Effectively managing multiple credit cards to get the most out of their rewards can feel like a balancing act. It can be overwhelming to keep track of different cards, each with its own set of perks, promo mechanics, and reward categories. With a bit of strategy and planning, however, it’s possible to make those cards work for you and not the other way around. By rotating your credit cards based on where they earn the most, you can get rewards that will allow you to stretch every peso even further. Follow this list of tips to successfully rotate your credit cards all year and maximize the rewards they offer:
Know Your Cards’ Reward Categories
Before you can successfully utilize your cards to your advantage, you need to understand what each brings to the table. What do your credit cards actually offer? Many reward programs are designed to give you extra points, cashback, or miles for specific types of purchases.
If you’re eager to take advantage of cashbacks and Maya credit card promos, for example, then you may have added the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card to your credit portfolio. This Maya credit card, which also serves as a Landers membership card, gives you up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.* If you have more cards, you need to be aware of how you can benefit from using them. This way, instead of defaulting to one card for all your expenses, you can match your spending with the right benefits.
Match the Right Card to the Right Purchase
Once you're clear on each card’s reward strengths, the next step is to align your purchases accordingly. That means using a travel-oriented credit card like the Maya Black Credit Card for flights, hotel bookings, or airport-related services, and using a grocery cashback card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card for supermarket runs. This approach ensures that you consistently get the maximum possible return on your everyday spending. The more intentional you are about card usage, the more your rewards can add up over time.
Use a General Cashback Card for “Everything Else”
Not every purchase will fall neatly into a high-reward category. That’s where a reliable, all-around cashback card comes in handy. This is the card you reach for when you’re shopping at non-partner stores, buying online from mixed merchants, or making unexpected purchases. It can serve as a practical fallback when you want to earn something back from general spending without overthinking it.
Time Your Purchases Around Promo Seasons
Reward programs often offer limited-time promotions. For instance, if you accumulate PHP 50,000 worth of total spending on your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card for the month, you’ll be able to unlock the 5% cashback rate. Each point you earn is equivalent to PHP 1, which you can use as a discount on your next Landers purchase.
Aside from watching out for limited-time promos, you can also check for bonus points or vouchers around holidays and shopping festivals. Taking note of promo windows and adjusting your card usage accordingly can help you rack up more rewards without changing your budget.
Track Your Monthly Spending and Reward Caps
Some credit cards have monthly or quarterly caps on how much you can earn in rewards. Once you hit that limit, any spending beyond it won’t earn extra points or cashback. To avoid wasting your hard-earned purchases, it’s important to monitor your usage and know when it’s time to switch cards.
Avoid Overlapping Categories with Multiple Cards
It’s common to have more than one card that offers similar benefits, like cashbacks for fuel or groceries. In those cases, you need to compare which one offers better value. This decision should be hinged not just on reward rate but also on caps, partner availability, and how you can redeem the rewards.
When overlap happens, pick the card that gives you the most useful return. For example, if one card offers higher cashback but has stringent redemption restrictions, and another gives a slightly lower rate but with more flexibility, the latter may be a better choice if you want a more comprehensive reward experience.
Keep a Cheat Sheet
Rotating credit cards requires a bit of mental juggling. To keep things simple, consider creating a quick reference guide for yourself. It can be as easy as a note on your phone that lists which card to use for groceries, travel, fuel, and so on.
Monitor Annual Fees and Card Expiry Dates
As you rotate cards throughout the year, it’s worth keeping an eye on whether each card still earns its keep. Some cards can come with hefty annual fees that may not be justifiable if you're only using them occasionally. Meanwhile, Maya typically waives annual fees for credit cards like Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and Maya Black Credit Cards. Look at your overall benefit from the card and compare it to the cost. If a card’s perks no longer align with your needs, you can explore downgrading or switching to a more suitable option.
Managing multiple credit cards can feel complex at first, but once you establish a rhythm, it becomes second nature. The key is to stay informed and stay organized, and make it a point to adjust your strategy as your needs change. After all, reward programs aren’t static; they evolve over time, just like your spending habits. As long as you’re being intentional and flexible, rotating your cards can become a smart way to consistently earn more from your everyday purchases.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
