Chase vs Amex Trifecta Explained (Why I Use BOTH)

In this video we are talking about why I use the credit cards in both the Chase Trifecta and the Amex Trifecta to earn credit card points and get max value from my spending. These 2 credit card setups have very different benefits and fees with the Chase Trifecta costing $95 per year and the Amex Trifecta costing $945 per year, but all 6 credit cards in these setups give me value in different ways so I think it’s worth it.

The Chase Trifecta consists of the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Freedom Flex, and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Out of these credit cards, I use the Sapphire Preferred card for its transfer partners as well as for streaming and minor travel expenses. I use my Freedom Flex card for its rotating 5x categories which typically includes gas, groceries, Amazon, and more. I also use my Freedom Unlimited as a catch all card for miscellaneous purchases where I earn 1.5x points per dollar on everything.

The Amex Trifecta consists of the Amex Platinum Card, the Amex Gold Card, and the Amex Blue Business Plus. Out of these credit cards, I use the Amex Platinum for travel where it gets 5x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express. I use the Amex Gold Card for groceries and dining at restaurants where it gets 4x points per dollar. I also use my Blue Business Plus Card for miscellaneous business purchases from time to time where it gets 2x points on everything.

On top of these credit cards, I also have added cards like the Citi Custom Cash to earn 5x back on gas and the Bilt Mastercard to earn 1x point per dollar on rent. Then I take all of the Chase Ultimate Rewards Points and Bilt credit card points I earn and transfer them for hotel stays with Hyatt, and I take all of the Amex Membership Rewards Points I earn and transfer them for flights.

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The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Daniel Braun is not a financial advisor. This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only, it is not financial advice.

[ianfarrell]

As a 19 year old getting into the world of credit cards, these vids have been super helpful. This video is great, and gives a nice easy to follow rundown, much appreciated!

[EthanPatrick_CreditCards]

I've gotta say the Chase trifecta gives me a ton of value for just a $95 annual fee! It's nice not to have to worry about constantly using credits in order to make the cards worth it.

[lbmlttf]

I run a similar setup, except I upgrade the CSP to the CSR and nix the Amex platinum altogether. This lowers the annual fees by $250 relative to your setup, and replaces the annoying restrictions on the Amex platinum credits with a blanket broad $300 travel credit. I don't get access to the Centurion lounges but that doesn't matter as much to me because they don't have Centurion lounges in either of my local airports (BOS and PVD). Meanwhile, in addition to the standard priority pass lounges, I get access to the new Chase Sapphire lounge in Boston and I also get access to priority pass experiences, which is crucial for PVD because there is no lounge there (PP or Centurion), only a bar with a dining credit. I also get better travel multipliers (3x for hotels, rental cars and transit-- all broadly outside of the portal, 10x for Lyft)

[DannyAdair]

My issue with the Platinum is how much you need to “work” to get the benefits to justify the fee. For that matter, I feel the same about rotating categories cards, although typically those cards do not have fees. We’re planning to cancel the Amex cards and go back to Chase, probably the Sapphire Reserve - it’s just easier to get the value back without much work/thought.

[JonsCreditAndTravel]

love how conversational this video is. It feels like you are actually talking to us without any heavy editing. i love it!! Do more videos like these. This was great content. Im working my way toward the same set up. Excellent info brother!! Thank you!

[J..E.]

Keep making them bro. You make my favorite credit card content and have taught me a lot in the past two years.

[jessea]

I really like the Chase trifecta. I think if they added a consistent grocery and gas bonus, I wouldn’t even consider Amex!

[jd]

The more I watch vids about the CSP the more I feel super grateful for getting the targeted 100k point offer mailed to me. Seems rare

[MattWelterOfficial]

Love the more conversational, less scripted videos! Great work here Daniel!

[SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

The conversational style was super enjoyable Daniel. Keep it up! As for these 2 setups, I find myself getting the most value from the Chase setup too. Well, at least the most value for the price. I don't have the Amex Platinum yet but with the way the credits work across all of Amex's cards, they're a bit of a hassle to get value from consistently. Chase is much more straightforward. Great video man!

[anthonygardner]

Hey Daniel. This format becomes you! I like it a lot! Ultimately, people want to hear honest, genuine perspectives from YouTubers. You always come across that way, but this format brings your authenticity forward even more.

I have both trifectas also, except I have the CSR, not the CSP. And like you, I use the Custom Cash for gas, except in quarters like this one, in which the Freedom Flex has gas as a category. In that case, I’d prefer 5X Ultimate Rewards points to 5X Citi points.

Really nice video, as always!

[jaydajune]

Your videos have definitely helped a lot in understanding my Chase/Amex cards!! Thank you

I would love if you could do a video highlighting which monthly recurring bills (electricity, rent, internet, cable, cell service, etc) you pay with your credit cards to also maximize on point value!!

[jeffreystewart]

Daniel, Like the new informal format. It is more like discussing strategy with you over a great cup of coffee. Thanks for all you do to help the rest of us. You are a real pro and you continue improving your content all the time.

[nashs.]

Isn't splitting your spending across two (or three, if we include Citi) separate ecosystems detrimental compared to using only one ecosystem?

[MichaelJakosalem]

Really liked the format of this video. Keep up the great work Daniel!

[zacharyparone]

For anyone in active duty military the AMEX cards are a no brainer! Fees waived but all the benefits

[sonictonic_]

I LOVE seeing this unscripted version of you! This is great!

[joshdice]

My dude apologies for having food allergies and reading food labels 😂. You're good my man

[docsays]

I have the chase trifecta (CSP. CFF, CIU) & working on my AmEx fecta. Currently have the Green & Gold only. Will eventually add the BBP. I prefer this setup. Its only $495 total AF. Thats less than the AF of the CSR!

Furthermore, i already used the clear credit on the green card & the hotel credit on the CSP. I can also easily use the $120 dining credit on the Gold. So my E-AF is only $175 😎

[seandx]

Hey Daniel, great video! You made some good points however, I think the point that needs to be stressed about the portal you mentioned for AMEX is that it actually can be a good deal, especially if that is one of the only ways you have to actually use your points for travel. I live in the Midwest Minnesota, and I don’t fly internationally. However, I do fly domestically fairly often, and I have yet to be able to find any transfer partners on any dates that I am flying in and out of MSP. so the portal is actually become quite a good option for me so I can actually use my points and not have to come out of pocket for it. Anyway, I just bring this up because I’ve noticed a lot of credit card Youtubers I have watched just make the natural assumption that you can get an epic deal as long as you transfer over to partners. However, just as in my case that has not been an option thus far! Anyway, I really enjoyed the video. Keep up the great work.