American Express is one issuer that you can choose if you're searching for the top rewards credit cards we've ever seen. However, that's not all they provide. American Express is often ranked as the top choice on all of the top credit card companies, providing top-rated customer service, a fantastic user experience, as well as an app for mobile that is highly rated and assists you in managing your credit card requirements while on the move. Anyone who is a fan of credit cards may need at least two or three American Express cards in their collection.
The Best American Express credit cards
- Lounges at airports and travel rewards American Express Platinum Card(r) is a product of American Express
- Cash back in U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express
- U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express
- Food establishments as well as U.S. supermarkets: American Express(r) Gold Card
- Regular Delta flyers: Delta SkyMiles(r) Platinum American Express Card
- Afflicted Delta passengers: Delta SkyMiles(r) Gold American Express Card
- Marriot Bonvoy Hotel stays Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant(tm) American Express(r) Card
- Travel, dining and transit Transit, travel, and dining: The American Express(r) Green Card
- Regular Hilton guest: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Review of the top American Express credit cards
American Express has a diverse assortment of credit cards suitable to all kinds of reward enthusiasts. There are a variety of options to choose from:
- Luxury travel cards
- Everyday rewards cards
- Cobranded airline cards
- ...and plus
You may be traveling or prefer staying at home, you will probably locate the American Express rewards credit card that is suited to your needs.
Platinum Card(r) is a product of American Express
Ideal for: Travel rewards and airport lounges
The Platinum Card(r) from American Express is packed full of benefits, welcome offers and credit on statements. (Terms apply, choose enrollment needed, read rates and charges)
Check out the complete Review of the Platinum Card(r) from an American Express review
Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card issued by American Express
Ideal for cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets
This Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express is an ideal reward card that cash-back rewards every day purchases. You'll earn rewards at a high rate on purchases at U.S. supermarkets stores, specific streaming services and transit companies, along with U.S. gas stations.
In addition you'll get this Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express comes with a attractive welcome bonus as well as an initial 12-month 0% APR deal on purchases. The most popular rate is 14.74%-24.74 Percentage Variable once the promotional period has ended. (Terms apply, refer to rates and charges)
Read the complete review of the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from the American Express review
Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express
Ideal stores for U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and department stores.
The Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express is a solid reward card that has no annual fees which covers a range of useful purchases that you make every day. You are able to earn bonus credit card benefits on U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, as and at some U.S. department stores.
It's also among American Express's most popular credit cards with 0% APR that comes with a 15-month promotional offer on purchases. The standard rate is 14.74%-24.74 percent, which is variable after the promotional period has ended. (Terms apply, check rates and charges)
American Express(r) Green Card
Ideal for dining or traveling, as well as transport
The American Express(r) Green Card is a travel rewards card that is mid-level that gives you premium rewards on dining out, transportation and travel-related purchases. Although it's not packed with benefits as its more expensive Platinum counterpart however, it comes with important credit on your statement. (Terms apply, choose enrollment is required, read rates and charges),Read the complete review of the American Express(r) Green Card review.
American Express(r) Gold Card
Ideal for restaurants as well as U.S. supermarkets
The American Express(r) Gold Card is the perfect foodie's friend due to its top rewards in restaurants. The high annual cost is paid off by the generous credits in addition to the huge welcome bonus. (Terms apply, choose enrollment required, read rates and charges).
