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

AMEX MRCC vs AMEX Gold vs AMEX Travel vs AMEX Reserve

Status
The first post in this thread is a WikiPost, and can be edited by anyone with the appropriate permissions.
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/
 
Last edited:
Apply For LTF AU LIT Credit Card
Sort by date Sort by votes
mohit3780 said:
Nops....Its not FYF at present...
Click to expand...

Seems like they just updated the page today! Also, the bonus points have been added on top of the bonuses.

Now with Plat Travel, you would pay ₹3500 and get 12,000 MR Points(2000+10000) on joining itself!
(Also, the designer playing cards if you apply during the offer period)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
ManojGowda said:
No longer makes sense to get MRCC in this offering.
Gold remains same
Platinum travel: you get 10k points against 3.5k fee + GST
Click to expand...

actually mrcc is well compensated with joining fee.

4000 MR = 1320 (amzn voucher, mininum) for the 1180 fee..

but renewal fee is big impact but that can never be problem because mrcc only useful if one spend 1.56L to achieve 18k or 24k gold collection.

Platinum travel might have impact.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
helloworld said:
actually mrcc is well compensated with joining fee.

4000 MR = 1320 (amzn voucher, mininum) for the 1180 fee..

but renewal fee is big impact but that can never be problem because mrcc only useful if one spend 1.56L to achieve 18k or 24k gold collection.

Platinum travel might have impact.
Click to expand...
MRCC is useless now, Amex reward portal has restricted Rs10,000 /month Amazon gift card.
It's difficult to complete Rs20K /month milestone now
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
helloworld said:
What about Fuel, NPS, Flipkart, Myntra, BigBasket, Offline Jewlry, Offline super market etc.?
Click to expand...
Offline mostly card is not accepted.
Most of the people by Amazon gift card , as it is an alternative money which can be used to pay insurance, bills, etc...

For Flipkart, bb, Myntra other cc will work with instant discount, so why to buy gift cards and preserve and monitor the deadline
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
avikrish said:
Offline mostly card is not accepted.
Most of the people by Amazon gift card , as it is an alternative money which can be used to pay insurance, bills, etc...

For Flipkart, bb, Myntra other cc will work with instant discount, so why to buy gift cards and preserve and monitor the deadline
Click to expand...

those are the places this card is beneficial, and its upto the person usage, location, and nearby acceptance. As mentioned, AMEX works for Fuel purchases too, so instead of fuel card you can use same card but that can only possible if nearby fuel stations accept it. Most banks won't provide any points but you can get upto 5% on fuel alone without needing additional card.

Same mentioned reward rate for NPS which is Govt. MCC, most of the banks like AXIS, HDFC kept 0 reward points for govt. spends whereas you can get upto 6% on govt. spends too.

reward cards are meant to accumulate bulk reward points over time and redeem for flights/hotel purchases, it can't be done single month like 'cashback' but need patience for more time and depends on our spends.

Above mentioned reward rate 1 MR = 0.33p is for amzn voucher, Imagine if same redeemed for Marriott at 1 MR = 1rs. and stayed for 1 or 2 days. Can't be done with Instant discount cards, or cashback cards.

There is a purpose for each credit card, and we have to choose accordingly. If not found useful, then always better alternatives exist, if not simple cashback also satisfy at same level. Its all about convenience and usability.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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 .
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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. 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
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Status
The first post in this thread is a WikiPost, and can be edited by anyone with the appropriate permissions.

Similar threads

hp_007
  • Question Question
Need suggestion: Amex platinum travel vs Amex platinum reserve
Replies
4
Views
315
ujjwal2024
U
bhavik886151
  • Question Question
Amex Gold Charge Card VS Amex Platinum Charge
Replies
7
Views
2K
bhavik886151
bhavik886151
PoorviS
  • Question Question
After AXIS ATLAS devaluation vs Amex platinum travel
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
coolguy1
coolguy1
C
  • Solved
Hotel Points HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Card vs Amex Platinum Travel Card
2
Replies
23
Views
2K
BVCBVC is verified member.
BVC
chatenrk
  • Question Question
Amex Platinum travel vs Amex Gold Charge
Replies
5
Views
4K
margan
M
Back
Top