Double Amex Rewards with Strategic Spending Strategy
American Express cardholders may be able to maximize their rewards by holding both Gold and Platinum cards. This strategy can yield up to 275,000 bonus points and $5,500 in value. To achieve this, one must strategically spend on dining, groceries, and flights, taking advantage of the higher earn rates offered by each card.
The Amex Platinum offers a bonus of up to 175,000 points after spending $12,000, while the Gold card provides an additional 100,000 points for reaching $8,000 in spend. The Platinum card earns 5x points on flights, whereas the Gold card offers 4x points on U.S. dining and supermarkets. Both cards also award 5x points on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel.
Annual statement credits can help offset the combined annual fee of $1,220 for both cards. The Platinum's $895 fee is balanced by credits for airline fees, hotel stays, and global lounge access, which require disciplined use to maximize their value. For frequent travelers and diners, this strategy may deliver net-positive value.