The American Express Trifecta is a top-tier strategy for credit card fans. It’s one of the most popular combinations for earning points and unlocking travel rewards. But with annual fees that can exceed $1,000, you may be wondering if it’s worth it. In this guide, we’ll explore the different Amex Trifecta setups, weigh the pros and cons, and show you how to maximize its potential for earning free travel experiences.
What’s a Trifecta?
In simple terms, a "Trifecta" is a credit card strategy where you apply for three different cards from the same issuer. This method allows you to maximize rewards across multiple spending categories without overlap. The idea is to have one card for dining and groceries, another for travel, and a third to catch any other purchases. When done right, a trifecta can unlock massive earning potential on everyday purchases and travel bookings. The American Express Trifecta is often made up of three specific cards: The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
The Core Trio: Platinum, Gold, and Blue Business Plus
The centerpiece of the Trifecta, the Amex Platinum offers premium travel benefits and the highest rewards in its class. At $695 per year (Rates & Fees), it's not cheap, but the perks are incredible. Expect to earn 5 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked through AmEx or directly with the vendor (up to $500,000 per year), plus access to airport lounges, elite hotel status upgrades, and a slew of travel credits (over $1,000 worth annually). If you can take full advantage of its benefits, the Amex Platinum more than justifies its high annual fee.
Pro Tip: Use tools like CardMatch to find elevated welcome offers of up to 150,000 points—an amount that can be worth thousands in travel rewards.
2. Amex Gold
Next, the Amex Gold focuses on everyday spending, particularly worldwide restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, earning 4 points per dollar on both (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x after that). It also offers credits for Uber and dining (in general) annually. With a lower $325 annual fee (Rates & Fees), the Amex Gold is a solid choice for those looking to earn a lot of points without breaking the bank.
While not as flashy as the Amex Platinum, the Amex Gold’s rewards on food and travel make it indispensable for anyone who spends a lot in those categories.
The final piece of the puzzle is the Amex Blue Business Plus. With no annual fee (Rates & Fees), this card earns 2 points per dollar on all other purchases (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x after that). It’s the catch-all card of the trifecta, allowing you to earn points on anything that doesn’t fall into the higher-reward categories of the Amex Platinum or Amex Golds. Even better, you don’t need a business to qualify—just a side hustle or personal business.
Cheaper Alternatives: Green and Blue Cash Preferred Cards
If the annual fee for the first combo is a bit high, there are more affordable alternatives. One popular swap is the American Express® Green Card ($150 per year). While it doesn’t come with the high-end perks of the Amex Platinum, it offers a respectable 3 points per dollar on travel, restaurants, and transit. The Amex Green also offers a $100 credit for airport lounge access, and a free Clear membership, which is worth $199 annually. This brings the total annual fee down to just $400, making it a great option for those who want to keep things affordable without sacrificing rewards.
Another potential substitution is swapping the Amex Blue Business Plus for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. This card earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year) and 3% on gas, offering strong benefits for those who don’t travel as often. At (Rates & Fees), it’s a great option for everyday expenses.
Should You Try the Amex Trifecta?
The American Express Trifecta can be a game-changer, potentially offering up to 150,000 points through welcome offers. If you’re strategic with how you redeem points, those bonuses could be worth over $3,000 in free travel. Whether you're booking flights, hotels, or transferring points to Amex’s many travel partners, this trifecta provides flexibility and value.
For frequent travelers, the Amex Platinum-Amex Gold-Amex Blue Business Plus setup is ideal. It’s perfect for those who want luxury travel perks, high earning rates, and extensive coverage across spending categories. However, if you’re more price-conscious, the Amex Green-Amex Gold-Amex Blue Business Plus setup brings the annual fee down significantly while still providing excellent rewards.
Don’t forget that applying for three cards in one go can feel like a sprint. Consider applying for one card at a time to meet the welcome requirements without overextending yourself financially. With smart planning, the American Express Trifecta could take your travel rewards to the next level!
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