
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
Amex and Mastercard products have similar key features. For example:
While Amex and Mastercard offer many of the same standard benefits, they each come with their own smaller, additional perks. There are notable differences, such as:
Check out the table below to see standard benefits. Though you might see a green check mark in a few spaces, you might not find the respective perk in your chosen card. Benefits vary based on card issuer.
Hover over the symbols to see details about each perk.
American Express | Mastercard | |
---|---|---|
Extended warranty | ![]() | ![]() |
Purchase protection | ![]() | ![]() |
Return protection | ![]() | ![]() |
Price protection | ![]() | ![]() |
Car rental insurance | ![]() | ![]() |
Global Assist Hotline/Mastercard Global Service | ![]() | ![]() |
Roadside assistance | ![]() | ![]() |
Travel accident insurance | ![]() | ![]() |
Zero liability for unauthorized purchases | ![]() | ![]() |
With more expensive Amex cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card and Mastercard’s World Elite products you’ll get the following benefits:
Consider these advantages and drawbacks to each network before making your decision.
If you want to know more about how Amex cards stack up to the competition, check out how they compare to Visa cards. And if you’re curious about their performance compared to Discover cards, compare the pros and cons with our guide.
There are fewer differences between Amex and Mastercard than there are between Amex and Discover. Because these networks are so similar, it’s difficult to make a general verdict as one may fit your specific needs better than the other.
To make your own verdict, take a look at the specific contrasts that might stand out depending on your tastes.
A few notables include:
With many great products from each provider, it can be easy to mix and match credit cards. Here are a few ideas:
While it may be difficult to choose between Amex and Mastercard because they have so many similarities, looking at the differences between specific cards may help you determine which issuer is right for you. Both Amex and Mastercard offer some products that are replicated nowhere else.
If you’re not sure either provider is right for you, look into credit cards from other companies.
Here are our picks for the best store cards of the year.
We researched over 20 tax software programs to help you quickly compare the top five.
Our picks for the best no-annual-fee cards.
Dashers can get instant access to earnings, plus 2% cash back at gas stations with this prepaid card.
Current Revolut users can get a free prepaid card for their kids between the ages of 12 and 17.
Loans of up to $50,000 available from this well-established lender.
Use your Chase Ultimate points to donate to charities or to pay for your groceries.
There are three Chase Mastercard credit cards, but all three are excellent options for frequent travelers.
It doesn’t come standard, but specific Mastercard products have an extended warranty benefit.
Maximize your tax savings by having this 1099 expense tracker categorize business purchases for you.