The best American Express credit cards each offer at least one standout feature that makes the card a good fit for a particular user. To help you choose the right one for your financial situation, Finder’s credit card experts spent hundreds of hours comparing all American Express cards against one another in several categories commonly found across competing card companies.
Our top Amex picks for 2022 remained consistent with 2021, without many major card changes to note. With that said, Amex remains a powerhouse in travel and everyday rewards, so there’s little surprise that our standings remained the same.
Which are the best American Express credit cards
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Finder
Best for simple cash back
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a simple and to-the-point card that offers accelerated rewards on everyday purchases like groceries, gas and online retail. While a bit less powerful than the Blue Cash Preferred, this is balanced out by the card's lack of annual fee.
| Welcome Offer | $200 |
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| Rewards | Up to 3% cash back |
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a simple and to-the-point card that offers accelerated rewards on everyday purchases like groceries, gas and online retail. While a bit less powerful than the Blue Cash Preferred, this is balanced out by the card's lack of annual fee.
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Pros
- Intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. The intro APR on purchases and balance transfers can help with holiday spending or other family needs. Get a 0% intro APR period for 15 months following your account opening. After that, your rate reverts to 18.74% to 29.74% variable.
- Earn cash back. Earn 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Plus 3% on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Welcome offers. You'll earn $200 as statement credit when you use your card to make $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
Cons
- Cap on 3% cashback categories. Your accelerated rates in these categories only last until you spend $6,000 in each category, each year.
- Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad.
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.74% to 29.74% variable) |
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| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.74% to 29.74% variable) Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
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| Welcome Offer | Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. |
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| Rewards | Up to 3% cash back |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Best for cashback rewards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be best for families thanks to its diverse bonus categories. It comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But the card can pay for itself with excellent cashback potential.
| Welcome Offer | $250 |
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| Rewards | Up to 6% cash back |
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| Annual fee | $95 after the first year intro |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be best for families thanks to its diverse bonus categories. It comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But the card can pay for itself with excellent cashback potential.
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Pros
- Welcome offer. Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases during your first 6 months of card membership.
- Earn cash back. Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year. After that, you'll earn 1% back. You'll also earn 6% on select U.S. streaming services and 3% on transit purchases. At U.S. gas stations, you'll earn 3% back. For all other eligible purchases, you'll get 1% back. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
- Intro APR period. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 18.74% to 29.74% applies.
Cons
- Annual fee. The card comes with a $95 annual fee after the first year intro.
- Cashback cap on groceries. Your 6% cashback rate at U.S. supermarkets is capped on up to $6,000 each year, and 1% after that.
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| Annual fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter) |
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| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 18.74% to 29.74% variable) |
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| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 18.74% to 29.74% variable) Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
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| Welcome Offer | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months |
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| Rewards | Up to 6% cash back |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Best for travel and everyday rewards
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card offers 3x points on airfare when you book directly and 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the US, such as Uber Eats. At US supermarkets, earn 4x points on up to $25,000 per calendar year on purchases, then 1x. This gives you a broad base of bonus categories from which to collect valuable Membership Rewards points.
| Welcome Offer | 60,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 4x points |
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| Annual fee | $325 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The American Express® Gold Card offers 3x points on airfare when you book directly and 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the US, such as Uber Eats. At US supermarkets, earn 4x points on up to $25,000 per calendar year on purchases, then 1x. This gives you a broad base of bonus categories from which to collect valuable Membership Rewards points.
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Pros
- Reward points. Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, and 1x points after that. Earn 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year and then 1x afterwards, and 3x points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel. Other eligible purchases earn 1x points.
- Welcome offer. Earn a 60,000 points welcome offer after you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months following your account opening. Additionally, within the first 6 months of Card Membership, earn 20% in statement credits on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $100 back. This limited time offer ends on 11/6/24.
- Travel and dining credits. Earn up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys after enrollment. Get up to $10 in Uber Cash each month when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account. To receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.
Cons
- Annual fee. Pay $325 annually to own the card.
- No intro APR period. You don't get a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers or purchases.
