Relying on a single credit card limits how much you can earn in rewards. No card covers every spending category, which is why a smarter approach is to use multiple cards together.
With the AmEx Trifecta, we can take advantage of three American Express cards, allowing you to maximize Membership Rewards across different types of purchases. By combining their strengths, you ensure that every dollar spent works harder for you.
Why the AmEx Trifecta is Worth Having
No single credit card covers everything, but by using a well-planned combination, we can maximize the rewards and benefits available to us. The AmEx Trifecta does exactly that, allowing you to earn more Membership Rewards by leveraging three different American Express cards.
For travel expenses, you’ll want to rely on either The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Green Card, both of which offer strong travel-related perks.
When dining out or shopping at U.S. supermarkets, the American Express® Gold Card gives you the best return on spending.
For everything else, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express keeps the rewards flowing with consistent earnings on non-category purchases.
Beyond earning points, these cards come with valuable extras—access to airport lounges, reimbursements for security programs, and annual credits that offset travel costs.
Smart Ways to Use Your Membership Rewards Points
With the right approach, we can turn everyday purchases into a steady stream of Membership Rewards points. The key is knowing how to redeem them for maximum value.
Here are some of the most effective ways to use your points:
- Transfer them to airline and hotel loyalty programs to unlock premium travel experiences.
- Use AmEx Travel to book flights and prepaid hotels, giving you flexibility in planning trips.
- Upgrade eligible flights for a more comfortable journey.
- Redeem points for gift cards when travel isn’t in your immediate plans.
Not all redemptions offer the same value. The best returns typically come from transferring points to airlines for award flights, especially in premium cabins. Aiming for at least 1.2 cents per point ensures you’re getting the most out of your rewards.
How to Earn the Most Points With the AmEx Trifecta
Maximizing rewards comes down to using the right card for each type of purchase. With the AmEx Trifecta, we can take full advantage of American Express’ strongest earning rates, making sure you collect as many Membership Rewards points as possible.
Earn 4X on Dining and Groceries With the American Express® Gold Card
If a large portion of your spending goes toward food, whether at restaurants or grocery stores, the American Express® Gold Card is the one you’ll want to use. This card gives you 4 points per dollar when dining out, no matter where in the world you are, and that applies to up to $50,000 in spending per year. When shopping at U.S. supermarkets, you’ll also earn 4 points per dollar, though this is capped at $25,000 annually. Terms apply.
New cardholders have the opportunity to collect a 60,000-point welcome bonus after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. While the card does come with a $325 annual fee, the perks help balance out the cost. You receive $10 in monthly dining credits, which adds up to $120 per year, along with $10 in Uber Cash per month, totaling another $120 annually. Enrollment is required. Terms apply.
Up to 5X on Travel With The Platinum Card® or the American Express® Green Card
For travel purchases, you have two strong options, and the choice depends on your budget and the level of benefits you want. If you’re looking for top-tier perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best fit. This card has a $695 annual fee, but in return, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel, up to $500,000 per year. The same 5X earning rate applies to prepaid hotel reservations made through AmEx Travel. Terms apply.
As a new cardholder, you can unlock an 80,000-point welcome bonus after spending $8,000 in the first six months. The real value of this card, however, lies in the extra benefits. You’ll receive a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, along with more than $500 in annual statement credits across various categories.
This includes $200 for Uber rides or food orders, $200 for airline fees, $200 for Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings (minimum two-night stay required), $300 for Equinox memberships, $240 in entertainment credits, and $100 for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases. Enrollment is required for several of these perks.
Choosing Between Platinum and Green for Travel Perks and Flexibility
On top of that, cardholders automatically receive Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott, which adds even more value for frequent travelers.
If you’re not looking to pay a premium annual fee but still want strong travel rewards, the American Express® Green Card is a great alternative. With a $150 annual fee, it earns 3 points per dollar on both travel and dining, and unlike The Platinum Card®, it covers a broader range of travel-related expenses rather than limiting the highest earning rate to flights and prepaid hotels.
This makes it a better fit if you prefer flexibility. Another useful perk is a $199 annual credit toward a Clear membership, which speeds up security at airports and stadiums. Terms apply.
When choosing between these two travel cards, it all comes down to priorities. If you want premium benefits and don’t mind the higher annual fee, The Platinum Card® delivers outstanding value. If you’re more focused on earning points without paying for extras you may not use, the Green Card is the better option.
Maximize Everyday Spending With The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
Not every purchase falls neatly into a bonus category, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on earning rewards. That’s where The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express comes in. With this card, we can make sure you continue earning 2 points per dollar on everything you buy, up to $50,000 per year. Once you hit that limit, you’ll still earn 1 point per dollar on all additional purchases.
Since this card has no annual fee, it’s an easy way to boost your Membership Rewards balance without extra costs. It also gives you access to AmEx Offers, which means you can take advantage of exclusive discounts and statement credits throughout the year. Enrollment is required. The one downside? It charges foreign transaction fees, so you’ll want to use a different card when making purchases abroad. Terms apply.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify for a business credit card, you might be surprised. Many people assume these cards are only for large companies, but that’s not the case. If you have a side hustle, rental income, or any type of freelance work, you could be eligible as a sole proprietor. You don’t even need an EIN—your Social Security number is enough to apply. That makes this a great option for anyone looking to maximize rewards on everyday purchases while keeping costs low.
