{"id":241793,"date":"2026-05-22T14:00:42","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T14:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/the-amex-trifecta-platinum-gold-and-blue-business-plus-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-05-22T14:00:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T14:00:42","slug":"the-amex-trifecta-platinum-gold-and-blue-business-plus-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/22\/the-amex-trifecta-platinum-gold-and-blue-business-plus-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Amex Trifecta: Platinum, Gold and Blue Business Plus – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Whether it’s the trio of legacy airlines in the U.S. or the main airline alliances, some things just work well in threes.<\/p>\n

For example, many of us at TPG love the Chase Trifecta<\/a><\/span>: the Chase Sapphire Preferred\u00ae Card<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>), Ink Business Preferred\u00ae Credit Card<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>) and Chase Freedom Unlimited\u00ae<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>). Used together, these three cards offer a powerful combination of earning rates, welcome offers and perks.<\/p>\n

Thanks in part to Chase’s competitive offerings, Amex also has a similar trifecta, with three cards that complement each other in nearly every way \u2014 providing outsize value at a reasonable price.<\/p>\n

Each of these cards is great on its own, but they can unlock serious value, even for infrequent travelers, when combined. Let’s dig a bit deeper.<\/p>\n

Related: Choosing the best American Express credit card for you<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Amex Platinum<\/h2>\n

American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/a><\/span> is one of the most valuable cards out there. That’s thanks to a long list of luxury travel perks and a valuable welcome offer that can more than offset its $895 annual fee (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n

The Amex Platinum has the most comprehensive airport lounge access<\/a><\/span> of any card. In addition to a Priority Pass Select membership<\/a><\/span>, you’ll also receive access to Amex’s global network of Centurion Lounges<\/a><\/span> and access to Delta Sky Clubs<\/a><\/span> when flying on same-day Delta Air Lines flights (limited to 10 Sky Club visits per year; enrollment is required for select benefits).<\/p>\n

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ZACH GRIFF\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And this is one of the best cards to book flights<\/a><\/span> and hotels<\/a><\/span> since it earns 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with American Express Travel\u00ae<\/a><\/span> (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. According to TPG’s May 2026 valuations<\/a><\/span>, these purchases net a 10% return.<\/p>\n

Cardmembers also receive an assortment of annual statement credits<\/a><\/span> and benefits, including a statement credit of up to $209 for Clear+ (subject to auto-renewal), up to $400 annually (up to $100 each calendar quarter) in statement credits for U.S. Resy purchases and up to $200 in Uber Cash ($15 Uber Cash each month, plus an additional $20 in December after adding your card to your Uber account and redeeming with an Amex card; enrollment is required for select benefits).<\/p>\n

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Hotel stays are also more rewarding with this card, with complimentary Leaders Club Sterling, Hilton Honors<\/a><\/span> Gold and Marriott Bonvoy<\/a><\/span> Gold elite status (enrollment required) and property credits and room upgrades through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Finally, you’ll enjoy a range of shopping protections<\/a><\/span> and travel coverage<\/a><\/span> when you charge eligible purchases to the card.<\/p>\n

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Amex Gold<\/h2>\n

The second member of this trio is the American Express\u00ae Gold Card<\/a><\/span>. This powerful mid-tier option pairs lucrative earning rates with valuable statement credits.<\/p>\n

This is the card to use for groceries<\/a><\/span> and dining<\/a><\/span>, earning:<\/p>\n