{"id":23162,"date":"2025-08-17T15:10:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-17T15:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=23162"},"modified":"2026-04-30T17:45:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T17:45:17","slug":"best-credit-card-combo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/best-credit-card-combo\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Two Favorite Amex Card Combos to Maximize Your Membership Rewards Points Earnings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>American Express Membership Rewards is one of the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/best-flexible-rewards-points-travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\">best flexible rewards programs<\/a> available. You can earn Membership Rewards via a slew of different credit cards &#8212; which you can then combine into a single account and transfer to 20 different airline and hotel <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex transfer partners<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Each card features a different set of high-earning bonus categories, and Membership Rewards points convert to (most) airline partners at a 1:1 ratio. With the right Amex card combo, you can earn airline miles faster using Membership Rewards earning cards than traditional co-brand airline cards. That makes these card combos especially good for fans of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/british-airways-club\/book-with-avios\/\" rel=\"noopener\">British Airways Avios<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Flying Blue<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/ana-mileage-club-sweet-spots\/\" rel=\"noopener\">ANA Mileage Club<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/award-program-sweet-spots\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta SkyMiles<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n<p>Amex also offers more Membership Rewards earning cards than Chase or Citi do for their rewards programs. That allows you to stack a bunch of cards together and build a high-earning combo of credit cards that also feature some excellent perks and benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of our favorite Amex card combos.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Membership_Rewards_Earning_Credit_Cards\">Membership Rewards Earning Credit Cards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Membership_Rewards_Two_Card_Strategy\">Membership Rewards Two Card Strategy<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Don8217t_spend_on_travel_or_want_to_save_on_membership_fees_Add_this_card_instead\">Don't spend on travel or want to save on membership fees? Add this card instead<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Membership_Rewards_Three_Card_Strategy\">Membership Rewards Three Card Strategy<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#American_Express_Application_Restrictions\">American Express Application Restrictions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Membership_Rewards_Earning_Credit_Cards\">Membership Rewards Earning Credit Cards<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Amex provides three personal and three business <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-rewards-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Membership Rewards earning cards<\/a> that we think offer top value.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consumer Membership Rewards cards:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048174\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Green Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-american-express\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/508ed403-ac18-4d8f-91ea-80c86f92d7b0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Green Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Green Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. <br>\r\n<em>(This card is not available through AwardWallet)<\/em><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"4048174\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$150<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on travel<\/li>\r\n \t<li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n        <li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on transit including trains, buses, ferries, subways, and more<\/li>\r\n        <li>1x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on other purchases<\/li>\r\n \t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/4206696d-827e-44e5-bfc0-d0ce86822875.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Gold Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nFind Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express\u00ae Gold Card' data-ccid=\"4028085\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$325<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/gold-card\/91101-10-0\/?print#terms-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n        <li>5X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>3X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid car rentals booked through amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on cruises booked and paid through amextravel.com\r\n        <li>1X on other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express Platinum Card\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express Platinum Card\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4028089\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$895<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn  5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Small business Membership Rewards cards:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Blue Business<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card from American Express<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4028093\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessGoldRewardsCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Business Gold Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessPlatinumCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-american-express\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/CardArt-TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress-1.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"The Blue Business\u00ae Plus Credit Card from American Express\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">The Blue Business<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card from American Express<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer:<\/strong>\r\nEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='The Blue Business\u00ae Plus Credit Card from American Express' data-ccid=\"4028098\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>No annual fee<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/bluebusinessplus-credit-card\/42732-9-0?rwdFlag=rwd\/?rwdFlag=rwd#FeeTable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms Apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/97\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/CardArt-AmericanExpressBusinessGoldCard.png\" width=150 alt=\"American Express\u00ae Business Gold Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Business Gold Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Find Out Your Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Find out your offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express\u00ae Business Gold Card' data-ccid=\"4028093\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessGoldRewardsCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$375<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028093\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/businessgold-card\/42732-9-0?key=tncBody&rwdFlag=rwd&oneXpVariant=elevatedOffer_variant#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\">Get 4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle from the list below:\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>U.S. purchases for advertising in select media  (online, TV, radio)<\/li>\r\n<li>U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers<\/li>\r\n<li> U.S. purchases at gas stations<\/li>\r\n<li> U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery<\/li>\r\n<li>Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways<\/li>\r\n<li>Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n*4X points applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year; then earn 1 point per dollar.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/19ca7b53-f41c-4639-ba3b-c44c7c44ba6f.png\"  width=\"150\" alt=\"The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Find Out Your Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express' data-ccid=\"4028096\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessPlatinumCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$895<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/business-platinum-charge-card\/42732-AJTnC-0?rwdFlag=rwd&oneXpVariant=elevatedOffer_variant#FeeTable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.