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AMEX MRCC vs AMEX Gold vs AMEX Travel vs AMEX Reserve

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helloworld

helloworld

TF Legend
Update: Currently FYF not applicable for MRCC / Plat. Travel using referral links.

CategoryMRCCGold ChargePlat. TravelPlat. Reserve
Joining Fee (with referral + GST)1180₹1,1804130₹11,800
Joining Benefits (with referral)2000+4000 MR (on spending ₹15,000)6000 MR (on spending ₹15,000)12000 MR (on spending ₹15,000)15000 MR (on spending ₹25,000)
Net % (for JF and benefits)
1 MR = 0.33p (link)		+ ₹820+ ₹820- ₹130- ₹6,850 (instead there are multiple memberships available, do check them)
Milestone BenefitsSpend ₹1,500 x 4 times in a month = 1000 MR
Spend ₹20,000 in a month = 1000 MR (both can be clubbed together)		Spend ₹1,000 x 6 times in a month = 1000 MRSpend ₹1,90,000 in a year = 15000 MR
Spend ₹4,00,000 in a year = 25000 MR + 10,000 Rs. Taj Experiences Gift Card (both can be clubbed together)		Spend ₹50,000 in a month = 1000 Rs. Gift Card
Renewal Fee (with referral + GST)₹1,770₹5,310₹5,900₹11,800
Reward Multipler (link)2x MR points5x MR points3x MR points3x MR points
Reward Return %
(when 1 MR = 0.33p (link) amzn voucher)
higher possible depends on redemption
On 1.56L annual spends1x = 4.46%
(12000 MR + 6000 MR + 3120 MR = 21120 MR)
Spend 4x1500 for 12 months + Spend extra 14k for 6 months + regular MR for all spends		1x = 3.19%
(12000 MR + 3120 MR = 15120 MR)
Spend 6x1000 for 12 months + regular MR for all spends		1x = 0.66%
(3120 MR)
regular MR for all spends		1x = 2.58%
(3000 Rs. Gift Card + 3120 MR)
Spend 50k for 3 months + regular MR for all spends
2x = 5.12%
Spend same on reward multiplier and get 2 MR / 50		5x = 5.83%
Spend same on reward multiplier and get 5 MR / 50		3x = 1.98%
Spend same on reward multiplier and get 3 MR / 50		3x = 3.90%
Spend same on reward multiplier and get 3 MR / 50
On 2L annual spends1x = 4.12%
(12000 MR + 9000 MR + 4000 MR = 25000 MR)
Spend 4x1500 for 12 months + Spend extra 14k for 9 months + regular MR for all spends		1x = 2.64%
(12000 MR + 4000 MR = 16000 MR)
Spend 6x1000 for 12 months + regular MR for all spends		1x = 3.13%
(15000 MR + 4000 MR = 19000 MR)
Spend 1.9L + regular MR for all spends		1x = 2.66%
(4000 Rs. Gift Card + 4000 MR)
Spend 50k for 4 months + regular MR for all spends
2x = 4.78% (29000 MR)5x = 5.28% (32000 MR)3x = 4.45% (27000 MR)3x = 3.98% (12000 MR + voucher)
On 4L annual spends
(as per 24k collection..
14000 Taj = 8000 amzn, so in that case 10000 Taj = 5714 Amazon pay)		1x = 2.64%
(12000 MR + 12000 MR + 8000 MR = 32000 MR)
Spend 4x1500 for 12 months + Spend extra 14k for 12 months + regular MR for all spends		1x = 1.65%
(12000 MR + 8000 MR = 20000 MR)
Spend 6x1000 for 12 months + regular MR for all spends		1x = 5.43%
(15000 MR + 25000 MR + 8000 MR = 48000 MR + 5714 adjusted Taj 10k)
Spend 1.9L + Spend 4L + regular MR for all spends + 5714 adjusted Taj 10k)		1x = 2.66%
(8000 Rs. Gift Card + 8000 MR)
Spend 50k for 8 months + regular MR for all spends
2x = 3.3% (40000 MR)5x = 4.29% (52000 MR)3x = 6.84% (64000 MR + 5714)3x = 3.98% (24000 MR + voucher)
On 6L annual spends
(as per 24k collection..
14000 Taj = 8000 amzn, so in that case 10000 Taj = 5714 amzn)		1x = 1.98% (36000 MR)
2x = 2.64% (48000 MR)		1x = 1.32% (24000 MR)
5x = 3.96% (72000 MR)		1x = 3.90% (52000 MR + 5714)
3x = 5.22% (76000 MR + 5714)		1x = 2.66% (12000 MR + 12000)
3x = 3.98% (36000 MR + 12000)

Ideally,
  • SmartEarn - For experience and to see whats all about AMEX.
  • MRCC - to spend 1.56L in a year.
  • Gold charge- occasional high spends, and mostly for 5x on their reward multiplier program + for utilities and fuel milestone spends.
  • Platinum Travel - best for either 4L spends (as per above table MRCC even works for upto 2L) and able to utilize those Taj milestone vouchers.
  • Platinum Reserve - for lounge, golf, accor plus, taj epicure, and monthly 50k spends.

