American Express credit cards of the highest quality provide advantageous rewards for everyday transactions, substantial welcome bonuses valued at hundreds of dollars, and various supplementary benefits for travel, shopping, and other aspects. To assist you in selecting the most suitable Amex card according to your budget, spending patterns, and way of life, we have ranked the top-rated cards if you are considering enrolling.
Methodology
In addition to welcome incentives, benefits, and fees, our team of experts evaluated over 30 American Express cards, considering various other factors. We selected the top 12 credit cards with high scores using a data-driven methodology according to our weightings. Our entire methodology is detailed below.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Bonus: Generous welcome bonus points after meeting spending requirements.
Annual Fee: $695 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.99% to 22.99%.
Credit Score: Excellent credit score required.
Airport lounge access, airline fare reimbursements, and elite hotel status are just a few of the renowned travel perks of this premium card. The extravagant benefits it provides for frequent travellers justify the costly annual fee.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Welcome Bonus: Introductory cashback offer for new card members.
Annual Fee: No annual fee.
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 13.99% to 23.99%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
This annual fee-free card provides additional categories, including select department stores, petrol stations, and supermarkets, making it ideal for maximising cashback rewards on everyday purchases.
American Express® Gold Card
Welcome Bonus: Substantial welcome bonus points after meeting spending requirements.
Annual Fee: $250 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.99% to 22.99%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
A versatile option for dining out and travelling, the rewards programme offers valuable travel benefits and elevated rewards for dining at restaurants worldwide and in US supermarkets, which will appeal to food enthusiasts.
American Express® Green Card
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $150 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.99% to 22.99%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
Airport lounge access, airline fare reimbursements, and elite hotel status are just a few of the renowned travel perks of this premium card. The extravagant benefits it provides for frequent travellers justify the costly annual fee.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $695 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, currently ranging from 14.24% to 22.24%.
Credit Score: Excellent credit score required.
This annual fee-free card provides additional categories, including select department stores, petrol stations, and supermarkets, making it ideal for maximising cashback rewards on everyday purchases.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $295 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, currently ranging from 14.24% to 22.24%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
A versatile option for dining out and travelling, the rewards programme offers valuable travel benefits and elevated rewards for dining at restaurants worldwide and in US supermarkets, which will appeal to food enthusiasts.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome Bonus: None.
Annual Fee: No annual fee.
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, currently ranging from 13.24% to 21.24%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
This card provides a straightforward rewards structure and does not impose an annual fee, rendering it a cost-effective alternative for small businesses to accrue rewards on their expenditures.
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: No annual fee.
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.74% to 24.74%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
Hilton brand loyalists can receive complimentary Hilton Honours Silver status and rewards on Hilton purchases without needing an annual charge.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $95 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.74% to 24.74%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
By providing supplementary advantages like Hilton Honours Gold status and weekend night rewards, this credit card is well-suited for regular travellers searching for premium hotel amenities.
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $95 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.74% to 24.74%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
This card, being the highest-tier Hilton credit card, provides a variety of exclusive advantages for frequent travellers searching for abundant experiences, such as airline fee credits and Hilton Honours Diamond status.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $99 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.99% to 24.99%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
Preferential boarding, in-flight savings, and bonus miles on Delta purchases are a few of the benefits that frequent Delta passengers can access with this card to enhance their journey.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Welcome Bonus: Welcome offer available.
Annual Fee: $550 (as of February 2024).
Regular APR: Variable APR applies, ranging from 15.99% to 24.99%.
Credit Score: A good to Excellent credit score is recommended.
This card provides access to Delta Sky Club, complimentary accommodations, and annual companion certificates, among other luxury privileges and benefits exclusive to elite airline members.
Conclusion
Spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals will ultimately determine which American Express credit card is most suitable for you. There is an American Express card that can complement your lifestyle and optimise your rewards, regardless of whether you prioritise rebate rewards, travel benefits, or hotel privileges. Determine which card best meets your requirements and inclinations by thoroughly assessing its features and advantages.
American Express Requirements: Who is Eligible?
- A decent to outstanding credit score, typically above 670, is a standard requirement for American Express credit applicants.
- Additionally, candidates must satisfy income prerequisites that differ for each specific credit card.
- Certain American Express accounts focus on particular demographics, including students and small business proprietors.
What Credit Limit Can You Get with American Express?
- American Express credit limits are subject to variation based on income, credit history, and card type, among other factors.
- American Express may consider extending increased credit limits to borrowers with superior credit scores and higher incomes.
- Based on their payment history and purchasing patterns, cardholders may request a gradual increase in credit limits.
What are American Express Membership Rewards?
- American Express Membership Rewards cardholders can accumulate points on purchases that qualify for the programme’s loyalty structure.
- Travel, merchandise, gift certificates, statement credits, and more are all possible redemptions for accumulated points.
- The points earned through Membership Rewards are transferable to several hotel and airline loyalty programmes.
How to Combine Points on American Express Cards
- American Express cardholders can transfer member reward points between compatible cards linked to the same account.
- Initiating point transfers requires cardholders to log in to their American Express account and navigate to the Membership Rewards section.
- One way to optimise redemption options and consolidate rewards is through combining points.
Pros and Cons of American Express Cards
Pros
Extensive welcome benefits and loyalty programmes.
Premium travel perks include complimentary access to airport lounges and travel credits.
Purchase protection and extended warranties are supplementary benefits offered in addition to superior customer service.
Cons
There are cards with substantial annual fees.
Compared to Visa and Mastercard, acceptance may be restricted, particularly internationally.
Specific cards have rigorous eligibility requirements.
What are the Different Types of American Express Cards?
American Express offers a variety of credit cards catering to different lifestyles and needs, including:
- Travel rewards cards
- Cashback cards
- Business cards
- Co-branded cards with airlines and hotels
- No-annual-fee cards
Where is American Express Accepted?
American Express cards enjoy extensive acceptance in the United States, particularly at prominent retailers, restaurants, and online merchants.
Acceptance may differ across international jurisdictions, as specific merchants and countries may exhibit more excellent Amex friendliness.
Actively expanding its merchant network, American Express has been striving to increase its global acceptance.
American Express Card Benefits
American Express cards offer a range of benefits, including:
- Travel perks include airport lounge access, travel credits, and rental car insurance.
- Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible purchases.
- Rewards programs with opportunities to earn points or cashback on purchases.
- Exclusive offers and access to events for cardholders.
Are American Express Credit Cards Worth It?
The value of American Express credit cards is contingent upon the cardholder’s spending patterns, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Frequent travellers and those who place a premium on exclusive benefits may find the annual fees for Amex cards unjustifiable.
Rewards rates, annual fees, and additional perks are crucial when determining whether an American Express card correlates with your financial goals.
How do American Express Membership Rewards Work?
The cardholder’s spending habits, way of life, and individual inclinations determine the value of American Express credit cards.
Annual Amex card fees may be deemed unjustifiable by frequent travellers and individuals who highly value exclusive benefits.
Evaluating an American Express card based on one’s financial goals necessitates careful consideration of rewards rates, annual fees, and supplementary benefits.
An individual can make more informed decisions regarding the selection and management of credit cards by gaining knowledge of these facets of American Express cards.