People always want the single “best” credit card out there. The “what’s the one card I should get?” question, but for the travel obsessed, the ones who rack up points effortlessly, it’s more about “what’s the one card I should get for this type of purchase?”. Maximizing points earning is about finding the cards which reward your spending at the highest rates and when it comes to airfare there’s only one card for the job…
The Amex Platinum Cards…
Even if you don’t run a “traditional” business, running a household is a business and a business card is a great way to separate expenses. Don’t shy away from instantly getting an EIN (sole proprietor identification number) from the IRS online and applying for a business card. The application will run off of your personal credit and can double your points earning.
The Amex Platinum brand is undergoing a rebrand amid stiff competition. They’re adding Uber credits, a metal card (woohoo) and continuing all the usual perks of a $450+ a year credit card such as lounge access, Fine Hotels & Resorts access, $200 airline credit and more. The biggest development on the personal card is that they’ve introduced 5x points on all airfare bookings made directly through AmexTravel.com or the airline. Come March 30th the business card will also offer 5x points on airfare and hotel bookings made through AmexTravel.com too. WOW, and that’s not all.
5X Points + Targeted Offers…
5x Points is incredible for airfare purchases. A $1000 purchase would net you 5,000 points, not even including the frequent flyer miles you’ll earn. On top of that, Amex is running tons of targeted spending offers with various airlines to encourage business. Recently (perhaps even currently) there’s been a “Spend $1000 with Air France and get 20,000 bonus points” deal. In effect, that means you’d earn 25,000 points for a $1000 purchase, factoring in 5x points and 20,000 bonus points. We haven’t even touched on the lucrative sign up bonuses for the cards.
The Business Platinum offers a 50% Rebate When Using Your Points…
This is a true game changer in how we look at points. Sure, there are headline grabbing opportunities to book a $13,000 first class seat one way for 80,000 points, but the ability to turn 80,000 points into $1600 of free travel without needing availability, which will even earn miles, is extraordinary. You can use points you’ve already (quickly) accumulated to cover a ticket, any ticket. You’ll get an initial 1 cent per points (use 100,000 points for $1,000), but you’ll get a 50% rebate, meaning you can book a $1000 flight for just 50,000 points, anytime.
Which Card To Get?
If you have a business it’s hard to argue with the Business Platinum. The annual fee is remaining at $450 per year (as opposed to personal which is rising to $550), you get 5x points on airfare and hotel bookings made through AmexTravel.com, you’ll get Priority Pass lounge access for member and two guests, Fine Hotels & Resorts access, fee credits and of course the 50% rebate on your points. That’s tremendous. The Amex Platinum is competing hard to justify the new $550 fee, upping the game with monthly Uber credits and other perks, so if you plan to transfer your points, don’t want to bother with business cards and still want 5x points you’ll do well there as well…
