What are American Express Credit Cards?
American Express has a wide range of credit cards for different customers. Credit cards are known for offering many bonuses for cardholders with different needs. You can receive bonus rewards, travel benefits, cash back, and additional services. There is Uber Cash with Uber VIP status, Disney bundle, airline bookings, and discounts at select Shake Shack locations.
Before applying for an AmEx credit card, you should familiarize yourself with what types of AmEx credit cards there are, how to choose the right card, and apply for its receipt.
Types of AmEx Credit Cards
AmEx credit cards can be divided into three main types: travel credit cards, reward credit cards, and cash back credit cards.
Travel Credit Cards
This type of credit card from American Express is represented by 3 "classic" cards: American Express Green, Gold, and Platinum Cards. Since these 3 cards belong to different American Express card levels, they offer various bonuses.
The Green Card is the lowest level card, followed by the Gold Card, and the Platinum Card Premium is the most high-tiered in its category. These cards are aimed at avid travelers and restaurant-goers. All the cards offer multipliers of the received Membership Rewards points in the travel and dining categories. For frequent travelers, American Express provides a travel-related statement credit and elevated earning rates on travel.
Travel and dining category cards also include Hotel Cards and Airline Cards subcategory cards. These include, for example, Delta SkyMiles Gold AmEx card and Hilton Honors American Express Card. Such cards allow cardholders to have bonuses on flights and in hotels.
Rewards Points Credit Cards
The Green, Gold, and Platinum cards are also Reward Points cards. However, besides them, cards like AmEx Everyday Card and AmEx Everyday Preferred Card also give rewards in bonus points. These cards allow cardholders to receive Membership Rewards points in daily spending categories. Unlike Travel Cards, these cards offer multipliers of rewards received in categories such as U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, not excluding receiving rewards for all other purchases. Moreover, the cardholder can receive more rewards with frequent use of the card.
Cash Back Credit Cards
For cash back cards, there are Blue Cash Preferred Card, Blue Cash Everyday Card, and Cash Magnet Card. The major feature of such cards is that cardholders do not receive Membership Rewards points but cash back in the form of dollars. They can later be redeemed as a statement credit.
Depending on a particular card, a cardholder can receive from 1% to 6% cash back in categories such as U.S. supermarkets, retail purchases, U.S. streaming subscriptions, gas stations, and transit purchases. At the same time, AmEx cash back credit cards have either 1% or 1.5% cash back on purchases of all other categories.
How to Choose AmEx Credit Cards?
When choosing a suitable American Express credit card for yourself, you need to pay attention to 3 key aspects: fees, bonuses, and APR.
Fees
The main fee for American Express credit cards is the annual fee. Some of the company's options do not require payment of an annual fee. For example, an AmEx Green Card. Other options offer a $0 Intro annual fee for the first year, after which the cardholder will have to start paying the annual fee. Such cards include, for example, Blue Cash Preferred Cards.
Besides the annual fee, you should pay attention to the foreign transaction fees, late fees, returned payment fee, and cash advance fee. The amounts of all fees vary depending on the card.
Annual Percentage Rate
Blue Cash Preferred Card, as well as several other cards from American Express, have a 0% intro APR period during which the APR on purchases and balance transfers is 0%.
The maximum duration of this period among AmEx cards is 15 months of card membership. APR begins to accrue to the cardholder after the expiration of this period. Although the APR depends on the cardholder's credit score, some cards have a lower APR than others, so you should study this aspect.
Welcome Offers
When choosing a suitable card, you should pay attention not only to what bonuses and perks the card has but also to the welcome offer.
Each AmEx credit card offers an additional bonus valid only for the first 6 months of card membership. Bonuses and welcome offers you should choose based on your needs. It all depends on whether you need travel bonuses or you would like to receive cash rewards from daily purchases.
The Best Personal AmEx Credit Cards
The Platinum Card from American Express: the best for frequent traveling
The Platinum Card from American Express is a premium credit card in your preferred metal card design for those who are looking for a high-end card with a range of exclusive benefits and rewards. The card is designed to offer a luxurious and convenient card experience with a wide range of travel, shopping, and entertainment benefits.
Benefits
Cardholders can get 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked with airlines or with American Express Travel, as well as on prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel with a minimum two-night stay. Additionally, cardholders can earn 1x Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases on their new card. These rewards can be redeemed for a variety of options, including travel, shopping, and more.
The Platinum Card from American Express also has a range of exclusive benefits, including access to a range of airport lounges through the Global Lounge Collection. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across the world and can bring guests along with them.
Additionally, you get travel benefits, such as a $200 annual airline fee credit, which can be used to cover incidentals such as checked bags and in-flight purchases, as well as access to premium car rental programs and prepaid fine hotels.
