8+ Best American Express credit cards

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>The best American Express credit cards</h3>

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.

<article class=”luna-card luna-card–alt”>
<div class=”luna-card__block”>
<div itemscope itemprop=”mainEntity” itemtype=”https://schema.org/Question”>
<h4 itemprop=”name”>Which are the best American Express credit cards</h4>
<div itemscope itemprop=”acceptedAnswer” itemtype=”https://schema.org/Answer”>
<div itemprop=”text”>

<ul>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id8″><b>Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express</b></a>: Best for simple cash back</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id1″><b>Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express</b></a>: Best card for cashback rewards</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id2″><b>American Express® Gold Card</b></a>: Best card for travel and everyday rewards</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id4″><b>Hilton Honors American Express Card</b></a>: Best card for hotel rewards</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id6″><b>The Platinum Card® from American Express</b></a>: Best card for premium travel</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id3″><b>Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card</b></a>: Best card for airline rewards</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id5″><b>The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card</b></a>: Best card for small businesses</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id7″><b>American Express® Green Card</b></a>: Best for day-to-day travel</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id9″><b>Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card</b></a>: Best for luxury hotel perks</li>
<li><a class=”scroll” href=”#id10″><b>The Business Platinum Card® from American Express</b></a>: Best for regular business travelers</li>
</ul>

</div>
</div>
</div>

</div>
</article>

<i><small>All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Finder</small></i>

<h3 id=”id8″>Best for simple cash back</h3>

<h3 id=”id1″>Best for cashback rewards</h3>

<h3 id=”id2″>Best for travel and everyday rewards</h3>

<h3 id=”id4″>Best card for hotel rewards</h3>

<h3 id=”id6″>Best card for premium travel</h3>

<h3 id=”id3″>Best for airline rewards</h3>

<h3 id=”id5″>Best for small businesses</h3>

<h3 id=”id7″>Best for day-to-day travel</h3>

<h3 id=”id9″>Best for luxury hotel perks</h3>

<h3 id=”id10″>Best for regular business travelers</h3>

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.

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>What’s the Amex trifecta?</h3>

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:

<ul class=”list-1″>
<li>The Platinum Card® from American Express</li>
<li>American Express® Gold Card</li>
<li>The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express</li>
</ul>

However, if you think this card combination won’t work for you, compare other credit cards and make your own trifecta.

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>How to apply for an American Express card</h3>

<ol>
<li>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. </li>
<li>When you’re ready to move forward with a card, choose <b>Apply now</b>.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Review your information and submit your application. Once approved, you can set up an online account by visiting the Amex website and hitting <b>Create New Online Account</b>. Then enter information such as your 15-digit card number and four-digit card ID.</li>
</ol>

<h4>How many American Express cards can I have?</h4>

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.

<div itemscope itemprop=”mainEntity” itemtype=”https://schema.org/Question”>
<h3 itemprop=”name” id=”get” class=”header-sideline”>How do I choose the best American Express credit card?</h3>
<div itemscope itemprop=”acceptedAnswer” itemtype=”https://schema.org/Answer”>
<div itemprop=”text”>

Because of the wide range of credit cards offered by American Express, choosing the right one may seem difficult. Here’s what to consider:

<ul>
<li><b>Annual fee.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Rewards.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Intro APR period.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Welcome offer.</b> 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.</li>
</ul>

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+.”

</div>
</div>
</div>

<h3 class=”header-sideline” id=”how”>How to prequalify for American Express credit cards</h3>

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:

<ol>
<li>Go to the American Express prequalification page.</li>
<li>Complete your name, address and last four digits of your Social Security number. For more targeted offers, enter details of your annual income.</li>
<li>Select <strong>View my card offers</strong> and compare your options.</li>
</ol>

<h4>How to prequalify by yourself</h4>

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 <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-building/improve-your-credit-score”>strategies to boost your score</a> before trying again. Start by <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-score”>ordering your free credit report</a> 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.

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>What are the benefits of an American Express prequalification?</h3>

You aren’t <b>guaranteed</b> approval with prequalification, but it does give you a good shot at getting the Amex card you’re interested in, among other key benefits.

<ul>
<li><strong>Narrow your options.</strong> Amex’s prequalification tool can point you to cards that are likely to fit your credit profile.</li>
<li><strong>No obligation to apply.</strong> 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.</li>
<li><strong>Doesn’t affect your credit.</strong> Amex initiates a soft pull on your credit history that won’t ding your credit score.</li>
</ul>

<article class=”luna-card luna-card–alt”>
<div class=”luna-card__block”>
<h4>Prequalification and preapproval: What’s the difference?</h4>

<b>Prequalification</b> and <b>preapproval</b> 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.

</div>
</article>

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>Types of American Express cards</h3>

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.