Return calculation considerations:
  • The above returns are based on the current value of 1MR = 0.33p. This is because Amzn/Flpkrt vouchers can be redeemed at this value through their 18k/24k collection.
  • You can utilize a single MR pool account across multiple cards, allowing you to redeem 18k/24k collections for all cards (make sure to link new cards to your existing username).
  • For reference, the 10,000 Taj voucher is considered equivalent to an Amazon voucher in the 24k collection:
    • 14,000 Taj points = ₹8,000 Amazon Pay
    • So, 10,000 Taj points = ₹5,714 Amazon Pay, based on the 24k collection value.
  • Return values can vary significantly depending on individual redemption preferences. Some may value 1 MR = ₹1 for Marriott, 1 MR = 0.50p for Taj, or 1 MR = 0.33p for Vouchers. Above use the lowest value (0.33p), but returns can only increase with other redemptions.
  • Additionally, return values can be influenced by retention offers (refer to the Gold Charge retention thread for examples - these apply to all cards).
Notes about AMEX Network and Cards:
  • Amex may not be the good network, so acceptance still an issue even in urban (start with basic card and check your surroundings and upgrade).
  • 18k/24k can devalue at any time so above values as of today, and no guarantee for tomorrow.
  • Amex is best for security or disputes, so whenever you're purchasing from some new website use this card if they accept.
  • All above cards milestones works for fuel spends too (so an alternative to fuel card).
  • Amex not meant for regular rewards but for milestone benefits (if you can't achieve milestone, these cards are not for you).
Let me know if you need to include any data in this table, will try.

DM / look for signature if you're looking for help to apply AMEX cards (need valid address proof from serviceable location). May get referral benefits for both. TIA

Other comparisons:
- https://www.technofino.in/community/threads/atlas-vs-regalia-gold-vs-horizon.26500/
- (with drsel) https://www.technofino.in/community/threads/yes-marquee-vs-yes-reserv-3x-vs-yes-reserv-5x.24652/
- https://www.technofino.in/community/threads/au-zenith-vs-au-zenith.18143/
 
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drsel said:
1. Yes, anyway Amex Gold charge is the best of the trifecta
2. Yes, the referror may give you at least 1000 Amazon pay, considering that he will earn 8000 points.
you can negotiate for more
Click to expand...
Consider the annual fee without any benefits, from 2nd year the gold charge card will be less rewarding due to this annual fee cost
 
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nemesis23 said:
Hi @helloworld and others. So if I am correct - 1. my spends will be mostly gift cards and fuel (if POS avilable) and mostly 10k per month spend. So amex gold charge is best for me right ?
2. Is there any benefit now for referral vs direct application for gold charge (I am intrested in point only not in the MM card)
Thanks .
Click to expand...
Take my referral I'll give you 1k amazon voucher, I just want the manish malhotra limited edition cards 🤣🤣
 
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nemesis23 said:
Hi @helloworld and others. So if I am correct - 1. my spends will be mostly gift cards and fuel (if POS avilable) and mostly 10k per month spend. So amex gold charge is best for me right ?
2. Is there any benefit now for referral vs direct application for gold charge (I am intrested in point only not in the MM card)
Thanks .
Click to expand...

1. I believe MRCC will be better for you. It gives 4 to 5% with annual fee waiver. And no worries about retention. Check above table and see where your cumulative spend amount falls in.

2. For gold no changes, referral will provide 2k extra points. Remaining no changes earlier and now. MRCC earlier its FYF and annual fee 1500, now it has Joining fee and 4500 annual fee (wait till Oct 20th if going for MRCC).
 
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avikrish said:
Consider the annual fee without any benefits, from 2nd year the gold charge card will be less rewarding due to this annual fee cost
Click to expand...

with annual fee and only 72k spends with Gold charge, you can get 5% to 10% depends on offer. Full details check below thread, its not less rewarding (btw, 5% to 10% is for amzn voucher redemption, if marriot you value 1rs. then its 12% to 21%).

helloworld

Thread 'Breaking Down AMEX Retention Offers: Are They Worth It?'

