Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Citi Premier® Card is no longer available to new applicants. Citi is no longer accepting applications for the Citi Custom Cash® Card product as of May 28, 2026.
Most people would love to just use one credit card for all purchases. However, no credit card currently offers all of the perks and rewards needed to make it the one card to rule them all.
Instead, the best way to maximize the return on your purchases is by curating a credit card portfolio. By using the right combination of cards, you can earn the highest amount of rewards on every type of purchase you make.
And thankfully this doesn't have to be a complicated process. CNBC Select breaks downs some of the best two- and three-card combos that can help you really maximize the return on every dollar you spend.
Best credit card combinations
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Best Chase credit card combo
- Core combo: Chase Freedom Flex® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
- Earning rates: 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2X on all other travel purchases, 1X on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Combined annual fee: $95
- No-annual-fee card to boost your earnings: Chase Freedom Unlimited® (See rates and fees)
The Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent cash-back card for maximizing your spending in a variety of categories.
- Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Rewarding quarterly bonus categories
- No annual fee
- Bonus categories are capped each quarter
- Has a foreign transaction fee
Rewards
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%)
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex® is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You'll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in a quarterly rotating bonus category and on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (then 1%). Plus, you'll earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and at drugstores.
Those are great earning rates, but your rewards are only worth one cent per point if you only have the Chase Freedom Flex. Thankfully, you can boost the value of these points by turning your cash back into transferrable Ultimate Rewards® points worth much more than 1 cent per point. All you need to do is pair the Chase Freedom Flex with a Chase card that earns transferrable Ultimate Rewards points. For many, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the perfect match.
The $95-annual-fee Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3X on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2X on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. Points linked to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
Plus, eligible new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
To boost your return further, add the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The Freedom Unlimited is structured similarly to the Freedom Flex. However, instead of a 5% rotating category, the Freedom Unlimited offers new cardholders 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service), and 1.5% on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
- Users get a high rewards rate and strong welcome bonus
- Purchases and balance transfers get long intro APR
- No annual fee
- Travelers face a foreign transaction fee
- Few rewarding ongoing benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Best Citi credit card combo
- Core combo: Citi Double Cash® Card and Citi Premier® Card
- Earning rates: 3X points on restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel and hotels; 2X points on all other purchases
- Combined annual fee: $95
- No annual fee card to boost your earnings: Citi Custom Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.
- Balance transfers get a long intro APR
- Generous flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Travelers face a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR only applies to balance tranfer
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Citi Premier® Card
Rewards
3X points per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and on hotels and air travel, 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
21.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer, $5 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
Terms apply.
The Citi Premier is discontinued and no longer available for new applicants.
Pros
- Unlimited 3 points per $1 spent at gas stations
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No special financing offers
If you're looking for a simple no-annual-fee cashback card, it's hard to beat the Citi Double Cash. This card earns 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase plus 1% when you pay your bill. Boost your Citi Double Cash cash-back earnings by pairing it with a Citi card that earns ThankYou® Points. And what better card to pair it with than one of the best travel cards charging under a $100 annual fee: the Citi Premier Card.
The Citi Premier Card earns 3X ThankYou® Points per dollar spent at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel and hotels — and 1X point per dollar spent everywhere else. Plus, once per calendar year, you can save $100 off a hotel stay of $500+. That more than wipes out the card's $95 annual fee.
Citi ThankYou® Points can be transferred to any one of 16 airline and hotel partners. Citi's eclectic mix of airline partners takes a bit of getting used to. But, you'll be rewarded for doing so with 7,500-mile award flights to Hawaii, 45,000-mile business class awards to Europe (when using Turkish Airlines miles for United) and 45,000-mile business class award flights to Japan (when using Virgin Atlantic points for ANA).
You can further boost your earnings by adding the no-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash to your Citi card lineup. This card is practically a "choose your bonus category" card. You'll automatically earn 5% cash back in the category in which you spend the most each month, and the cashback is earned in the form of ThankYou® Points, so you'd also be able to transfer those rewards to airlines if you hold a Citi Premier card.
Best American Express combo
- Core combo: American Express® Gold Card and Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
- Earning rates:
American Express Gold: 4X points on dining at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X); 3X points on eligible flights.
Amex EveryDay Preferred: 2X points on gas; with the ability to earn 3X points at supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases), and 1X points on all other purchases.
- Annual fees: American Express Gold $325 (see rates and fees) Amex EveryDay Preferred $95 (see rates and fees)
- No annual fee card to boost your earnings: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees)
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option if you're starting a business because it's affordable, earns flexible travel rewards and offers an intro-APR on purchases for a year.
