4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum: Smart Travel Strategy for 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Holding both the Amex Gold and Platinum cards makes sense if you travel frequently or enjoy upscale dining and airport perks.
- You can maximize points earning for different lifestyle categories—restaurants, flights, and hotels.
- Having both cards unlocks airport lounge access, luxury hotel upgrades, and transfer bonuses.
- Redeeming points smartly can save you money whether you’re booking flights or splurging on five-star stays.
- Discover the top 4 reasons to hold both the American Express Gold and Platinum cards as a savvy traveler.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Travelers Hold Both the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards?
- 1. Maximize Earning Points in Multiple Categories
- 2. Unlock Premium Travel Perks—From Lounges to Upgrades
- 3. Stack Statement Credits
- 4. Flexibility in Redeeming and Transferring Points
- Best 4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum in 2025
- How to Plan This Travel Strategy the Smart Way
- HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
- FAQ: 4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum
Why Do Travelers Hold Both the Amex Gold and Platinum Cards?
If you’re already carrying either the American Express® Gold Card or Platinum Card, adding the other might seem redundant—but it’s not. Here’s why.
1. Maximize Earning Points in Multiple Categories
Each card shines in different areas: the Amex Gold earns 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets—ideal for daily spending. The Platinum, meanwhile, earns 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, which is perfect if you book international or domestic flights often.
Pairing them allows you to collect points faster across a broader range of spending categories, which means more trips, upgrades, or statement credits every year.
| Category | Amex Gold | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 4X points | 1X point |
| U.S. Supermarkets | 4X points (up to $25,000/year) | 1X point |
| Flights (direct or Amex) | 3X points | 5X points |
| Hotels through Amex | 1X point | 5X points (on prepaid Amex Travel) |
Leveraging both cards gives you high returns on both your weekly grocery trip and your next international flight.
2. Unlock Premium Travel Perks—From Lounges to Upgrades
One of the major reasons to hold the Amex Platinum is airport lounge access. It includes entry to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass lounges (upon activation), and more.
The Gold card doesn’t offer lounge perks, but when paired with the Platinum, you’ll get:
- Complimentary room upgrades and late checkout via Fine Hotels + Resorts®
- Credit at participating luxury properties
- Access to Amex’s International Airline Program (discounted premium seats)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
For full details, check out this guide at The Points Guy.
3. Stack Statement Credits
Each card comes with its own suite of annual credits. If you hold both, those benefits stack. That adds up to hundreds in travel-linked savings each year.
With Amex Gold:
- $120 per year in dining credits (e.g., GrubHub, The Cheesecake Factory)
- $120 Uber Cash ($10/month)
With Amex Platinum:
- $200 in airline fee credits
- $200 in Uber Cash
- $189 CLEAR® Plus credit
- Up to $200 in hotel credits (prepaid bookings through Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection)
Using even a handful of these offsets the annual fees significantly.
4. Flexibility in Redeeming and Transferring Points
American Express Membership Rewards® points are some of the most versatile travel currencies. When you hold both cards, the points pool together, giving you more freedom in how and where to redeem them.
Via Amex’s transfer partners (like Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Avios, and Marriott Bonvoy), you can turn everyday spending into business-class seats or dreamy hotel nights.
Tip: Watch for transfer bonuses that let you squeeze even more value from your points.
Best 4 Reasons to Hold Both the American Express Gold and Platinum in 2025
Still not sure if it’s for you? Here’s a quick scenario-based rundown for 2025 travelers:
- For Digital Nomads: Maximize daily expenses like supermarkets and cafes while unlocking premium lounge access between work trips.
- For Frequent Flyers: Earn 5X on flights while enjoying luxury perks like hotel upgrades, Global Entry credits, and airport lounges.
- For Families: Benefit from Uber credits, supermarket points, and travel benefits across the board when planning group trips.
- For Luxury Travelers: Use Amex Platinum to book 5-star hotels with perks and stack points with Amex Gold on high-end dining.
In short, different cards perform best for different types of spending—but real travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. Holding both gives you full coverage.
How to Plan This Travel Strategy the Smart Way
Here’s how to build a travel plan around your Amex Gold + Platinum combo:
- Check flight prices with a comparison site. Use your Platinum to earn 5X points via this flight comparison site or book directly with the airline.
- Use Fine Hotels + Resorts® through Platinum for luxury stays with perks—and your Gold card for dining nearby.
- Make prepaid hotel bookings through the Amex Travel portal to earn up to 5X and unlock the hotel statement credit.
- Charge restaurant spending (including while abroad) to your Amex Gold for 4X rewards.
- Transfer points strategically to Amex travel partners (airlines and hotels). Use bonus windows for better value.
- Track credits and activate benefits. Use both mobile apps to stay on top of statement credits and travel perks.
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
At HopStrip, we’re all about travel that’s smarter—not harder. Here’s how to unleash the full potential of this card combo:
- Use CLEAR® (Platinum benefit) and Global Entry for breezier airport security and customs lines.
- Rotate your card usage. Grocery runs? Use Gold. Booking international flights? Platinum.
- Combine long-haul flights booked via Platinum with vacation rentals booked through platforms like Vrbo to balance luxury with privacy.
- Don’t forget travel insurance—especially for big trips. Use this affordable travel protection if your card’s coverage is limited.
“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 paying two annual fees for Amex Gold and Platinum?
Yes, if you maximize the benefits. The credits alone can offset the cost, and you’ll gain access to better rewards in more categories—ideal for frequent and luxury travelers.
Will my Membership Rewards points combine if I hold both cards?
Yes! Points from both cards go into the same Membership Rewards® account, making it easier to redeem and transfer.
Can I apply for both the Amex Gold and Platinum at the same time?
While you can apply for both, be aware of Amex’s “one bonus per card per lifetime” rule. Space them out strategically to maximize welcome offers.
What credit score do I need for both cards?
Generally, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score—think 700 or above. Amex also considers your overall relationship with the brand.
Does holding both cards help with booking luxury hotels?
Absolutely. Use the Platinum’s Fine Hotels & Resorts® and Hotel Collection perks for upgrades, breakfast credits, and late checkouts. Then use Gold to rack up extra restaurant points nearby.