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| Annual fee | $325 |
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| Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR |
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| Foreign transaction fee | None |
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| Welcome Offer | Spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months you own the card and earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points. Additionally, within the first 6 months of Card Membership, earn 20% in statement credits on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $100 back. This limited time offer ends on 11/6/24. |
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| Rewards | Up to 4x points |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Best card for hotel rewards
Hilton Honors American Express Card
With the Hilton Honors American Express Card you get generous point earnings outside of hotel spending: 5x at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations and 3x on other eligible purchases. If you consistently stay at Hilton, you're rewarded with an exceptional 7x point multiple on eligible Hilton purchases.
| Welcome Offer | 100,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 7x points |
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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With the Hilton Honors American Express Card you get generous point earnings outside of hotel spending: 5x at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations and 3x on other eligible purchases. If you consistently stay at Hilton, you're rewarded with an exceptional 7x point multiple on eligible Hilton purchases.
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Pros
- $0 annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to keep this card open.
- Welcome offer. Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first 6 months of card membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
- Point earnings. You'll earn a base 3x points on eligible purchases. Hilton properties and U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations earn even more.
Cons
- No intro APR period. You don't get a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Purchase APR | 20.49% to 29.49% variable |
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| Foreign transaction fee | None |
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| Welcome Offer | Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in the first 6 months. Offer ends 1/8/2025. |
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| Rewards | Up to 7x points |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
| Welcome Offer | 100,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 7x points |
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees..
Best card for premium travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is the premium traveler's best friend. Aside from earning a generous amount of reward points on purchases and a strong welcome offer, you get to enjoy perks like airport lounge access — including access to the Centurion Lounge, VIP status with Uber, Platinum travel counselors service and privileges at specific hotel brands.
| Welcome Offer | 80,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 5x points |
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| Annual fee | $695 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express is the premium traveler's best friend. Aside from earning a generous amount of reward points on purchases and a strong welcome offer, you get to enjoy perks like airport lounge access — including access to the Centurion Lounge, VIP status with Uber, Platinum travel counselors service and privileges at specific hotel brands.
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Pros
- Earn points. Earn 5x points on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. You can use your points toward gift cards, travel rewards, statement credit and more. Your 5x points on flights are capped on up to $500,000 annually, reverting to 1x points after. On other eligible purchases, you'll earn 1x points.
- Welcome offer. Earn 80,000 membership rewards points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.
- Travel fee credit. Select a qualifying airline and earn up to a $200 airline fee statement credit each year on incidental charges, such as checked bags or in-flight purchases. Also earn up to $200 in statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay).
Cons
- Annual fee. As a luxury card, the Amex Platinum Card requires a $695 annual fee for use.
- Narrow reward categories. This card is only particularly strong at earning rewards on travel.
- Potentially limited acceptance abroad. American Express cards are not as widely accepted worldwide as Visa or Mastercard.
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| Annual fee | $695 |
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| Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR |
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| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
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| Welcome Offer | 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in your first 6 months |
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| Estimated welcome offer value | $1,600 based on Finder's valuation |
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| Rewards | Up to 5x points |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
| Welcome Offer | 80,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 5x points |
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| Annual fee | $695 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees..
Best for airline rewards
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The midtier Delta choice — the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card — is a standout option. It offers a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate that the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card doesn't bring to the table. And it's half the price of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, with a $350 annual fee.
| Welcome Offer | 90,000 miles |
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| Rewards | Up to 3x miles |
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| Annual fee | $350 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The midtier Delta choice — the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card — is a standout option. It offers a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate that the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card doesn't bring to the table. And it's half the price of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, with a $350 annual fee.
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Pros
- Welcome offer. After you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open, you'll earn 90,000 miles.
- Mile earnings. Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2x at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on other eligible purchases.
- Invite a guest to fly. Each year you renew your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, you receive a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate. This allows you to take a guest along on a round-trip domestic flight for only the price of the taxes and fees. See provider terms for details.
- Status Boost. Every Medallion Qualification Year, receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars and reach Status with MQD Headstart.
Cons
- Annual fee. Expect to pay $350 annually for the card.
