When paying USD 695 for a US card makes sense, when the Brazilian Black wins, and the three legal paths to open an Amex US as a Brazil resident.
When paying USD 695 for a US card makes sense, when the Brazilian Black wins, and the three legal paths to open an Amex US as a Brazil resident.
**Amex Platinum US** costs USD 695/year = **R$ 3,927** at May/26 exchange (R$ 5.65/USD). To break even, just use USD 200 airline credit + USD 200 hotel credit + 4 Centurion visits. Anyone traveling 4+ times/year comes out ahead.
**Chase Sapphire Reserve** costs USD 550 = **R$ 3,107**. Has USD 300 annual travel credit (burns fast) and the point is worth 1.5¢ on Chase Travel — it's the best US points card for those who transfer to United, Hyatt, Air France/KLM.
**Brazilian Mastercard Black (Itaú Personnalité)** costs R$ 1,560 (or waived with R$ 100k+ invested at Personnalité). Limited benefits, but in reais and with no tax friction.
To open a US card legally: **ITIN** (non-resident with US income), **Avenue address + credit history**, or **upgrade from Amex BR** after 5-7 years.
Brazilian earning 100% in reais and traveling 1-2x/year internationally: **stay with the BR Black**. The dollar annual fee doesn't pay off.
When paying USD 695 for a US card makes sense, when the Brazilian Black wins, and the three legal paths to open an Amex US as a Brazil resident.