- Valuable intro-APR offer for purchases for 12 months
- Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs
- No annual fee
- Bonus rewards for purchases are capped
- Few useful travel insurance benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You've got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Larger annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
The American Express Gold Card is the ultimate dining and travel card. Cardholders earn 4X points on dining at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases each year, then 1X) and you'll earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. Plus, you can enroll to get valuable perks like $10 per month in dining credits and $10 per month in Uber Cash. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit. You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.
That's about as close as some people can get to a perfect credit card. But, there's also a way to complement this card. The Amex EveryDay Preferred has a base earning rate of 3X points on U.S supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases) and 2X points at U.S. gas stations. You can boost that base earning rate by 50% by making 30 purchases in a billing period. By doing so, you can earn 4.5X points on groceries, 3X points on gas and 1.5X points on all other purchases.
If you have a small business, you can complement this duo with the Blue Business Plus Credit Card. This no-annual-fee business card earns 2X points on up to $50,000 in everyday business purchases each year, 1X points thereafter. By strategically using this Amex trio, you'll earn a minimum of 2X points on all purchases — at least until you reach the $50,000 cap on the Blue Business Plus Card.
Best Capital One credit card combo
- Core combo: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Earning rates: 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services; 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target); and 2X miles on all other purchases
- Combined annual fee: $95
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining without paying an annual fee.
- One of the most rewarding cash back cards for entertainment and streaming services
- No annual fee
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- High APR
- Requires a good to excellent credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
Introductory fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 12 months that your account is open. After that, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you at any other time.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a reasonable annual fee and earns flexible travel rewards, which makes it a great travel card for beginners or heavy travelers.
- Valuable welcome offer worth at least $750 in travel
- You can transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lacks ongoing travel benefits such as statement credits or lounge access
- Limited bonus spending category that only applies to certain Capital One Travel bookings
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fee
None
Capital One offers two primary types of cards: miles-earning cards and cash-back cards. And the perfect Capital One card combo pairs the best credit card from each category.
Capital One's best cash-back card is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — which earns 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and 1% on all other purchases.
For simplicity in mileage earnings, it's hard to beat the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card benefit of unlimited 2X mileage earnings on every purchase. Plus, the Capital One Venture Card has a healthy welcome bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
By combining the two, you'll get solid cash back earnings in many popular spending categories and 2x miles on all other purchases. Redeem the Capital One Venture miles for travel at 1 cent each or transfer them to any of Capital One's 15+ travel loyalty programs. And the cash back earned from the Savor can actually be converted into miles if you have a Venture card, and therefore transferred to travel partners.
Best cash-back credit card combo
- Core combo: Blue Cash Preferred Card® from American Express, Chase Freedom Flex and the Citi Double® Cash
- Earning rates:
*Blue Cash Preferred: 6% cash back at supermarkets up to $6000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%) and streaming services.
Chase Freedom Flex: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
Citi Double Cash: 2% cash back on all other purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- Annual fee: Blue Cash Preferred: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (see rates and fees); Chase freedom Flex: $0 annual fee; Citi Double Cash: $0 annual fee.
- No annual fee card to boost your earnings: Citi Custom Cash Card
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an especially simple and rewarding cash back card because you'll automatically earn bonus rewards where you spend the most.
- Offers a long intro APR on balance transfers
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Bonus cash back categories are capped
- Charges a foreign transaction fee
Rewards
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
- Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee for the first year
- It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
- Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Travel credit cards can help travelers slash their travel costs. But, for many, cash is king. If you're looking for the best cash-back return, you'll want to pair credit cards from multiple banks. The best cash-back trio combines a card from American Express, Chase and Citi.
The *Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%) and 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions. Plus you'll earn 3% cash back on transit purchases and at eligible U.S. gas stations. Eligible new cardholders can earn as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Apply to find out your offer. If approved, you'll: 1. Find out your offer amount, 2. Accept the Card with your offer, 3. Spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Add the Chase Freedom Flex card to boost your cashback earnings on travel, dining and drugstore purchases. The Freedom Flex card earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in a rotating category, 5% back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases.
Then, the Citi Double Cash is your go-to for all other purchases. You'll earn a total of 2% cash back -- 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay your bill.
If you don't mind adding a fourth card to the mix, consider getting the Citi Custom Cash Card to earn 5% cash back in yet another category. The Citi Custom Cash automatically earns 5% cash back in the category which you spent the most in that billing cycle. By strategically planning your purchases, you can get 5% back in one of the following categories each month: restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs or live entertainment.
Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
Bottom line
Everyone would love the simplicity of just one credit card. However, a little complexity can really pay off. You can really boost your earnings by strategically combining credit cards. Most credit card issuers offer ways to earn at least 5X points or at least 5% cash back in select categories. By combining these, you can quickly rack up points and cashback earnings.
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*For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred Card, click here. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
For rates and fees for the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees for the Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card, click here.
For rates and fees for The Blue Business Plus, click here.
*Information about the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
