Multi-Card Strategy

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By CardFinder Editorial Team Affiliate Disclosure
Multi-Card Strategy

No single credit card is perfect for every purchase. By pairing cards strategically, you can earn top-tier rewards across all spending categories and guarantee acceptance at every merchant — including Costco (Mastercard only) and places that don't take Amex.

Amex + Costco Mastercard

Maximize Amex rewards on daily spending while using a Mastercard at Costco and other Amex-excluded merchants.

Best for heavy grocery/dining spenders who also shop at CostcoTotal fees: $156/yr

Cards in This Strategy

Card 1amexBest for Dining
American Express Cobalt Card

$156/yr · Up to 5% in bonus categories

Apply
Card 2mastercardBest No-Fee All-Around
Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard

No annual fee · Up to 1.5% in bonus categories

Apply

How to Use This Combo

  • 1Use Amex Cobalt for 5x on groceries, dining, and delivery (everywhere Amex is accepted)
  • 2Use Rogers Red WE Mastercard at Costco (Mastercard only) and for foreign purchases (no FX fees)
  • 3Combined coverage: all merchants, travel insurance from both cards

Multi-Card Strategy Tips

  • Amex isn't accepted everywhere. Costco, some small businesses, and some international merchants only take Visa/Mastercard. Always carry a backup.
  • Multiple cards = multiple credit inquiries. Space out applications by 3-6 months to minimize credit score impact.
  • Watch your total annual fees. Make sure the combined rewards from both cards outweigh the total fees. Use our Rewards Estimator to check.
  • Consolidate points when possible. Some programs let you pool points (e.g., Amex MR, Aeroplan) across household cards for faster redemption.

Card combinations are suggestions based on publicly available reward structures. Always confirm terms on the issuer's website before applying.