally, you'll pick a handful of cards that reward you the most for categories you specifically spend in throughout the year, whatever they are.
Maybe you spend a lot on gas for your commute to work, or you're constantly dining out with friends. Perhaps your biggest bill is groceries each month, and you want a card that offers the highest possible rate on food spending.
"Look for a credit card to keep long-term with bonus cash back or points on those purchases," said Smith.
Get (and Stay) Organized
Smith also cautions that carrying multiple credit cards requires organization. After all, each card you have will have a different statement date and bill payment due date, and it can be difficult to track how much you've spent when money is going in different directions all the time.
"You should use whatever system works for you, but you need to be organized to ensure you know how much you've spent, what card you spent it on and when the bill is due," said Smith.
Staying organized can help you avoid missed payments that can lead to hefty fees and damage to your credit score.
"Don't take on more than you can manage," he said.
Be Strategic With Recurring Payments
Credit card rewards expert Matthew Coan of Casavvy.com says you'll want to take stock of your credit card earning rates, benefits and recurring payments you have each time you add a new card to your portfolio.
For example, start with any recurring payments you make (streaming services, gym memberships, etc.) and move those payments over to the card that offers the highest regards rate possible.
"This makes everything simple and easy moving forward so you don’t have to think twice about which card to use," said Coan.
Maximize Cardholder Perks
If you have credit cards that offer statement credits for specific types of purchases, you'll also want to make sure those cards are set as the preferred payment form for that type of spending. Also enroll in any cardholder benefits you have that require this extra step.
Never, Ever Miss a Payment
Not surprisingly, Coan says the most important move you'll make when juggling multiple credit cards is making your payments on time and in full.
"Any interest or late fees you are charged will just eat away at the rewards you earn," he said.
This is especially true right now with the average credit card interest rate over 20%, according to the Federal Reserve.
If you're worried about late payments or missing a payment, you can consider strategies like marking due dates on your calendar or setting up automatic payments.
"Setting automatic payments is a good strategy. but make sure to still check your statement each month in case there are any unauthorized charges on your account." said Coan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Good or Bad to Have Multiple Credit Cards?
Having more than one credit card can be a boon for your rewards game since it gives you the chance to earn more rewards on everything you buy. There are still downsides to be aware of, including the potential for missed payments and debt. Make sure you only sign up for more than one credit card if you're organized and disciplined enough to track your spending.
Is it Good to Have Multiple Credit Cards From the Same Bank?
Having more than one credit card from the same bank can pay off in a big way, although this really depends on which cards and programs you use.
The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is one of the best when it comes to having multiple credit cards. You could pair a cash back credit card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, pool all your rewards in one account and redeem for premium options.
Does Having Multiple Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score?
Each new card you apply for results in a hard inquiry on your credit reports, which can temporarily ding your score. However, keeping debt levels low and making on-time payments on your cards should help your credit score increase over time.
