Is it worth having both the Amex Gold and Platinum cards?

Yes—especially for travelers who fly several times a year and spend consistently on dining and groceries. The cards complement each other and help you earn more points while unlocking a range of exclusive perks.

Do both the Gold and Platinum cards charge foreign transaction fees?

No. You can travel freely abroad using either card without worrying about additional international fees.

What’s the best way to use points earned from both cards?

The Membership Rewards points you earn from both cards go into one account, making it easier to accumulate and transfer to travel partners like Emirates, Air France/KLM, or Marriott Bonvoy.

Can I get both cards if I’m a new Amex customer?

Yes. You can apply for both, but for welcome bonus eligibility, space them out by at least 90 days and meet each card’s individual spending target.

Which card should I use for booking flights?

Use the Amex Platinum. It earns 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel—one of the highest rates available.

4 Reasons to Hold Both the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards in 2025

4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum: Travel Smart in 2025

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Holding both the Amex Gold and Platinum cards unlocks value beyond what either card offers alone.
The Gold card rewards everyday spending (think: dining and groceries), while the Platinum card shines for luxury travel perks.
You can double-dip on points, benefits, and statement credits across both cards with smart planning.
This combination suits frequent flyers, digital nomads, couples, and anyone optimizing for luxe travel while earning rewards.
Here’s everything travelers need to know about the 4 reasons to hold both the American Express Gold and Platinum in 2025.

Table of Contents

Why Hold Both the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards in 2025?
1. Earn More Points Where You Actually Spend
2. Double the Travel Perks (Lounge, Upgrades, Credits)
3. Accelerated Amex Membership Rewards Strategy
4. Diversification of Statement Credits & Lifestyle Benefits
How Much Do These Cards Cost – And Are They Worth It?
How to Plan This Strategy the Smart Way
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Using Amex Gold and Platinum Together
FAQ: 4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum
Final Thoughts: The Smart Traveler’s Case for Carrying Both Amex Cards

Why Hold Both the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards in 2025?

At first glance, it might feel excessive to carry two premium cards—particularly when the Amex Platinum has a $695 annual fee and the Gold rings in at $250. But for travelers who take a few trips per year, whether for work, play, or one epic sabbatical, the benefits of both cards add up—quickly.

Here are the key categories where they complement each other:

1. Earn More Points Where You Actually Spend

The Amex Gold earns 4X Membership Rewards points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually) and restaurants worldwide—perfect for foodies, families, and nomads settling into new cities.
The Amex Platinum earns 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel—ideal for frequent flyers.

Holding both means you’re getting the maximum value on most major spending categories while capitalizing on both cards’ points engines.

Example: Spend $500/month on dining and $600 on groceries = 4,400 points monthly with Gold; a $600 flight = 3,000 points via Platinum.

2. Double the Travel Perks (Lounge, Upgrades, Credits)

Lounge access is where Platinum shines: with complimentary entry to the Centurion Lounge network, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges, it can turn long layovers into relaxing experiences.

But the Gold card offers its own perks with hotel dining credits and an accessible points-earning engine that brings in rewards fast.

Keep in mind these juicy perks:

Platinum: Up to $200 airline fee credit, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, luxury hotel program access (Fine Hotels & Resorts).
Gold: $120 dining credit (Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, etc.), $120 Uber Cash (usable on rides and Uber Eats).

Used strategically, this can easily outweigh both cards’ annual fees.

3. Accelerated Amex Membership Rewards Strategy

The Membership Rewards ecosystem is one of the most flexible for travelers, with transfer partners including Delta, British Airways, Aeroplan, Emirates, and Marriott.

By collecting from multiple point streams—Airfare via Platinum, Groceries/Dining via Gold—you accumulate points faster and smarter.

For example:

Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan for northbound flights with stopovers.
Use with ANA for roundtrip Asia business class (one of the best sweet spots).

You can explore the original breakdown in this detailed article by Matt Moffitt on The Points Guy.

4. Diversification of Statement Credits & Lifestyle Benefits

Not all credits are created equal, and this is where dual ownership shines. By carrying both cards, you unlock more categories of automatic statement credits—making it much easier to recoup the annual fees with everyday purchases and travel spend.