- Companion certificate fees. To use the companion certificate, you'll have to pay taxes and fees. Terms and conditions also apply.
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| Annual fee | $350 |
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| Purchase APR | 20.49% to 29.49% variable |
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| Foreign transaction fee | None |
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| Welcome Offer | 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 6 months |
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| Rewards | Up to 3x miles |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
| Welcome Offer | 90,000 miles |
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| Rewards | Up to 3x miles |
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| Annual fee | $350 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees..
Best for small businesses
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is hard to beat when it comes to small business credit cards. Putting it above similar cards is a $0 annual fee, a 0% intro APR period of 12 months on purchases (then 17.99% to 25.99% variable), and a credit limit that offers wiggle room.
| Welcome Offer | $250 |
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| Rewards | Up to 2% cash back |
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is hard to beat when it comes to small business credit cards. Putting it above similar cards is a $0 annual fee, a 0% intro APR period of 12 months on purchases (then 17.99% to 25.99% variable), and a credit limit that offers wiggle room.
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Pros
- Introductory APR. For the first 12 months your account is open, get a 0% intro APR on purchases. Your APR increases to 17.99% - 25.99% variable after the intro period ends and it is based on creditworthiness and other factors which are determined during account opening. APRs won't exceed 29.99%.
- Solid cashback rewards. On all eligible purchases, earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 each calendar year, then 1%. Your cash back will be earned as statement credit.
- Push the limit. Spend over your credit limit in select cases as long as you pay off the excess balance in full as part of your minimum payment. The amount you can go over depends on factors such as your payment history, credit score and current income.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 2.7% fee of the amount of each transaction made abroad or online with foreign merchants.
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 17.99% to 25.99% variable) |
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| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
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| Welcome Offer | Spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of owning the card and earn a $250 statement credit. |
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| Rewards | Up to 2% cash back |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
| Welcome Offer | $250 |
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| Rewards | Up to 2% cash back |
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| Annual fee | $0 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees..
Best for day-to-day travel
American Express® Green Card
The American Express® Green Card features up to 3x points back on transit, a relatively rare category you don't see on many travel cards. Coupled with rewards on dining and travel, this makes for a great card for someone always on the move.
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Finder
| Welcome Offer | 30,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 3x points |
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| Annual fee | $150 |
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| Minimum credit score | 680 |
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The American Express® Green Card features up to 3x points back on transit, a relatively rare category you don't see on many travel cards. Coupled with rewards on dining and travel, this makes for a great card for someone always on the move.
All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Finder
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Pros
- Welcome offer. Earn 30,000 points after spending $2,000 in your first 3 months of account opening.
- Rewards. Earn 3x points on transit, travel and restaurant purchases. Earn 1x points on everything else.
- Travel coverage. This card comes with several travel insurance options, including trip delay insurance and car loss or damage coverage.
Cons
- Annual fee. This card costs $150 annually.
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| Annual fee | $150 |
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| Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR |
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| Welcome Offer | 30,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months |
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| Rewards | Up to 3x points |
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All information about this card has been collected independently and application links are currently unavailable on Finder.
| Welcome Offer | 30,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 3x points |
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| Annual fee | $150 |
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| Minimum credit score | 680 |
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Best for luxury hotel perks
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
If Hilton Hotels are a mainstay of your travel expenses, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has the premier perks to make your stays even more comfortable and earn you some extra value.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Finder
| Welcome Offer | 150,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 14x points |
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| Annual fee | $450 |
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| Minimum credit score | 680 |
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If Hilton Hotels are a mainstay of your travel expenses, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has the premier perks to make your stays even more comfortable and earn you some extra value.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Finder
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Pros
- Welcome offer. Spend 150,000 on purchases within your first 3 months of card membership and earn 150,000 bonus points.
- Earn Hilton Honors points. Earn 14x bonus points at Hilton hotels and resorts. You also earn 7x points on flights booked at the American Express Travel site, on car rentals from select companies and at US restaurants. On all other purchases, earn 3x points.
- Numerous perks. Enjoy complimentary Diamond status, $250 in Hilton resort statement credits, an annual Weekend Night Award, and more.
