AMEX MRCC vs AMEX Gold vs AMEX Travel vs AMEX Reserve

[helloworld]

Update: Currently FYF not applicable for MRCC / Plat. Travel using referral links, extended till 28/10/2024.

Category	MRCC	Gold Charge	Plat. Travel	Plat. Reserve
Joining Fee (with referral + GST)	1180	₹1,180	4130	₹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 Benefits	Spend ₹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 MR	Spend ₹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 points	5x MR points	3x MR points	3x MR points
Reward Return % (when 1 MR = 0.33p (link) amzn voucher) higher possible depends on redemption
On 1.56L annual spends	1x = 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 spends	1x = 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 - to experience amex network compared to VISA, mastercard, Diners and Rupay, occasional spend based offers (low spends means no offer or offer on their affiliated program, not much but just for experience) and to see where you fit with their cards. Not a recommended card but can start with this one.
• MRCC - to spend 1.56L in a year with referral annual fee got waived and recommended card in amex (as per above table best for milestone benefits).
• Gold charge- occasional high spends, and mostly for 5x on their reward multiplier program. 1x not much beneficial but can be used 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 or sell those Taj milestone vouchers.
• Platinum Reserve - for lounge, golf, accor plus, taj epicure, and monthly 50k spends.

Return calculation considerations:

• Above returns are based on 1 MR = 0.33p (as of today, we get amzn/fk vouchers at this value in their 18k/24k collection).
• You can use single MR pool account for all cards and can redeem for 18k/24k (make sure add new cards to existing username) for all cards.
• 10K Taj value considered as equivalent amzn voucher value as per 24k collection..

14000 Taj = 8000 Amazon pay,
so 10k Taj = Rs.5714 Amazon pay voucher based on 24K collection

• Return values varies from person to person depends on redemption options. One may consider 1MR = 1Rs. for Marriott or 1MR = 0.50p for Taj or 1MR = 0.33p for amzn/fk vouchers. Above is lowest value, and it can only increase based on other redemption options.
• Return values also varies based on retention offer (check below gold charge retention thread about possible options, same applies 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 to better).
• 18k/24k can devalue at any time (last time they gave only 2 or 3 days 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/whats-your-gold-charge-retention-offer.14690/
- 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/

 

[avikrish]

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

Consider the annual fee without any benefits, from 2nd year the gold charge card will be less rewarding due to this annual fee cost

 

[Infamous]

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 .

Take my referral I'll give you 1k amazon voucher, I just want the manish malhotra limited edition cards 🤣🤣

 

[helloworld]

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 .

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).

 

[helloworld]

Consider the annual fee without any benefits, from 2nd year the gold charge card will be less rewarding due to this annual fee cost

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%).

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

Jul 3, 2023

American Express® Gold Card​

Annual Fee: 5310

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. 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.

Normal reward rate:

		18k/24k Collection
Welcome Gift (Spend 5k in 90days)	4000 MR	-

...

• helloworld
• Replies: 84
• Forum: American Express

• 

 

[drsel]

Consider the annual fee without any benefits, from 2nd year the gold charge card will be less rewarding due to this annual fee cost

You are not supposed to pay the expensive second year renewal fee.
you have to close the card and apply again after 6 month

 

[nemesis23]

You are not supposed to pay the expensive second year renewal fee.
you have to close the card and apply again after 6 month

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.

 

[drsel]

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.

Now you got the idea
With all Amex cards, always pay only first year joining fee and never again.

 

[helloworld]

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.

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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.

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By focusing on milestone rewards rather than regular rewards, you maximize the value of AMEX cards, especially if you can meet the spending targets.