There are plenty of great rewards credit cards available, but none of them fit every need that you have. That's why it makes sense to combine the features and rewards of multiple cards to maximize your benefits.

The AmEx Trifecta is one way of doing this. You can combine three American Express cards to earn more Membership Rewards on different spending categories.

What is the AmEx Trifecta and why should you have it?

The AmEx Trifecta uses the different features of separate American Express cards to optimize your benefits and rewards. Users of this strategy pick three American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards.

The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Green Card should be primarily used for travel expenses.

The Platinum Card® from American Express for the first six month of card membership is for worldwide dining. Then, switch to the American Express® Gold Card, which can be used for dining and U.S. supermarkets once you've met the six month threshold on The Platinum Card® from American Express.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express will cover all of your other purchases.

Plus, these cards also offer valuable benefits that improve travel — including complimentary airport lounge access, up to $100 in reimbursed airport security memberships and hundreds of dollars in annual credits. Terms apply.

Earn up to 120,000 bonus points with our favorite American Express cards

Check out our nerdy picks for the best American Express credit cards and find the right card for you.

BROWSE CARDS

Smart ways to redeem Membership Rewards points

With the AmEx Trifecta, you'll earn a lot of Membership Rewards points by maximizing the money you're already spending. There are many options when it comes to redeeming American Express Membership Rewards points.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Transferring points to 20+ airline and hotel airline partners.

Booking flights and prepaid hotel rooms through AmEx Travel.

Upgrading eligible flights through AmEx Travel.

Redeeming for gift cards.

Terms apply.

The value of your points will vary widely based on the type of redemption you choose. In general, you'll receive the most value when you transfer points to an airline to book award tickets, particularly those in premium cabins. Your goal should be to receive at least 2.8 cents per point in value from the rewards you've earned.

Earning rates that maximize the AmEx trifecta

Earn 4x on dining and U.S. supermarkets - American Express® Gold Card

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Rates & Fees

The American Express® Gold Card rewards cardholders for their eating habits. You will earn 4 points per dollar on your dining purchases. Plus, when you're buying groceries at U.S. supermarkets, you'll earn 4 points per dollar on the first $25,000 you spend each year at U.S. supermarkets. Terms apply.

New cardholders can earn the following welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

The American Express® Gold Card has an annual fee of $250. However, monthly dining credits ($10 a month, up to $120, enrollment required) and Uber Cash ($10 a month, up to $120 a year) cover the majority of that cost. Terms apply.