• Hey there! Welcome to TFC! View fewer ads on the website just by signing up on TF Community.

AMEX MRCC vs AMEX Gold Charge vs AMEX Plat Travel vs AMEX Plat Reserve

Status
The first post in this thread is a WikiPost, and can be edited by anyone with the appropriate permissions.

helloworld

TF Legend
Update: FYF is not applicable for MRCC/Platinum Travel via referral links, but an extra 2,000 MR points is offered till Feb end.

CategoryMRCCGold ChargePlat. TravelPlat. Reserve
Joining Fee (with referral + GST)₹1,180₹1,180₹5,900₹11,800
Joining Benefits (with referral)4000 + 4000 MR (on spending ₹15,000)4000 + 4000 MR (on spending ₹15,000)4000 + 10000 MR (on spending ₹15,000)8000 + 11000 MR (on spending ₹25,000)
Net % (for JF and benefits)
1 MR = 0.33p (link)
+ ₹1,460+ ₹1,460- ₹1,280- ₹5,530 (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)₹5,310₹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 amount on reward multiplier and get 2 MR / 50
5x = 5.83%

Spend same amount on reward multiplier and get 5 MR / 50
3x = 1.98%

Spend same amount on reward multiplier and get 3 MR / 50
3x = 3.90%

Spend same amount 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/
 
Last edited:
I feel a better way to calculate would be to calculate how much you are paying vs how many MR you are getting.
For 1k purchase from Gyftr, we are paying 8.85 rupees extra. For 8.85 rupees, we are getting 20 MR for MRCC, 40 for Travel, 80 for Gold.
So basically we are buying 1 point for 0.4425 in case of MRCC, 0.22125 for Travel, 0.110625 for Gold.
Now we can compare using the point value of our preferred redemption method and see if its worth it or not.
 
I feel a better way to calculate would be to calculate how much you are paying vs how many MR you are getting.
For 1k purchase from Gyftr, we are paying 8.85 rupees extra. For 8.85 rupees, we are getting 20 MR for MRCC, 40 for Travel, 80 for Gold.
So basically we are buying 1 point for 0.4425 in case of MRCC, 0.22125 for Travel, 0.110625 for Gold.
Now we can compare using the point value of our preferred redemption method and see if its worth it or not.
I have not checked the math, but did you consider milestone spends on Plat Travel too?
 
I have not checked the math, but did you consider milestone spends on Plat Travel too?
i am comparing buying apay vouchers from gyftr vs from amazon itself. in case of gyftr we are paying 0.885% extra but getting 2/3/5x rewards. the calculation is to check whether paying gyftr fees is worth it or not. milestone will be reached irrespective of where you buy it from so point in considering it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BVC
I feel a better way to calculate would be to calculate how much you are paying vs how many MR you are getting.
For 1k purchase from Gyftr, we are paying 8.85 rupees extra. For 8.85 rupees, we are getting 20 MR for MRCC, 40 for Travel, 80 for Gold.
So basically we are buying 1 point for 0.4425 in case of MRCC, 0.22125 for Travel, 0.110625 for Gold.
Now we can compare using the point value of our preferred redemption method and see if its worth it or not.

You're right, breaking down into MR value makes it easier for many to decide. If someone values MR points at ₹0.44 each, then the Reward Multiplier could still make sense. However, since Amzn vouchers effectively provide only ₹0.33 per MR, it’s not the best option in this case.

Just a thought: Until January 31st, we were getting 20 MR without any extra cost, but now there’s an ₹8.85 charge for the same. So, why should we now consider 1 MR = ₹0.4425, when just last month, it was essentially ₹0?

This is an additional cost for something we previously got for free. Over time, we’ve seen extra charges on convenience fees, utilities, wallets, rent payments, and now Gyftr. It’s a pattern that continues as long as we accept these extra costs.

Just my opinion. 😊
 
You're right, breaking down into MR value makes it easier for many to decide. If someone values MR points at ₹0.44 each, then the Reward Multiplier could still make sense. However, since Amzn vouchers effectively provide only ₹0.33 per MR, it’s not the best option in this case.

Just a thought: Until January 31st, we were getting 20 MR without any extra cost, but now there’s an ₹8.85 charge for the same. So, why should we now consider 1 MR = ₹0.4425, when just last month, it was essentially ₹0?

This is an additional cost for something we previously got for free. Over time, we’ve seen extra charges on convenience fees, utilities, wallets, rent payments, and now Gyftr. It’s a pattern that continues as long as we accept these extra costs.

Just my opinion. 😊
So true. It will continue as long as we keep accepting.
 
Status
The first post in this thread is a WikiPost, and can be edited by anyone with the appropriate permissions.
Back
Top