A sign-up bonus of 80,000 bonus miles is available once you spend $6,000 within six months of card membership. For eligible Equinox club memberships, the card offers a $300 membership credit.
The Platinum Card from American Express includes premium benefits designed to enhance the cardholder's shopping experience. For example, it offers purchase protections, including extended warranty coverage and return protection, as well as access to exclusive experiences and events through the American Express Entertainment Access program. You also get an Uber VIP status and Uber Cash for rides and delivery, available for a Basic Card Member only.
Rates and fees
This card has an annual fee of $695 plus applicable local sales tax.
Platinum Card offers variable APR from 20.49% to 27.49%, depending on the cardholder's credit score.
American Express Gold Card: best dining rewards
The American Express Gold Card is a rewards credit card designed for those who enjoy dining and shopping. The card offers a range of benefits and rewards that are specifically tailored to these activities, making it a good option for those who are looking to earn rewards while they dine and shop.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 4x Membership Rewards points on restaurants worldwide and on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1x). Additionally, cardholders can earn 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked with airlines or with American Express Travel and 1x Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for a variety of options, including travel, shopping, and more.
The American Express Gold Card also includes a range of premium benefits, such as access to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which offers exclusive benefits and perks at some of the world's best hotels. You get a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within six months of card membership. Additionally, the card offers a $120 dining credit per calendar year, which can be used at participating restaurants.
Rates and fees
The American Express Gold Card has an annual fee of $250.
The APR is variable and ranges from 20.49% to 27.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: the best cash back
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a cash back credit card designed for those looking for a simple and straightforward way to earn rewards on their everyday spending. The card offers a range of benefits and rewards that are designed to make it easy for cardholders to earn cash back on their purchases.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. The cash back is in the form of reward dollars.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express includes a range of premium benefits, such as extended warranty protection, which provides additional warranty coverage on eligible purchases on your new card, and access to exclusive experiences and events through the American Express Entertainment Access program.
Rates and fees
When it comes to fees, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has an annual fee of $95.
The variable ARP is from 18.49% to 29.49%. For the first 12 months of card membership, you get a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
American Express Green Card: best travel bonus rewards
The American Express Green Card is a rewards credit card that offers a range of benefits and rewards for those who are looking to earn rewards on their everyday spending. The card offers a flexible rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for a variety of options, including travel, shopping, and more.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 3x Membership Rewards points on travel and at restaurants worldwide and 1x Membership Rewards points on other eligible purchases on their new card. Additionally, cardholders have access to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which offers exclusive benefits and perks at some of the world's best hotels.
The American Express Green Card also includes a range of premium benefits, such as travel accident insurance, which provides coverage for eligible travel accidents, and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which offers access to a network of airport lounges around the world.
Rates and fees
American Express Green Card requires an annual fee of $150.
The APR is variable and is from 20.49% to 27.49%.
Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card: best for families
The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card is a rewards credit card designed for those who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending. The card offers a range of benefits and rewards, including a flexible rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on their purchases.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 3x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets, 2x Membership Rewards points at U.S. gas stations, and 1x Membership Rewards points on other eligible purchases. Additionally, cardholders can earn 50% more Membership Rewards points when they make 30 or more purchases with their card in a billing period.
The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card also includes a range of premium benefits, such as extended warranty protection, which provides additional warranty coverage on eligible purchases, and access to exclusive experiences and events through the American Express Entertainment Access program.
Rates and fees
When it comes to fees, the Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card requires an annual fee of $95.
The annual percentage rate is 17.49% to 27.49% variable. For the first 12 months of card membership. You get a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express: no annual fee
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express is a rewards credit card designed for those who are looking to earn rewards on their everyday spending. The card offers a flexible rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for a variety of options, including travel, shopping, and more.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 2x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets and 1x Membership Rewards points on other eligible purchases. Additionally, cardholders can earn 20% more Membership Rewards points when they make 20 or more purchases with their card in a billing period.
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card also includes a range of premium benefits, such as purchase protection, which provides coverage for eligible purchases in the event that they are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, and access to exclusive experiences and events through the American Express Entertainment Access program.
Rates and fees
When it comes to fees, the Amex EveryDay Credit Card has an annual fee of $0. A 2.7% foreign transaction fee is applied to purchases made outside the U.S.
There is a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months of card membership. After that, your APR will be from 17.49% to 28.49%.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Intro APR
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a cashback rewards credit card designed for those who are looking to earn cash back on their everyday spending. The card offers a generous rewards program that allows cardholders to earn cash back on a variety of categories, including supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Additionally, cardholders can earn a $150 statement credit after spending $1,000 in purchases on their card within the first 6 months of card membership.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card also includes a range of premium benefits, such as extended warranty protection, which provides additional warranty coverage on eligible purchases, and access to exclusive experiences and events through the American Express Entertainment Access program.