Examples include:

Gold: Uber and dining credits good on popular delivery and ride platforms.
Platinum: Digital streaming, Equinox, Saks Fifth Avenue, CLEAR membership, and travel expense reimbursement.

Used together, it’s like building your own travel concierge… with points.

How Much Do These Cards Cost – And Are They Worth It?

Let’s talk value. No doubt, these cards aren’t “budget traveler” choices. But once you map the realistic ROI (return on investment) of spend vs. travel, it clicks.

Card	Annual Fee	Ideal Use Cases	Key Perks
Amex Gold	$250	Food lovers, urban nomads, groceries & dining	4X dining, 4X groceries, $240 in annual credits
Amex Platinum	$695	Business travelers, luxury seekers, flyers	5X flights, lounge access, $1,500+ in travel perks

If you travel 2–5 times a year and spend regularly on dining, flights, or staycations, holding both easily beats the fees—especially if you’re strategic about redemptions.

How to Plan This Strategy the Smart Way

Amex typically offers 60K–150K Membership Rewards points as a signup bonus. Start with one card, earn the bonus, then consider the second after 90+ days.

Stack Credits with Your Lifestyle

Set reminders to use your monthly credits (Uber, dining, streaming, Saks). You’re more likely to benefit consistently if you treat it like cash saved.

Use One Card Abroad, the Other for Bookings

For international trips, use the Gold for dining abroad (4X globally), Platinum for flights/hotels or lounge entry. Neither charges foreign transaction fees.

Link to Travel Portals

Use the Amex Travel portal or transfer MR points to book hotels and flights with points. Check availability on partners like Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and Air France.

Combine for Companion Trips

For couples or co-travelers, one can hold Gold, the other Platinum. Share benefits like lounge access, earn collectively, and manage bookings from one pool.

Cancel If Not Traveling Enough? Maybe Not.

Even in off-years or slow travel seasons, the dining, Uber, and streaming credits on these cards often cover part of the fee through everyday living.

HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for Using Amex Gold and Platinum Together

At HopStrip, we believe in travel that works smart—not just luxury for the sake of it. Here’s how to think like a HopStrip traveler with these two powerhouse cards:

Plan multi-country itineraries using airline transfer partners—British Airways (for intra-Europe), ANA (to Southeast Asia), and Delta (for U.S.).
Lounge hop efficiently at international airports: use the Platinum for Centurion or Priority Pass lounges during layovers.
Use your Membership Rewards for upgrades instead of coach flights—it’s usually a better redemption value.
Paying for hotels? Use your Platinum card to book Fine Hotels + Resorts on Amex Travel, or check hotel prices for your stay to compare value.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

FAQ: 4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum

Is it worth having both the Amex Gold and Platinum cards?
A: Yes—especially for travelers who fly several times a year and spend consistently on dining and groceries. The cards complement each other and help you earn more points while unlocking a range of exclusive perks.
Do both the Gold and Platinum cards charge foreign transaction fees?
A: No. You can travel freely abroad using either card without worrying about additional international fees.
What’s the best way to use points earned from both cards?
A: The Membership Rewards points you earn from both cards go into one account, making it easier to accumulate and transfer to travel partners like Emirates, Air France/KLM, or Marriott Bonvoy.
Can I get both cards if I’m a new Amex customer?
A: Yes. You can apply for both, but for welcome bonus eligibility, space them out by at least 90 days and meet each card’s individual spending target.
Which card should I use for booking flights?
A: Use the Amex Platinum. It earns 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel—one of the highest rates available.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Traveler’s Case for Carrying Both Amex Cards

If you’re deciding between Gold or Platinum, there’s a third option: get both. The 4 reasons to hold both the American Express Gold and Platinum boil down to syncopated strengths that cover everything from a croissant in Paris to a lay-flat seat en route to Tokyo. For frequent travelers or luxury lovers who want to get more from their spend, this combo unlocks unmatched flexibility, perks, and point-earning power.

Sure, it’s an investment—but so is every great trip. And with the right card combo, it pays dividends in comfort, upgrades, and unforgettable travel moments.

Ready to start planning your next adventure? Compare flights for your dates, book a unique stay, or arrange a stress-free airport transfer—and let your Amex cards do the rest.

Safe travels.