Delta SkyMiles(r) Platinum American Express Card
Great for: Regular Delta flyers
The Delta SkyMiles(r) Platinum American Express Card is the middle-tier Delta credit card that offers reward miles for Delta purchases and bonus miles for dining out, hotels, as well as U.S. supermarkets purchases. The moderate annual cost provides a domestic companion certificate as well as the first bag you check in for free for Delta flights. (Terms apply, check the rates and fees)
Learn the complete review by Delta SkyMiles(r) Platinum American Express Review of the card
Delta SkyMiles(r) Gold American Express Card
Great for: Casual Delta flyers
The Delta SkyMiles(r) Gold American Express Card is a great alternative for Delta travelers who need an unrestricted checked bag when they travel on Delta flights. It can also earn bonus miles on Delta dining, as well as U.S. supermarkets store purchases. The card comes with an annual fee that is introductory at $0 and then it is increased by $99 following the initial year. That means that you'll have to travel with Delta minimum of a couple of times throughout the year to earn the most value for your money. (Terms apply, check rates and charges)
Check out the complete Review of the Delta SkyMiles(r) Gold American Express Card review
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Great for: Frequent Hilton guests
This Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the ideal card for those who stay with Hilton regularly. It has a high annual cost, it is also accompanied by free Diamond elite status upon enrollment (which can be used to qualify to receive a free breakfast) in addition to credit on airline and hotel properties. Cardholders also earn double-digit points on Hilton purchases and enjoy an extremely high rate of rewards on certain dining and travel purchases. (Terms apply, check rates and charges)
The types of American Express credit cards
American Express is a haven for credit cards with rewards The decision to divide them depends on the kind of rewards you can earn. The majority of American Express cards earn rewards points, while some have cash back rewards. Other cards are cobranded airline and hotel cards which earn loyalty points for the respective brands.
Travel rewards cards
American Express is home to the best travel reward cards that are full of travel amenities and advantages such as lounge access along with trip coverage. It offers a range of cards that offer a wide range of bonus points for hotels, flights or transit related purchases. However, American Express gives you the possibility of earning high-value transferable travel rewards for your everyday purchasestoo.
This is due to the fact that American Express cards that earns rewards points are rewarded with American Express Membership Rewards points which are a currency which can be converted into airline miles or hotel points with more than 12 travel partners. Therefore, you can select one that gives you three or four points for every dollar spent at things such as U.S. restaurants and supermarkets which allows you to save money for that next getaway without having to leave your home.
Cash back reward cards
American Express's cash back reward cards provide a variety of competitive options especially for those looking for credit cards that can be used for food and gas. The most well-known of American Express's cash-back cards comes with the most lucrative U.S. supermarket and streaming rewards rates and also offers cash-back bonuses on the subway or U.S. gas stations. There are a number of choices if you don't need the expense of an annual charge. These include the U.S. supermarket as well as a U.S. gasoline station reward card, and one that gives unlimited flat rate rewards.
Cobranded cards
American Express is one of the main backers of cobranded travel cards. it offers a broad range of airline and hotel credit cards that are offered by both Delta as well as Hilton. Each brand comes with multiple tiers with annual costs which vary based on the number of the benefits and perks you get.
The more expensive, premium cards offer perks of high value such as access to airport lounges for airline cards and the elite status of loyalty for hotels. You'll get fewer perks at the low-cost end however these cards are still useful for those who travel lightly.
What is the credit score you need to get the American Express credit card?
It is generally accepted that American Express cards are targeted towards those who have good or excellent credit. The cards that do not have annual fees tend to be the easiest ones to acquire with a credit rating of at least 670 and higher could allow you to be eligible. If you're looking to get an American Express luxurious card for travel, then you'll require an excellent credit scorethe higher the score the better as well as a solid income. Of of course, American Express looks at more than only your credit score when reviewing applications, so the mileage you earn could be different.
What is the most effective American Express credit card?
While the most suitable credit card for you will be determined by the requirements you'll get from the card There are some American Express cards that hit the top of many reward card lists. First, the Platinum Card(r) from American Express is hands-down one of the top travel reward cards that offer bonus points on airline and hotel purchases, and over a dozen benefits for travelers, including the use of lounges and Uber credits (select registration required, terms and conditions apply).
In addition, the Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express is one of the most popular cash back credit cards providing bonus points in all categories that are tough for anyone to surpass (terms must be adhered to).
The benefits of American Express cards
The benefits of a cardmember from your American Express card will vary greatly based on the card you are using. Cards with more expensive annual fees usually offer the greatest benefits, but the cards with lower fees can offer a wide array of benefits. Here's a sample of frequent benefits of cardholders:
- American Express extended warranty* This benefit is offered by the majority of Amex cards and extends the manufacturer's warranty on purchases. The majority of the time warranties are extended by one year.
- American Express purchase protection* It is the most popular benefit offered by American Express cards, coming with regular American Express cards and cobranded cards. Purchase protection ensures that the most latest purchase (within the period of 90 days) are protected in the event of loss or loss. Limits on coverage apply.
