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How to Maximize Rewards With the AmEx Trifecta
July 1, 2025
For rewards enthusiasts seeking outsized value from their credit cards, the strategic combination of three American Express cards – known as the AmEx Trifecta – offers an exceptional opportunity to maximize rewards across various spending habits. This comprehensive guide explores how to optimize your rewards earning potential through this powerful application strategy.
What Is the AmEx Trifecta?
The AmEx Trifecta represents a strategic combination of complementary cards that work together to maximize your Membership Rewards points earning potential. By carefully selecting three cards with different bonus categories and benefits, you can create a rewards pool that provides exceptional value at a reasonable price tag when compared to the benefits received.
Understanding the Three Core Cards
American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees)
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- Annual fee: $895
- Airport lounge benefits:
- Access to over 1,550 airport lounges through Global Lounge Collection
- Centurion Lounges access
- 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits when flying on eligible Delta flights
- Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required)
- Other select partner lounges
- Key benefits:
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmEx Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year)
- 5X points on prepaid hotel bookings through AmEx Travel
- AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts access with noon check-in and guaranteed 4PM check-out
- Welcome offer: Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in first 6 months
- Annual statement credits:
- $600 Hotel Credit ($300 semi-annually for Fine Hotels + Resorts or Hotel Collection bookings)
- $400 Resy Credit ($100 quarterly for U.S. Resy restaurants) + Platinum Nights by Resy access
- $320 Uber benefits ($200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit)
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit ($25 monthly at participating partners)
- $300 lululemon Credit ($75 quarterly at U.S. stores and online)
- $209 CLEAR Plus Credit (annual membership coverage)
- $200 Airline Fee Credit (incidental fees with selected airline)
- $155 Walmart+ Credit (monthly membership coverage)
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit ($50 semi-annually)
American Express® Gold Card (See Rates & Fees)
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "118", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Generous Travel Rewards"} ]]
- Annual fee: $250
- Key benefits:
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide
- 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
- Up to $240 in annual credits ($10 monthly dining credit and $10 monthly Uber Cash)
- Annual credits:
- $120 dining credits ($10 monthly)
- $120 Uber Cash ($10 monthly)
- Welcome offer: Substantial bonus points after meeting minimum spend
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "259", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Simple Rewards" } ]]
- Annual fee: $0
- Key benefits:
- 2X points on all purchases (up to $50,000 per year)
- No category restrictions
- Simple earning structure
- Ideal for everyday spending
Maximizing Value Through Strategic Spending
Optimal Card Usage Strategy
To maximize your rewards earning potential:
- Use the Amex Platinum for:
- Travel bookings through AmEx Travel portal
- Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings
- Flight purchases directly with airlines
- Use the Amex Gold for:
- Dining worldwide
- U.S. supermarket purchases
- Additional flight bookings
- Use the Blue Business Plus for:
- All other regular purchases
- Business expenses
- Non-bonus categories
Understanding Your Rewards Pool
All points earned across these cards combine into one Membership Rewards account, offering flexibility in redemption options:
- Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners
- Book through AmEx Travel
- Redeem for statement credits
- Purchase gift cards
Maximizing Transfer Partners and Travel Benefits
The AmEx Trifecta provides access to:
- Premium airport lounge access
- Hotel elite status benefits
- Room upgrades and credits at Fine Hotels + Resorts
- Airline transfer partners for premium cabin bookings
Consider Using Kudos to Enhance Your Strategy
While the AmEx Trifecta offers substantial rewards, combining it with Kudos can further maximize your earning potential.
This free AI-powered shopping app:
- Automatically recommends the best card to use
- Works with 15,000+ stores
- Offers up to 5X rewards during Flash Boost events
- Helps discover complementary cards
Currently, new users can earn $20 back after their first eligible purchase — simply sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
Based on TPG's August 2025 valuations and current welcome offers, the AmEx Trifecta represents one of the most valuable card combinations available. When maximized properly, the benefits and rewards earned can far exceed the annual fees, making it an excellent choice for rewards card enthusiasts.
AmEx Trifecta FAQ
What are the best cards to include in the AmEx Trifecta?
The optimal combination typically includes American Express Platinum Card®, American Express® Gold Card, and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
How much are Membership Rewards points worth?
Membership Rewards points are typically worth 1-2 cents each, but can be worth more when transferred to travel partners for premium redemptions.
Is the AmEx Trifecta worth the annual fees?
For those who can maximize the cards' benefits and credits, the value received can significantly exceed the combined annual fees of $945 ($695 + $250 + $0).
Can I apply for all three cards at once?
It's recommended to space out your applications over several months to ensure approval and to meet welcome bonus spending requirements comfortably.
Do I need a business to get the Blue Business Plus card?
No, you can qualify with any form of income-generating activity, including freelance work, consulting, or selling items online.
“Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.”
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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