<\/li>\r\n<li>2X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>If you maximize bonus categories using a combination of Amex cards, you can easily double or triple the points you would earn if you were to keep swiping a single card.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting that some of the best Membership Rewards earning cards are business cards, and while <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/how-to-get-a-business-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">more people than ever before now qualify for business cards<\/a>, there are plenty of folks who will only be approved for personal cards. With that in mind, where we add business cards to the mix, we also try to provide an alternative from Amex\u2019s lineup of consumer Membership Rewards cards.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_185247\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/400\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-185247 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-barista-chats-to-a-customer-at-the-cash-till.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of a barista, chatting with a customer at the cash register\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-barista-chats-to-a-customer-at-the-cash-till.jpg 600w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-barista-chats-to-a-customer-at-the-cash-till-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Photo Credit: Matthew Henry\/Burst<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Membership_Rewards_Two_Card_Strategy\">Membership Rewards Two Card Strategy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A straightforward two-card combo can be achieved by combining the <a data-ccid=\"4048174\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Green Card<\/a> and <a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Gold<\/a> cards.<\/p>\n<p>The Amex Green Card earns 3X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on all eligible travel, plus 3X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at restaurants worldwide. Travel includes hotels, trains, buses, ferries, subways, and more. Card Members earn one point for every dollar spent on other purchases.<\/p>\n<p>It's nicely complemented by the Amex Gold, which earns 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1X), 4X at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com, 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, and 2X points on prepaid car rentals or cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. Plus earn 1 point for every other dollar spent other eligible purchases. While the bonus categories overlap somewhat, you can earn a ton of Membership Rewards with a basic two-card combo.<\/p>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-2 compare-p-american-express\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/508ed403-ac18-4d8f-91ea-80c86f92d7b0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Green Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Green Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. <br>\r\n<em>(This card is not available through AwardWallet)<\/em><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"4048174\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$150<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on travel<\/li>\r\n \t<li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n        <li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on transit including trains, buses, ferries, subways, and more<\/li>\r\n        <li>1x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on other purchases<\/li>\r\n \t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/4206696d-827e-44e5-bfc0-d0ce86822875.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Gold Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nFind Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express\u00ae Gold Card' data-ccid=\"4028085\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$325<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/gold-card\/91101-10-0\/?print#terms-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n        <li>5X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>3X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid car rentals booked through amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on cruises booked and paid through amextravel.com\r\n        <li>1X on other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>What this combo costs:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Gold<\/a>  (<a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/gold-card\/91101-10-0\/?print#terms-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> $325<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048174\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Green Card<\/a>:<\/strong> $150<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"Don8217t_spend_on_travel_or_want_to_save_on_membership_fees_Add_this_card_instead\">Don't spend on travel or want to save on membership fees? Add this card instead<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you're not someone who spends a lot on travel, you might find a lot of value in swapping the Amex Green Card with the <a data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Blue Business Plus<\/a>. Yes, this is a business card, but its earning capabilities make it a better card for everyday purchases than the Amex Green Card.<\/p>\n<p>The Blue Business Plus earns 2X points on everyday business purchases. The 2X earning rate applies to the first $50,000 in eligible purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.<\/p>\n<p>What's more, the Blue Business Plus (<a data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/bluebusinessplus-credit-card\/42732-9-0?rwdFlag=rwd\/?rwdFlag=rwd#FeeTable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>) charges no annual fee.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"4028098\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">The Blue Business<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card from American Express<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/CardArt-TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress-1.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"The Blue Business\u00ae Plus Credit Card from American Express\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='The Blue Business\u00ae Plus Credit Card from American Express' data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/bluebusinessplus-credit-card\/42732-9-0?rwdFlag=rwd\/?rwdFlag=rwd#FeeTable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms Apply)<\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer:<\/strong>\r\nEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">The Blue Business<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card from American Express<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer:<\/strong>\r\nEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>No annual fee<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The best credit card for non-bonus business expenses. Earn 2X Membership Rewards points on every $1 spent up to $50,000 per year, then 1X. Points can be transferred to travel partners without needing any other cards, making it a strong choice for businesses seeking flexibility and value on everyday purchases.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards&#xAE; points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.<\/li><li>0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%<\/li><li>Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.<\/li><li>You've got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.<\/li><li>No Annual Fee<\/li><li>Terms Apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul><li>Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/AmexBlueBizPlus\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-6-26d2a4436d#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Membership_Rewards_Three_Card_Strategy\">Membership Rewards Three Card Strategy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Taking on a three-card strategy, we\u2019re assuming you have a higher annual spend and you\u2019re hunting for more than just points, which is why we recommend adding the <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> to your Membership Rewards earning combination.<\/p>\n<p>You won't gain too much on the points-earning side, but pick up what we think is one of the best lounge access available, a bigger airline incidentals credit, monthly Uber credits, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-platinum-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\">complimentary elite status across several loyalty programs<\/a>. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.<\/p>\n<p>The Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> earns 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels (including Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection) booked through American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and 1X points on other eligible purchases.