Use these 3 Amex cards to earn maximum rewards points for every purchase you make

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  • The easiest way to regularly earn the most points is to maximize your card’s bonus categories.
  • It’s helpful to focus on one program and concentrate your efforts – it’s also simpler. 
  • Amex has three cards that will earn extra points for every dollar you spend, with a 2x baseline. 
  • Read Insider’s guide to the best rewards credit cards.

What’s the only thing better than earning 1 point per dollar on every purchase? Earning multiple points for every dollar, of course — thanks to bonus categories with points multipliers.  

Many travel rewards cards offer extra points for spending in certain categories. The trick is to use the best card for your purchase. It’s deflating to earn 2x points per dollar and later find out you could’ve earned 5x points instead. 

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Read more: 3 reasons you should double up on credit cards from the same loyalty program — from earning rewards in more categories to unlocking better benefits

But it’s worth remembering, even if you have to add a sticky note to the front of your card. With most transferable points programs, you can pool all your points in one place. So the more you earn, the faster they build, which is a big motivator. You can redeem travel rewards points to book trips through your bank’s rewards portal, or transfer to airline and hotel partners for an award flight or hotel stay, where you can potentially get much bigger value. 

Read Insider’s points and miles valuations to find out how much your credit card rewards are worth.

American Express Membership Rewards is one of the most popular flexible points programs. If you like Membership Rewards and its list of airline and hotel transfer partners, read on to learn how to turn every purchase into the maximum number of points with three Amex cards — the “Amex trifecta.” 

We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

Why earn Amex Membership Rewards points?

American Express Membership Rewards is a powerful program because it’s easy to earn points on everyday purchases, and there are lots of ways to use rewards — including redemption options that don’t involve travel.

Read more: Amex points are some of the most valuable credit card rewards, and there are several options for both earning and redeeming them

On the earning side, Amex is generous – many cards earn 3x, 4x, or even 5x points in popular bonus categories. On the redemption side, there are several partner airline loyalty programs and a handful of hotel programs (with frequent transfer bonuses). 

With the airline options, you can access every major alliance and book award tickets to nearly anywhere. Even better, some participating programs have reward sweet spots that let you book award flights at excellent prices, like ANA Mileage Club, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, and Qantas Frequent Flyer. There’s also Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue True Blue, and Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles for those who prefer domestic loyalty programs. 

On the hotel side, you’ll have Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy (with frequent transfer bonuses for the last two programs). 

Read more: You can transfer Amex points to 22 loyalty programs to book travel, from first class to Japan on ANA to hotel stays with Hilton

You can also use your points in other ways, like for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or booking travel through Amex. But typically, you’ll get the best value for your points by transferring to airline or hotel partners for award flights or free hotel nights.

American Express Membership Rewards points are worth, on average, 1.8 cents apiece based on Insider’s points and miles valuations — but the exact value you’ll get depends on how you redeem them.

Between excellent redemption options, card welcome bonuses, and strong bonus categories, it’s easy to keep the points rolling in. Plus, the variety of transfer partners makes it easy to use your points for award travel. For all these reasons, I’m focused on earning as many Membership Rewards points as I can right now. 

The Amex card trifecta 

There are three cards — the Amex trifecta — that can net you lots of points, particularly if you often spend in each card’s bonus categories. Beyond that, you’ll find several other lucrative benefits, which vary for each card. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express : For flights

The Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express The Platinum Card® from American ExpressAmerican Express American Express® Gold CardAmerican Express The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressChase Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardChase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit CardChase Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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