re: Not real sure there is much everyday benefit to these Amex cards.

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Amex point redemptions are more expensive than Chase for flight/hotels by a long shot.

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You're doing it wrong. Transfer your Amex points to the airline partner and then book the flights. Several airlines even have bonus points at certain times of the year. My wife and I were able to fly Madrid-JFK in business class for 18000 Amex points each. That's a ridiculously good redemption.