Amex Duo
Dining and groceries at unbeatable earn rates
The Amex Duo pairs the Gold Card's 4x on dining and groceries with the Blue Cash Preferred's 6% supermarket cashback — a powerhouse combination for households that spend heavily on food.
Combined annual fee: $420/yr 2 cards
The Cards
When to Use Each Card
| Category | Best card | Earn rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dining / Restaurants | American Express Gold Card | 4x |
| U.S. Supermarkets (MR points) Up to $25k/yr; earns transferable MR points | American Express Gold Card | 4x |
| U.S. Supermarkets (cashback) Up to $6,000/yr; earns statement credits | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% |
| Streaming services | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% |
| U.S. Gas stations | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 3% |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best dining earn rate on the market (4x MR)
- 6% on supermarkets is among the highest available
- Gold $120 dining + $120 Uber Cash credits help offset the annual fee
- MR points from Gold transfer to airline and hotel partners
Cons
- Two different reward currencies (MR points vs. cashback)
- Blue Cash Preferred $6k grocery cap may limit high spenders
- Gold has a $325 annual fee requiring active credit use to justify
Best For
- Families with high grocery bills
- People who dine out frequently
- Those who want both transferable points and simple cashback
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Amex Duo worth it?
- The Amex Duo is worth it if you families with high grocery bills. The main advantage is: best dining earn rate on the market (4x mr).
- What is the combined annual fee for the Amex Duo?
- The combined annual fee is $420/year. Gold $120 dining + $120 Uber Cash credits help offset the annual fee
- Can I apply for all Amex Duo cards at once?
- It is generally better to space applications over time to manage credit inquiries and stay within issuer velocity limits. For Amex cards, the 2/90 rule limits you to 2 new cards per 90 days.
- Do all cards in the Amex Duo earn the same points currency?
- The Platinum and Gold cards earn Membership Rewards points. The Blue Cash Preferred earns cashback (statement credits), not MR points — so this combination has two separate reward currencies.