Synopsis– Groceries are a daily necessity, and their expenses are unavoidable. However, using the right credit cards can help you save a significant amount—enough to cover the cost of an international flight.
In a tweet by Jay (@thetrickytrade) explains how groceries shopping with the right credit cards can earn you huge rewards points. Here we are discussing 2 well-known American express cards that can provide you huge benefits: Amex MRCC (Membership Rewards Credit Card) and Amex Gold Charge Card transform your everyday spending into traveling rewards.
1. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card (MRCC)
- Annual Fee: ₹4,500
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000
- Key Perks:
- Earn 1 MR point/per ₹50 on most purchases.
- Monthly milestone bonus: 1,000 bonus MR points on achieving 4 transactions of ₹1,500 or more during the month.
- No fuel surcharge on fuel transactions.
- Free lounge and travel perks with select deals.
- Good with regular earners and want to have steady points on daily spend.
2. American Express Gold Charge Card
- Annual Fee: ₹4,500
- Joining Fee: Typically ₹1,000
- Key Perks:
- Earn 1 MR point per ₹50 spent.
- Monthly milestone bonus: 1,000 bonus MR points with 6 transactions of ₹1,000+/month.
- Elite dining and travel packages such as hotel discounts.
- Access to Priority Pass lounge and concierge services.
- Best suited to people aiming to gain fast points and high-quality travel perks.
Strength of Rewarding Monthly Milestones
Jay explains how you can collect enough reward points on these credit cards to earn a free international flight ticket. He says your monthly grocery spending in addition to your utility spending could be enough to buy you a free international flight ticket. Here’s how:
- Amex MRCC: Complete 4 or more ₹1,500 or more transactions every month, you get 1,000 bonus MR points.
- Amex Gold Charge: Complete 6 or more ₹1,000 or more transactions each month, and you receive 1,000 bonus MR points.
- Do it regularly over a period of 12 months, and you will have 12,000 bonus MR points on each card.
- American Express allows you to transfer your reward points to airline partners.
Also read: 7 Best Credit Cards to Use on Amazon Great Indian Festival 2025 – HDFC Infinia Tops the List
What Counts as “Spending”? Everything You Already Buy
The best thing is that you do not need to spend excessively or purchase expensive items. The milestones can be achieved using your normal expenses such as: Grocery shopping, Mobile and DTH bill payments, Food delivery orders and everyday essentials. Such are costs that you are already incurring and converting them to reward points is easy and natural.
Turning-Points into Miles-and then into Flights
- In the case of Amex India, your Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program on a 2:1 basis. That means: 12,000 MR points – 6,000 Virgin Atlantic miles
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has a good reputation for redemption on savers. Just 6,000 miles ( Delhi, Mumbai to London Heathrow). This way, your grocery shopping per annum can actually cover your flight to London or any other location.
Booking Experience is unbelievably easy– The Virgin Atlantic award flight availability is also generous–usually displaying 9+ saver seats on popular flights. The pricing is open and transparent and you won’t be trapped in the frenzy of award hunting. It is entry level travel hacking at its best.
Want More Than One Trip? No Problem
Good trip, two trips are better. Combine the MRCC with Gold Charge- 24,000 MR points annually, or 12,000 Virgin miles. Wish to increase your rewards even more? Bring a family member or spouse–you both can multiply your travelling power.
The Secret of Traveling Without Spending a Lot
The majority of individuals go overboard believing that the only way to get substantial rewards is to spend big. But the truth is- It is regular, small swipes on ordinary expenses that accumulate. The difference is in understanding and taking advantage of the correct transfer partners and sweet spots. You need not wait years and spend a fortune to have your bucket-list visits. Free international travel might be your groceries and monthly bills. Learn to spend it wisely and your (your next international flight) might be nearer than you imagined.
Written by Jayanth R Pai