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-american-express\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express Platinum Card\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express Platinum Card\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4028089\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$895<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn  5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/4206696d-827e-44e5-bfc0-d0ce86822875.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Gold Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nFind Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express\u00ae Gold Card' data-ccid=\"4028085\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$325<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/gold-card\/91101-10-0\/?print#terms-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n        <li>5X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>3X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid car rentals booked through amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on cruises booked and paid through amextravel.com\r\n        <li>1X on other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/508ed403-ac18-4d8f-91ea-80c86f92d7b0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Green Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Green Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 40,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. <br>\r\n<em>(This card is not available through AwardWallet)<\/em><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"4048174\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$150<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on travel<\/li>\r\n \t<li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n        <li>3x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on transit including trains, buses, ferries, subways, and more<\/li>\r\n        <li>1x Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> on other purchases<\/li>\r\n \t<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong>What this combo costs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> $895<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Gold<\/a>  (<a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/gold-card\/91101-10-0\/?print#terms-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>):<\/strong> $325<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4048174\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AmericanExpressGreenCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Green Card<\/a>:<\/strong> $150<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The cost for this combo increases quite a bit with the Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>. However, if you're able to make use of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-platinum\/\" rel=\"noopener\">the card's many credits and ongoing benefits<\/a>, you can come out ahead on the annual fee. And the rewards you'll earn are the icing on the cake.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"American_Express_Application_Restrictions\">American Express Application Restrictions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Due to Amex\u2019s no-nonsense approach to welcome offers, you can only <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/rewards-card-application-rules\/\" rel=\"noopener\">receive the welcome offer on each individual card product once per lifetime<\/a>. So, we recommend researching the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-credit-card-offer-history\/\" rel=\"noopener\">best offers available for each Amex card<\/a> before you pull the trigger on an application.<\/p>\n<p>Amex has also introduced new language, stating it will take into account your history of applying for Amex cards when deciding if new cardmembers are eligible for the welcome offer:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cWelcome offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product. <\/em><em>We may also consider the number of American Express Cards you have opened and closed as well as other factors in making a decision on your welcome offer eligibility.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The good news is that Amex offers more cards that earn its in-house rewards than the competition, so you have plenty of opportunities to pocket a substantial balance of Membership Rewards points.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_172449\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/480\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-172449 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Featured-Making-an-online-payemnt-with-a-credit-card-Mikhail-Nilov-Pexels.jpg\" alt=\"Making an online payment with a credit card\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Featured-Making-an-online-payemnt-with-a-credit-card-Mikhail-Nilov-Pexels.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Featured-Making-an-online-payemnt-with-a-credit-card-Mikhail-Nilov-Pexels-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Featured-Making-an-online-payemnt-with-a-credit-card-Mikhail-Nilov-Pexels-1024x819.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Featured-Making-an-online-payemnt-with-a-credit-card-Mikhail-Nilov-Pexels-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Featured-Making-an-online-payemnt-with-a-credit-card-Mikhail-Nilov-Pexels-325x260.jpg 325w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Mikhail Nilov \/ Pexels<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Note that Amex has updated the application restrictions on their Membership Rewards cards to now include rules based on the family of cards. The application for the Amex Green Card<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>states:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>\u201cYou may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>, The Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley, the Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab, the American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>\u00a0Gold Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Because of this, it's wise to apply for the Amex Green Card first before getting an <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> or <a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Gold<\/a>. Otherwise, you may not be eligible for the bonus.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-rewards-card-combo\/\" rel=\"noopener\">building out an Ultimate Rewards earning combo<\/a> of cards, there is no <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-5-24-rule\/\" rel=\"noopener\">5\/24 policy<\/a> restricting Amex card applications. So, we recommend filling out your Ultimate Rewards-earning cards before putting together an Amex combo.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Putting together the right combo of cards means researching where you spend enough to maximize each card's bonus categories. This allows you to build out a set of cards offering the highest number of points on each dollar spent while managing the out-of-pocket expense of the combined annual fees.<\/p>\n<p>You also need to examine how you travel and if you can take advantage of the huge number of perks available on a card like the <a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>. Because if you don\u2019t use all the perks, it is hard to justify the premium annual fee, and you may be better with the <a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Gold<\/a> or the <a data-ccid=\"4028093\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessGoldRewardsCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Amex Business Gold<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But no matter what, one of our favorite ways to compliment any Amex card combo is by adding the <a data-ccid=\"4028098\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBlueBusinessPlusCreditCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Blue Business Plus<\/a>. You can't go wrong with its earning rates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>American Express Membership Rewards is one of the premier flexible rewards programs available to points and miles fans. You can earn Membership Rewards (MR) via a slew of different credit cards, and you can collect every point into a single account which then transfers\u00a0to several different airline and hotel partners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":183454,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12055],"tags":[12710,12519],"coauthors":[36390,36466],"class_list":["post-23162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-credit-cards","tag-amex-membership-rewards","tag-application-strategy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23162"}],"version-history":[{"count":61,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":260731,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23162\/revisions\/260731"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/183454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23162"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=23162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}