Rates and fees
The Blue Cash Everyday Card has an annual fee of $0. A foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S. is 2.7%.
A 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers is available for 15 months of card membership. After the Intro offer ends, your APR will be 18.49% to 29.49%.
Cash Magnet Card: best for students
Cash Magnet Card can be considered the best American Express credit card for students. The card offers a simple and flexible rewards program that allows cardholders to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on their purchases.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, with no limit to the amount of cash back they can earn. Additionally, the card features a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 months of card membership, making it a great option for those who are looking to finance large purchases without incurring interest charges.
The Cash Magnet Card also includes a range of premium benefits, such as extended warranty protection, which provides additional warranty coverage on eligible purchases, and access to exclusive experiences and events through the American Express Entertainment Access program.
Rates and fees
The Cash Magnet Card has an annual fee of $0. There is a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
A 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfer is for 15 months of card membership. After 15 months, your percentage rate will be 18.49% to 29.49%.
The best business AmEx credit cards
The Business Platinum Card from American Express: for business travels
The Business Platinum Card account from American Express is a premium business credit card designed for small business owners who are looking to earn rewards on their business spending. The card has a range of benefits, including a rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on their purchases, exclusive access to airport lounges, and a range of premium benefits designed to help make running a business easier and more efficient.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel and 1x Membership Rewards point on all other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
The Business Platinum Card also offers cardholders access to a range of premium benefits, such as airport lounge access, which allows cardholders to access over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, and the Global Dining Collection, which provides access to exclusive dining experiences around the world. Additionally, the card features a range of travel benefits, including a $200 annual airline fee credit, which can be used to offset baggage fees, in-flight purchases, and other travel-related expenses.
Rates and fees
The Business Platinum Card has an annual fee of $695. There is also a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
The APR is variable and ranges from 18.74% to 26.74%, depending on your creditworthiness.
American Express Business Gold Card: for big purchases
The American Express Business Gold Card is a credit card designed for small business owners who are looking for a flexible way to earn rewards and manage their business expenses. The card offers benefits, including a rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on their purchases and a range of premium benefits designed to help make running a business easier and more efficient.
Benefits
One of the key benefits of the Business Gold Card is its rewards program. Cardholders can earn 4x Membership Rewards points on the two categories where they spend the most each billing cycle and 1x Membership Rewards point on all other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
The Business Gold Card also offers cardholders access to a range of premium benefits, such as exclusive access to the American Express Business Gold Concierge, which provides personalized assistance with travel planning and booking, and the Global Assist Hotline, which provides 24/7 access to medical, legal, and financial assistance when traveling outside the U.S. Additionally, the card features a range of travel benefits, including an annual $100 airline fee credit, which can be used to offset baggage fees, in-flight purchases, and other travel-related expenses.
Rates and fees
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card has an annual fee of $295.
The annual percentage rate is variable and ranges from 18.74% to 26.74%.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express: for earning points
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is a credit card designed for small business owners. The card has benefits, including a rewards program that allows cardholders to earn Membership Rewards points on their purchases and a range of premium benefits designed to help make running a business easier and more efficient.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn 2x Membership Rewards points on their first $50,000 in purchases each year and 1x Membership Rewards point on all other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
These business credit cards also offer cardholders access to a range of premium benefits, such as exclusive access to the American Express Business Gold Concierge, which provides personalized assistance with travel planning and hotel collection bookings, and the Global Assist Hotline, which provides 24/7 access to medical, legal, and financial assistance when traveling outside the U.S.
Rates and fees
Blue Business Plus Credit Card requires no annual fee. There is also no foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
There is a 0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months of card membership. After a year, you will have a variable rate from 17.74% to 25.74%, depending on your creditworthiness.
American Express Blue Business Cash Card: for cash back
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card is a credit card designed for small business owners. It offers a range of benefits to help make managing business expenses easier and more efficient, including a cash back rewards program, access to premium benefits, and no annual fee.
Cardholders can earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 each year and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. These cash back rewards are automatically credited to the cardholder's account each month, making it easy to keep track of and redeem rewards.
Rates and fees
When it comes to fees, the American Express Blue Business Cash Card requires no annual fee. There is no foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
The APR is variable and ranges from 17.74% to 25.74%. For the first 12 months, you will get a 0% Intro APR on purchases.
The best co-branded AmEx credit cards
Hilton Honors American Express Card: for Hilton visitors
The American Express Card is a rewards credit card designed for travelers and Hilton Honors members. It has a range of benefits, including the ability to earn Hilton Honors points for eligible purchases, access to exclusive experiences and events, and a suite of premium travel benefits.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases, with the ability to earn bonus points for purchases made at Hilton hotels and resorts. Points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels and resorts, as well as for a range of other travel and lifestyle rewards.
