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Can you have two credit cards from the same bank?

There are pros and cons to sticking with the same bank for a card.

Steven Dashiell
Steven Dashiell

Updated

Fact checked

If you’re looking to add another credit card to your wallet, there’s usually nothing stopping you from picking up an additional credit card from the same bank. However, there are a few nuances to consider that could affect your decision to stick with your bank or apply for a card from a different bank.

Pros and cons of having two cards from the same bank

Most banks are happy to have you apply for a second credit card, assuming you’re a responsible credit user. But it could be to your benefit to consider other options aside from your existing bank. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of having two credit cards from the same bank.

ProsCons
  • Shared reward systems. Many banks operate on a single reward system across most of their credit cards. For example, if your first card is an Amex with access to Membership Rewards, a second eligible Amex card could add to your bounty and let you redeem rewards even faster.
  • Poor usage affects both cards. If you miss a payment or max out one of your cards, your second card could very well pay the price if they’re both from the same bank. Both cards could get hit with a penalty APR or reduction in credit should you mishandle only one of your cards.
  • Building a positive history. If you were only able to qualify for a modest no-frills card with your current bank, a history of on-time payments and positive interactions with the bank could look good when it comes time to pick up a second card. You might receive card upgrade offers or prove eligible for cards with better terms and more perks.
  • Limited backup options. If one card account is suspended or closed for some reason, you might lose access to both accounts. This could prove an issue if your card is stolen or you need to suspend an account over suspected fraud. You might also run into issues of worldwide card acceptance, particularly if your bank largely offers Discover cards.
  • Credit score and utilization improvements. If your current bank offers you a new credit card offer, it’s likely unnecessary they’ll perform a hard pull on your credit account. This means your credit score remains steady and you can hit the ground running with a better credit utilization percentage when you get your new card.
  • Balance transfer limitations. Most banks restrict you from transferring balances between two credit cards that they’ve issued you.
  • Card account restrictions. Some banks, such as Chase, restrict your ability to open a new credit card account if you’ve opened a set number of accounts in a specific period of time. In Chase’s case, you’ll find it difficult to open a new Chase card account if you’ve opened at least five card accounts across all banks within the prior 24 months. Amex also restricts applications after around five cards. And Discover allows just two cards per cardholder.
  • Welcome offer restrictions. Rather than restrict your ability to open a new card account, some banks will simply limit your ability to earn a welcome offer on a new card if you’ve already earned one. American Express is one such bank to enforce this restriction.

Compare credit cards

If you’re going to pick up another credit card, it pays to grab one that complements your existing card in some way. For example, if you have a card that earns big points on travel, you might want to add a card that helps you earn points on everyday purchases. Compare the options to find one that suits your needs.

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Apply now
View details
Perfect for families: Get up to 6% on everyday purchases and a welcome offer worth $300. This heavy-hitter rewards card has uncontested value. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
2% at US gas stations and select US department stores, 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that and on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
This everyday cashback card offers a higher than average welcome offer for no annual fee, letting you earn $200 after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. Terms apply, see rates & fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)
$0
Apply now
View details
This solid 1.5% cashback card gets even better with the addition of up to 5% back in categories like travel, drug stores and dining.
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Compare up to 4 providers

Things to consider before getting a second card

While picking up an additional credit card can improve your financial flexibility and boost rewards, you’ll want to make sure you can make effective use of a second card before applying.

For example, what is your primary purpose in opening a second credit card account? Will you use the card enough to offset any fees? And can you effectively manage finances across both cards?

Read more about managing multiple credit cards to see if this is the right move for you.

Bottom line

If you enjoy the service your current bank offers and want to bolster your card rewards, opening up a second credit card account with them could expand your earnings. Just keep in mind that opening a card with a second bank has its own merits and could be a wiser choice depending on your needs.

Whatever you choose, consider a card with features that’ll complement your first credit card.

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