- American Express return protection**: A different benefit that is beneficial is return protection when you're not happy with the purchase. If you make an honest try to deliver the item the seller but they refuse to allow the exchange, American Express may refund the purchase.
- American Express travel insurance: A broad category of benefits Travel insurance is provided by a variety of American Express cards, mostly ones that earn rewards points. The specific benefits may vary however, they usually include the possibility of*protection, as well as insurance for lost baggage.
- American Express car rental insurance ***: A lot of American Express travel cards come with some form of rental insurance for cars. The coverage is typically second-hand, however it only kicks into effect after the regular insurance for your car has completed its job.
These are just some of the advantages you will get with the American Express card. Other benefits include:
- Credit scores that are free
- Hotlines to help with global assistance
- You can access the Amex Offers & Benefits portal
Cobranded cards also will come with brand-specific benefits such as free checked bags, or the opportunity to earn elite status.
What is the process behind American Express' Membership Rewards program function?
Membership Rewards is American Express's reward points currency. Points are earned for every dollar you spend on rewards cards. You can use those points to purchase things like credit for travel or statements.
In general you'll get the most worth per point when you join one of the American Express's hotels as well as airline partnerships. It turns your Membership Rewards in frequent flyer miles or loyalty points for hotels that you can use for flights or free stay. After transfer, the value you receive out of your points will be contingent on the method you use to redeem them using another program. With smart redemptions, you can easily earn $0.02 or $0.04 per transfered point.
The most current listing of partners for travel currently includes:
- Aer Lingus
- Aeromexico
- Air Canada
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue
- Alitalia
- All Nippon Airways
- Avianca
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Delta Air Lines
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Iberia
- JetBlue Airways
- Qantas
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Choice Hotels
- Hilton
- Marriott Bonvoy
The majority of transfers are at a 1:1 ratio which means you receive 1 hotel or airline point for each Points you earn from Membership Rewards that are transferred. Certain partners might offer an alternative to a higher or lower transfer rate. American Express occasionally offers transfer bonus offers that offer 30%-35 percent increase in the event that you switch to the partner that is highlighted.
If you're not keen on transferring the Membership Rewards points you'll still be able to redeem them, but do not expect to earn anything more than $0.01 per point. Actually, the majority of alternatives to redemption will cost you lower that $0.01 points.
Membership Rewards points aren't lost so they are in good standing and your account is active and in good standing. Therefore, if you don't intend to transfer your rewards any time in the near future, you should consider holding on to them instead of making the form of a low-value transaction.
What American Express card is right for you?
With the numerous American Express cards to choose from, choosing the best card can be difficult. It is important to determine what kind of rewards you'd like to collect, as well as the categories of rewards that are the most relevant for your needs.
If you're looking to earn to earn Membership Rewards Points:
- The Platinum Card(r) comes from American Express
- American Express(r) Green Card
- American Express(r) Gold Card
- Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card issued by American Express
- Terms and conditions apply to all offers
If you are looking for cash back reward points:
- Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card issued by American Express
- Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express
- Terms and conditions apply to all offers
If you're looking for bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets:
- American Express(r) Gold Card
- Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card issued by American Express
- Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express
- Terms and conditions apply to all offers
If you're looking to earn Delta SkyMiles:
- Delta SkyMiles(r) Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles(r) Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles(r) Gold American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles(r) Blue American Express Card
- The terms and conditions apply to all offers.
If you'd like to accumulate Hilton Honors points:
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass(r) Card
- Hilton Honors American Express Card
- The terms and conditions apply to all offers.
If you're trying to evaluate credit card deals within the same category take into consideration the annual fee and any other reward category. Also, don't forget the benefits of the cardholder and a credit on your statement each year or additional perk may be worth the cost.
More sources
For more details on the top American Express credit cards, look through our guide below:
- American Express vs. Visa
- A Complete Guide to American Express Blue Cash Preferred Benefits
- A Complete Guide to American Express Green Card Benefits
- A Complete Guide to American Express Gold Card Benefits
- A Complete Guide to American Express Platinum Travel Insurance Coverage