Many of us face a tough decision when the annual fee comes around, but understanding the available retention offers can help you make a more informed choice.

Would like to share some insights into American Express Gold Charge Card retention offers and how they affect your net rewards after considering the card’s annual fee.

Normal reward rate:

18k/24k Collection
Welcome Gift (Spend 5k in 90days)4000 MR-
Referral Benefit (Spend 5k in...
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nemesis23 said:
Ha ha. thanks everyone. So I was thinking will take gold first then after sometime (6 month or towards 2nd year) will take MRCC and then before 1 year will close gold if they don't give any retention benefit.
Click to expand...
Now you got the idea
With all Amex cards, always pay only first year joining fee and never again.
 
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AMEX cards are primarily designed for milestone benefits, not regular rewards. The milestone rewards offer a much higher percentage return, making them more valuable than regular rewards. Therefore, it is best to apply for AMEX cards only if you can achieve the milestone targets. Otherwise, the cards may not be worth it.

Don’t focus on the lack of regular rewards and risk missing out on better benefits. Here’s why:

Example (Assuming 1MR = ₹0.30):​

  • Option 1: Regular reward rate = 0.6% return.
  • Option 2: Milestone reward rate = 6% return.
Personal Strategy:
  • I aim for the milestone rewards (Option 2), considering the regular rewards (Option 1) as optional. The extra 0.6% from regular rewards is not as valuable when compared to the 6% milestone return.
  • If you focus on the 0.6% regular reward, you could miss out on the 6% milestone reward.
Important Note:
  • This applies only to AMEX cards.
  • For other banks, the regular reward rate tends to be higher, while their milestone benefits are generally lower.
By focusing on milestone rewards rather than regular rewards, you maximize the value of AMEX cards, especially if you can meet the spending targets.
 
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moneyMaker said:
MRCC is the least exensive card if you just want to keep a card and not benefit from milestones etc.

Gold Charge is best for Amazon Vouchers via gyfter accelerated.
Click to expand...
I recently got MRCC, i am unable to buy apay gift cards more than 4500 , it is saying something wrong while going to payment gateway and after entering otp , the transaction is getting failed.
 
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coolguy1 said:
You can just apply for an MRCC card! Today is the last day. Apply and you will get the Manish Malhotra cards by next month delivered to your address. 🙂
Click to expand...
i already have mrcc and platinum 🙁. recently applied for gold card . (forgot to apply refferal ) . didnt knew gold card comes with physical verification ?? a guy visited my home and took pohoto of my home. 🙁 for gold card.
 
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hcj21212 said:
i already have mrcc and platinum 🙁. recently applied for gold card . (forgot to apply refferal ) . didnt knew gold card comes with physical verification ?? a guy visited my home and took pohoto of my home. 🙁 for gold card.
Click to expand...

Usually after 1st card they don't unless there is a change or gap between applications. What changed between earlier 2 cards and gold card application?
 
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If you’re unable to redeem or willing to sell Taj vouchers at a 70% discount, it might be more valuable to opt for Amzn vouchers instead.

Example: For 24,000 points:
  • Amzn voucher: ₹8,000 value.
  • Taj voucher: ₹14,000, but if sold at a 70% discount, yields only ₹4,200.
To get an equivalent value from Taj, you'd need to sell it at a 40% discount. Otherwise, the Amzn voucher is the better option.

Tip: Consider carefully before redeeming, as AMEX points do not expire.

This also applies to travel card milestone benefits: if you can't redeem or would have to sell at a significant discount, think twice about the best alternative card.
 
Last edited:
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helloworld said:
If you're not able to redeem or willing to sell Taj vouchers at 70% discount, IMO its better to opt for amzn voucher that gives higher value to you.

Ex: 24K

amzn voucher = 8000 Rs.
Taj = 14000 selling at 70% discount = 4200 Rs.

To get equal amzn voucher, you need to sell at 40% discount only otherwise amzn is preferred and better option.

Think for a second before redeem. AMEX POINTS DO NOT EXPIRE.
Click to expand...
What about taj voucher which they give after 4L spends. Any work around on that, can we delay it or something, people say they will give taj voucher after few days of 4 lakh spends and need to use it in 1 month
 
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navdeep22 said:
What about taj voucher which they give after 4L spends. Any work around on that, can we delay it or something, people say they will give taj voucher after few days of 4 lakh spends and need to use it in 1 month
Click to expand...
Complete 4lacs around card anniversary only. And I think voucher is valid for 12months
 
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