Cons
- Annual fee. This card is pricey at $450 annually.
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| Annual fee | $450 |
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| Purchase APR | 20.99% to 29.99% variable |
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| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
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| Welcome Offer | 150,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
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| Estimated welcome offer value | $900 based on Finder's valuation |
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| Rewards | Up to 14x points |
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All information about this card has been collected independently and application links are currently unavailable on Finder.
| Welcome Offer | 150,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 14x points |
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| Annual fee | $450 |
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| Minimum credit score | 680 |
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Terms apply, see rates & fees..
Best for regular business travelers
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the business equivalent of the consumer Platinum card, offering a similar level of luxury travel perks. However, the increased rewards and perks are aimed at much higher levels of spending
| Welcome Offer | 150,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 5x points |
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| Annual fee | $695 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the business equivalent of the consumer Platinum card, offering a similar level of luxury travel perks. However, the increased rewards and perks are aimed at much higher levels of spending
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Pros
- Global Lounge Collection. Get access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including the Centurion Lounge, International American Express lounges and Delta Sky Club when flying Delta. To get access to Priority Pass Select, Airspace and Escape lounges, you'll need to enroll first.
- Welcome offer. Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases in your first 3 months of card membership to earn 150,000 bonus points. This is one of the higher welcome offers on the market.
- Membership rewards. Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and flights through Amex Travel, 1.5x points on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers, shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases.
Cons
- High annual fee. This is one of the more expensive business cards with a $695 annual fee.
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| Annual fee | $695 |
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| Purchase APR | 18.99% to 27.99% variable APR for Pay Over Time Feature |
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| Welcome Offer | 150,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 3 months |
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| Rewards | Up to 5x points |
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
| Welcome Offer | 150,000 points |
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| Rewards | Up to 5x points |
|---|
| Annual fee | $695 |
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| Minimum credit score | 670 |
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Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees..
Each American Express card comes with its own perks and benefits. But if you combine three particular cards, you can easily offset each card’s annual fees, while earning the maximum value possible from your rewards points.
Here, we introduce the “Amex trifecta,” the perfect card combination for the greatest rewards, especially if you spend money on airfare, hotels, dining and at US supermarkets. Plus, you get other generous perks that can make this card combination even more valuable.
The Amex trifecta is a combination of three American Express cards with membership rewards. Each card complements each other, allowing you to earn the highest rewards on your purchases especially if you spend money on airfare, hotels, dining and at US supermarkets. Plus, you get other generous perks that can make this card combination even more valuable. The cards that make the Amex trifecta are:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- American Express® Gold Card
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
However, if you think this card combination won’t work for you, compare other credit cards and make your own trifecta.
- Check out the table above to browse through the issuer’s list of credit cards. Review the details of each card to find the card that best suits you.
- When you’re ready to move forward with a card, choose Apply now.
- Complete the application with information such as your full name, email address, date of birth, Social Security number and total annual income. For a business credit card, enter additional information such as your legal business name, years in business, annual business revenue and federal tax ID.
- Review your information and submit your application. Once approved, you can set up an online account by visiting the Amex website and hitting Create New Online Account. Then enter information such as your 15-digit card number and four-digit card ID.
How many American Express cards can I have?
According to many customer reports, Amex limits members to five open cards at once. Personal and business cards count toward this number. There is an exception: cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card don’t count toward this limit. And generally speaking, five Amex cards isn’t a hard-and-fast rule — some customers have reported having six or more cards.
As far as applying for these cards, Amex allows up to two card applications per day. Issuers typically don’t want to see you applying for cards rapid-fire, and Amex is no exception. Consider keeping your credit card applications at three or fewer within 90 days.
Because of the wide range of credit cards offered by American Express, choosing the right one may seem difficult. Here’s what to consider:
- Annual fee. American Express cards’ annual fees range from $0 to over $600. The higher the annual fee, the better perks you get. But this doesn’t mean the no-annual-fee cards aren’t any good. Get a 0% intro APR period, rewards on your purchases and other benefits even on cards with a $0 annual fee.
