In today’s digital economy, spending smart is just as essential as spending less. Credit cards have moved beyond simple payment vehicles to provide a gateway to savings, cashback, air miles, and lifestyle benefits. If it feels like your current credit cards aren’t compatible with your spending habits, you’re not alone.
That’s why a multiple credit card strategy can be effective. By using more than one credit card—and using them effectively—you can make the most of your available spend and increase rupee savings. This isn’t to say that you should apply for every credit card, but the effective use of strategic selection and usage matters.
In this blog, we’ll provide five core strategies for maximising credit card rewards with multiple cards that will not complicate your financial arrangements.
1. Use Cards by Matching to a Spending Category
Every card is formulated with a unique intention behind it, whether it be fuel, travel, groceries, dining, or online shopping, etc. Instead of using one card for every purchase, assign each card to a category of spending that will yield the best reward.
Example:
Card A will be for groceries and essentials. (e.g., 5% cashback at supermarkets)
Card B will be for online shopping. (e.g., earn an extra point when using Amazon/Flipkart)
Card C will be for travel. (e.g., air miles, lounge access)
So, you’re making maximum rewards on all transactions based on spend!
2. Utilise Sign-up Bonuses and Intro Offers
Most credit cards have very appealing introductory offers, like cashback, bonus points or vouchers, if you spend a certain dollar amount in the first 30–90 days. If you use these welcome offers wisely, you can get instant value.
How to Use:
In the intro period, plan big purchases (like electronics, flight tickets, or furniture) to get to the spending limit sooner. And if you pair it with seasonal sales, you can double your value.
3. Track and Redeem Rewards Before They Expire
It’s hard to earn rewards, but very easy to forget to redeem them before they expire. Each credit card has its own rules for XP—some expire in 12–24 months, while others only allow redemption on their partner platforms.
Best Practices are:
- You can keep a simple tracker or use a personal finance app that will keep track of your XP balances.
- Set calendar reminders for when your XP expires and to take advantage of promotional offers.
- Understand the maximum value of your redemption—i.e. some points will go further if redeemed for travel or for gift cards.
4. Automate Payments for Peace of Mind
You can easily lose track of multiple cards without having the right organisation system in place. When you miss payments, you will be charged late fees, and you will also lose out on whatever rewards you have earned on the card.
Automation Tips:
- Instead of worrying about making a manual payment every month, set up an automatic debit from your savings account to pay the full dues every month.
- Use an app to track all due dates and payment status in one app.
- Enable alerts whenever there is a statement and a due date.
When you keep on top of your bills, you’ll ensure your credit score is protected while earning your rewards and not losing all your credit card benefits by paying interest.
5. Determine annual fees versus benefits
Some of the best rewards cards require annual fees – these are great if you use the card to its potential. Other cards require annual fees but also offer fee waivers if they meet a yearly minimum spend.
Questions to ponder:
- Does the value of the rewards, access to lounges, vouchers, or milestone benefits justify the annual fee?
- Does the card offer a renewal bonus or other loyalty benefit that would make up for the annual fee?
If not, think about downgrading or moving to a no-fee card that offers similar benefits.
Using multiple credit cards does not necessarily mean taking on more debt; it means being more deliberate with your spending. If you’re doing it right, it allows you to earn above-average rewards, save money on everyday purchases, travel better and gain access to premium lifestyle benefits
The Kiwi credit card provides just that, this card is lifetime-free, takes UPI, offers up to 5% cashback for Neon members, and even lounge access for milestone spends. With instant virtual issuance and expense tracking via the Kiwi app, this is a rewarding card for any card strategy.
Don’t forget you must manage with intent. You’ll realize these benefits if you always, and only, pay in full and on time, and if you don’t chase rewards at the expense of financial discipline.
You can also check out an article on adding second credit card to your wallet.
