Amex Trifecta vs. Chase Trifecta: The Ultimate Credit Card Showdown

Introduction

When it comes to maximizing credit card rewards, few strategies are as effective as building a trifecta credit card setup—a three-card combination designed to optimize travel points, cashback rewards, and statement credits. Among the top competitors, the American Express (Amex) Trifecta and the Chase Trifecta stand out as two of the best credit card setups for travelers and everyday spenders. But which one is right for you?

In this guide, we will compare the Amex Trifecta vs. Chase Trifecta in categories like rewards structure, travel benefits, points redemption, transfer partners, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for premium travel perks, best credit cards for rewards, or everyday cashback, this breakdown will help you choose the best credit card strategy based on your lifestyle and spending habits.

What Is a Credit Card Trifecta?

A credit card trifecta strategy is a combination of three cards from the same issuer that work together to maximize travel rewards, cashback, and point transfers. These cards typically cover various spending categories while allowing cardholders to combine and transfer points to a common ecosystem for maximum redemption value.

The Amex Trifecta: Overview

The Amex Trifecta credit card setup consists of three premium American Express rewards credit cards that work together to generate high Membership Rewards (MR) points and provide exclusive travel perks.

Core Cards in the Amex Trifecta

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
   • Annual Fee: $695
   • Key Benefits:
     • 5x American Express Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
     • Best credit card for lounge access (Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs)
     • $200 airline incidental fee credit
     • $200 Uber Cash annually
     • $200 hotel credit on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings
2. American Express® Gold Card
   • Annual Fee: $250
   • Key Benefits:
     • 4x Amex points on dining (including takeout and delivery)
     • 4x Amex points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x)
     • 3x Amex points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
     • $120 dining credits ($10 per month at select restaurants)
3. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
   • Annual Fee: $0
   • Key Benefits:
     • 2x Amex points on all purchases (up to $50,000 per year, then 1x)
     • No preset spending limit (great for business owners)

Strengths of the Amex Trifecta

• Best credit card for travel perks (luxury benefits, lounge access, and hotel credits)
• High rewards on dining and groceries
• Strong international airline transfer partners

Weaknesses of the Amex Trifecta

• High annual fees ($945+ combined per year)
• Limited domestic airline transfer partners
• Fewer travel protections compared to Chase

The Chase Trifecta: Overview

The Chase Trifecta is one of the best credit card setups for travel, offering stronger travel protections, flexible rewards, and excellent redemption options.

Core Cards in the Chase Trifecta

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
   • Annual Fee: $550
   • Key Benefits:
     • 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining
     • $300 annual travel credit
     • Priority Pass lounge access
     • 1.5x Chase points redemption value through Chase Travel Portal
     • Best credit card for travel insurance and protections
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
   • Annual Fee: $0
   • Key Benefits:
     • 1.5x Chase points on all non-bonus purchases
     • 3x Chase points on dining and drugstores
     • 5x Chase points on travel booked through Chase Travel Portal
3. Chase Ink Business Preferred® (or Chase Freedom Flex® for personal users)
   • Annual Fee: $95
   • Key Benefits:
     • 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel, shipping, internet, phone, and advertising purchases (Ink Business Preferred)
     • 5x Chase points on rotating categories (Freedom Flex)

Strengths of the Chase Trifecta

• Best credit card for travel insurance (trip cancellation, baggage delay, and rental car insurance)
• Lower annual fees compared to Amex
• Best for domestic airline transfer partners (United, Southwest, JetBlue)

Weaknesses of the Chase Trifecta

• Fewer luxury travel perks (no Centurion Lounge access or elite hotel benefits)
• Lower earning rates on flights compared to Amex

Amex Trifecta vs. Chase Trifecta: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Trifecta Is Right for You?

Choose the Amex Trifecta If:

• You prioritize luxury travel rewards and lounge access.
• You spend a lot on dining and groceries.
• You prefer best credit card for international airline transfers.

Choose the Chase Trifecta If:

• You want best travel insurance credit card.
• You frequently travel domestically (United, Southwest, JetBlue).
• You prefer lower annual fees with strong travel benefits.

Conclusion

Both the Amex Trifecta and the Chase Trifecta are among the best credit card setups for maximizing travel rewards. If you prefer luxury perks and high earning rates on dining and groceries, go with Amex. If you value better travel insurance, lower fees, and domestic airline partners, Chase is the better choice.

No matter which credit card trifecta strategy you choose, both setups can help you maximize travel rewards, earn cashback, and enjoy premium benefits. Which one do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!