- Rewards. American Express offers the famous Membership rewards program. Within this program, you can redeem your points for a variety of rewards including travel, gift cards and cash back redeemed as a statement credit. You can also get a card that only earns cash back, or you can consider a cobranded hotel or airline card where you earn and redeem rewards within the program.
- Intro APR period. A 0% intro APR period on purchases is a perk typically found in Amex’s cashback cards and other cards with a $0 annual fee. This perk is useful in paying off large purchases over time.
- Welcome offer. One way to boost your rewards is to earn the welcome offer. Keep in mind, the higher the card’s annual fee, the higher the welcome offer.
The features that will serve you best will help you determine the best Amex card for you. For example, Carter Seuthe, CEO of Credit Summit, tells Finder that travel benefits are most important to him:
“I get 3x points on certain airlines when I use [my Amex]. I just recently booked a Delta flight to make good on this reward and have thus far racked up enough points to cover the cost of another flight,” Seuthe says. “I also have a year to pay it off, which is my most used general feature. 0% APR for a year is an incredible deal, though it’s usually only offered to people with credit scores of 700+.”
American Express is among the few banks that allow you to see your chances of credit card approval through a simple online form. In under a minute, you can prequalify for an Amex card — which doesn’t guarantee application approval but does shed light on your chances for success.
Prequalify for Amex credit card offers in three steps without affecting your credit score:
- Go to the American Express prequalification page.
- Complete your name, address and last four digits of your Social Security number. For more targeted offers, enter details of your annual income.
- Select View my card offers and compare your options.
How to prequalify by yourself
American Express doesn’t offer secured or other credit-building cards, which means you have a higher chance of approval for Amex credit cards with a good credit score of 670 or higher.
If your credit isn’t quite there yet, focus on strategies to boost your score before trying again. Start by ordering your free credit report to see what potential lenders do, and then work toward paying off balances to lower your utilization ratio to 30% or below. Once your credit score is improved, try your luck with the Amex card you want.
You aren’t guaranteed approval with prequalification, but it does give you a good shot at getting the Amex card you’re interested in, among other key benefits.
- Narrow your options. Amex’s prequalification tool can point you to cards that are likely to fit your credit profile.
- No obligation to apply. You don’t have to take Amex up on the offer you’re prequalified for. You’re free to use what you learn to shop around with other banks and providers.
- Doesn’t affect your credit. Amex initiates a soft pull on your credit history that won’t ding your credit score.
Prequalification and preapproval: What’s the difference?
Prequalification and preapproval are often used interchangeably, though they refer to different approval processes.
With prequalification, you agree to give a bank or issuer basic access to your credit history in exchange for an idea of the cards or financial products you might qualify for. Because access is granted through a soft pull, your credit score isn’t affected — though approval isn’t guaranteed.
Preapproval is a more involved process, whereby a bank or issuer takes a deeper look at your borrowing against your financial history to determine its risk in taking you on as a cardholder. It too doesn’t hurt your credit score, and you’re not required to apply for the card you’re preapproved for if you don’t want it.
American Express has a large stable of credit cards, including some of the best travel and business products on the market. While its cashback selection is narrow, you’ll find cards with attractive rewards, some of which are the highest on the market.
However, Amex lacks balance transfer cards and cards for building credit. In the past, Amex offered a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers on some of its cards, but this is no longer the case. As for credit-building cards, Amex never offered cards for those with poor credit or no credit history.
Standout benefits of an American Express card
- High rewards rates. American Express is one of the most generous card providers when credit card rewards are concerned. Depending on the card, you can get one of the highest cashback rates on groceries and streaming services, which you can redeem as statement credit, or you can grab a card with one of the highest rates on travel purchases.
- Membership rewards program. Amex’s flagship membership rewards program is available with a few personal and business credit cards. This program is on par with competitors because it allows you to redeem points for cash, gift cards, travel or transfer points to travel partners in 1:1 ratio.
- Entertainment Access. The American Express experience program gives you access to better seats at eligible events without paying extra. And sometimes you can even get a chance to buy tickets first before the general public.
- ShopRunner membership. Get free two-day shipping, extended warranties and purchase protection when you use your card to shop with a retailer in the ShopRunner network. If you don’t have an eligible Amex card, ShopRunner membership costs $79 annually. To use ShopRunner with an Amex card, you must enroll first.