In addition to its rewards program, the Hilton Honors American Express Card offers cardholders access to a range of premium travel benefits, including a complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, which provides access to exclusive benefits such as room upgrades and late checkout. The card also offers a suite of travel insurance benefits, including car rental loss and damage insurance and travel accident insurance.
Rates and fees
The Hilton Honors American Express Card has an annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $95 thereafter. There is also no foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
The APR on purchases on your new card is 20.24% to 29.24%.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: for frequent travelers
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a premium rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers and Hilton Honors members. It offers a range of benefits and features, including the ability to earn Hilton Honors points for eligible purchases, access to exclusive experiences and events, and a suite of premium travel benefits.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn Hilton Honors points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases, with the ability to earn bonus points for purchases made at Hilton hotels and resorts. Points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels and resorts, as well as for a range of other travel and lifestyle rewards.
In addition to its rewards program, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers cardholders access to a range of premium travel benefits, including a complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, which provides access to exclusive benefits such as room upgrades and late checkout. The card also offers a suite of travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage insurance.
Rates and fees
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has an annual fee of $450. However, it also offers a range of benefits that can offset the cost of this fee, including a $250 Hilton resort credit, an annual $250 airline fee credit, and a Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
The APR will be 20.24% to 29.24% variable. It will depend on your creditworthiness.
SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: best premium card for Delta customers
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a premium travel rewards credit card designed for frequent flyers of Delta Air Lines. The card offers a range of benefits and features that are designed to make traveling with Delta easier and more rewarding.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn SkyMiles for each dollar spent on eligible purchases, with the ability to earn bonus miles for purchases made with Delta and select partners. Miles can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and a range of other travel and lifestyle rewards.
In addition to its rewards program, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers cardholders access to a range of premium travel benefits, including complimentary Delta Sky Club membership, which provides access to over 50 airport lounges worldwide. The card also offers a suite of travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage insurance.
Rates and fees
The card membership comes with a $550 annual fee.
The variable APR ranges from 20.24% to 29.24%, depending on your credit score.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: luxury card from Marriott
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is a premium hotel rewards credit card designed for frequent travelers and Marriott Bonvoy members. The card offers a range of benefits and features designed to make staying at Marriott properties more rewarding and convenient.
Benefits
Cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar spent on eligible purchases, with the ability to earn bonus points for purchases made at Marriott properties. Points can be redeemed for free stays, room upgrades, and a range of other travel and lifestyle rewards.
In addition to its rewards program, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers cardholders access to a range of premium travel benefits, including a $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit, automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, and a free night award every year after your account anniversary. The card also offers a suite of travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance and baggage insurance.
Rates and fees
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card has an annual fee of $650.
The APR is variable and ranges from 20.24% to 29.24%.
Pros and Cons of AmEx Credit Cards
Pros
- Some cards are suitable for both an individual and a small business owner.
- AmEx credit cards offer extremely profitable bonuses and perks.
- All cards have a welcome offer and do not have an annual fee.
- Some cards have neither APR nor other fees in the first year of use.
- The online AmEx application process allows future cardholders to find out if they are eligible without affecting their credit score.
- The Pay Over Time function allows the cardholder to pay only the minimum balance after the billing period ends and not receive interest accrual.
Cons
- AmEx cards are not accepted everywhere.
- The annual fee for some cards is too high.
- The cards are only available for borrowers with good to excellent credit.
- Membership Rewards are not transferable points.
- With some cards, you only can redeem rewards for a statement credit.
How to Get an AmEx Credit Card?
Main Requirements
Before you apply to open a credit card from American Express, pay attention to these qualifications and restrictions:
- Your credit score must be at least 670. Ideally, you should have a credit score above 700. Some cards require an excellent credit score that starts with a 740 FICO score.
- You cannot qualify for more than 2 credit cards within 90 days. The period between applying for the first and the second credit card must be at least 5 days.
- Your application may be rejected if you are under 21. There is still a chance to be qualified if you are over 18 and under 21.
- You must have a stable source of income and a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is calculated as your annual credit payments divided by your annual gross income.
Application Process
To get pre-qualification from American Express, you need to:
- Go to the American Express website, select the desired card, and click "Apply Now";
- Enter full name, email, date of birth, and phone number;
- Enter your home address and SSN;
- Fill in the amount of annual income;
- Choose a source of income;
- Get acquainted with all rates and terms;
- Submit your application.
When you apply for pre-qualification, the company makes a soft credit check, so submitting a credit card account opening application does not affect your credit score.