- Global Assist Hotline. All Amex cards get Global Assist service, which helps you with missing luggage, legal or medical referrals, passport services and translation services worldwide.
- Amex Express Checkout. Quickly make payments online without entering your card number with this Amex Express Checkout.
- Pay It Plan It®. Get payment flexibility with Amex’s Pay It Plan It feature. Pay It gives you the option to pay your credit card balance for amounts under $100 right away. Plan It lets you combine up to 10 purchases of over $100 and make a monthly payment plan without interest for up to 24 months, with no enrollment necessary.
- Amex Offers. Earn additional points or cash back with Amex Offers. To use this program, you need the Amex mobile app where you can see and activate each offer.
- Amex Send & Split. This feature lets you send money or split purchases with any Venmo or PayPal user. To use it, though, you need to enroll through the Amex mobile app.
Of the Amex cards that feature annual fees, a majority of them lay in the $200 range. Though like most credit cards, the price you pay on a credit card’s annual fee typically correlates to the number of perks and benefits you can expect to come with the card.
Notable American Express annual fee cards
Given just six cards in the Amex consumer lineup lack an annual fee, it’s no surprise that some heavy hitters do feature annual fees.
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 | Luxury travel |
| American Express® Gold Card | $325 | Everyday and travel rewards |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $95 | Dining, everyday rewards |
Amex Platinum Card, Amex Gold Card and Blue Cash Preferred are among Amex’s most popular cards despite their annual fees. This is because each card offers tremendous value or features for the price. The Amex Platinum Card, for example, is the undisputed champion of luxury travel features, offering perks worth far more than the $695 annual fee of the card. The Amex Gold Card is similarly feature-rich with a focus on everyday rewards, and the Blue Cash Preferred is the top earner on the market when it comes to grocery rewards.
American Express no annual fee cards
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Hilton Honors American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Generally, yes. Nearly all Amex credit cards with an annual fee come with enough perks or earning potential to more than make up for the cost of the annual fee. Here’s a quick comparison of two Amex cards’ annual fees and available features.
| $95 (see Terms apply, see rates & fees) | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | - Complimentary ShopRunner membership after enrollment
- 6% back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, and 1% after that. 6% back on select streaming services. 3% back at gas stations and transit purchases.
- 1% back on other eligible purchases.
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| $695 (see Terms apply, see rates & fees) | The Platinum Card® from American Express | - 80,000 point welcome offer after you spend $8,000 in purchases in your first 6 months.
- $200 annual airline fee credit after enrollment. $200 in annual Uber Cash. $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit after enrollment. $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years.
- Complimentary access to Centurion Lounge
- Gold status in Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors loyalty programs after enrollment
- Concierge service
- And more
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To pick the right American Express card, there are a few quick factors to consider.
- How much do you spend on groceries? Both the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express could work in this case. With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you earn a higher earning rate at US supermarkets and on US gas, but you get shorter intro APR period and you have to pay an annual fee.
- Consider your business needs. Businesses that want to earn flat cash back as statement credit on all purchases could consider the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. In addition, you get a long intro APR on purchases and you won’t pay an annual fee for the card.
Although American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards, it’s not the only card provider. Other providers that rival American Express are:
- Chase. Chase offers some of the best travel credit cards with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. And since most of the cards are Visa cards, you shouldn’t have any problem using them abroad.
- Citi. Citi also offers some of the best travel credit cards with the ThankYou rewards program. But you’ll also find market-leading 0% intro APR periods on balance transfers with the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and Citi Simplicity® Card.
- Bank of America. Bank of America is famous for a wide range of cobranded airline and cruise line credit cards. But it also offers some of the best student cards — Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students and Bank of America Travel Rewards card for students.
- Barclaycard US. Barclaycard offers a massive selection of travel credit cards. You can find cobranded cards for cruise lines, homestays and hotels, and airline credit cards.
American Express offers a variety of cashback, travel and business credit cards. If you’re not sure its selection had the best choice for you, consider top cards from other issuers.