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>Standout benefits of an American Express card</h3>

<ul>
<li><b>High rewards rates.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Membership rewards program.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Entertainment Access.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>ShopRunner membership.</b> Get free two-day shipping, extended warranties and purchase protection when you use your card to shop with a retailer in the <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-cards/store-credit-cards” title=”Credit cards with free ShopRunner membership”>ShopRunner network</a>. 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.</li>
<li><b>Global Assist Hotline.</b> All Amex cards get Global Assist service, which helps you with missing luggage, legal or medical referrals, passport services and translation services worldwide.</li>
<li><strong>Amex Express Checkout</strong>. Quickly make payments online without entering your card number with this Amex Express Checkout.</li>
<li><b>Pay It Plan It®.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Amex Offers.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Amex Send & Split.</b> 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.</li>
</ul>

<h3 class=”header-sideline”>What is the average annual fee for American Express cards?</h3>

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.

<h4>Notable American Express annual fee cards</h4>

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.

<table class=”luna-table luna-table–responsiveList”>
<thead class=”luna-table__header”>
<tr>
<th scope=”col” class=”u-1/3″>Card</th>
<th scope=”col” class=”u-1/3″>Annual fee</th>
<th scope=”col” class=”u-1/3″>Card type</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody class=”luna-table__body”>
<tr>
<td>The Platinum Card® from American Express</td>
<td>$695</td>
<td>Luxury travel</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>American Express® Gold Card</td>
<td>$250</td>
<td>Everyday and travel rewards</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express</td>
<td>$95</td>
<td>Dining, everyday rewards</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h4>American Express no annual fee cards</h4>

<ul>
<li>American Express Cash Magnet® Card</li>
<li>Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express</li>
<li>Hilton Honors American Express Card</li>
<li>Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card</li>
<li>Blue from American Express® Card</li>
<li>Amex EveryDay® Credit Card</li>
</ul>

<i><small>All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card, Blue from American Express® Card and Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Finder</small></i>

<h3 id=”bottom” class=”header-sideline”>Is the annual fee on an American Express card worth it?</h3>

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.

<table class=”luna-table luna-table–responsiveList”>
<thead class=”luna-table__header”>
<tr>
<th scope=”col” class=”u-1/3″>Annual fee</th>
<th scope=”col” class=”u-1/3″>Card</th>
<th scope=”col” class=”u-1/3″>Perks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody class=”luna-table__body”>
<tr>
<td>$95 (see Terms apply, see rates & fees)</td>
<td>Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express</td>
<td>
<ul class=”list-1″>
<li>Complimentary ShopRunner membership after enrollment</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>1% back on other eligible purchases.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>$695 (see Terms apply, see rates & fees)</td>
<td>The Platinum Card® from American Express</td>
<td>
<ul class=”list-1″>
<li>80,000 point welcome offer after you spend $8,000 in purchases in your first 6 months.</li>
<li>$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.</li>
<li>Complimentary access to Centurion Lounge</li>
<li>Gold status in Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors loyalty programs after enrollment</li>
<li>Concierge service</li>
<li>And more</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3 class=”header-sideline” id=”rewards”>How to choose American Express cash back credit cards</h3>

To pick the right American Express card, there are a few quick factors to consider.

<ul class=”list-7″>
<li><b>Look at your spending habits.</b> If you don’t spend a lot on any particular category of purchases, the American Express Cash Magnet® Card could be worth considering. It offers 1.5% unlimited cash back as statement credit on everything you buy. </li>
<li><b>How much do you spend on groceries?</b> Both the <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-cards/american-express-credit-cards/blue-cash-preferred-card-from-american-express”>Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express</a> and the <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-cards/blue-cash-everyday”>Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express</a> 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. </li>
<li><b>Consider your business needs.</b> 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.</li>
</ul>

<i><small>All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Finder</small></i>

<div itemscope itemprop=”mainEntity” itemtype=”https://schema.org/Question”>
<h3 itemprop=”name” class=”header-sideline”>What’s the alternative to an Amex credit card?</h3>
<div itemscope itemprop=”acceptedAnswer” itemtype=”https://schema.org/Answer”>
<div itemprop=”text”>

Although American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards, it’s not the only card provider. Other providers that rival American Express are:

<ul>
<li><b>Chase.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Citi.</b> Citi also offers some of the best travel credit cards with the <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-cards/citibank-credit-cards” title=”Guide to Citi ThankYou rewards program
“>ThankYou rewards program</a>. But you’ll also find market-leading 0% intro APR periods on balance transfers with the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card and Citi Simplicity® Card.</li>
<li><b>Bank of America.</b> 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.</li>
<li><b>Barclaycard US.</b> Barclaycard offers a massive selection of travel credit cards. You can find cobranded cards for cruise lines, homestays and hotels, and airline credit cards.</li>
</ul>

</div>
</div>
</div>

</div>

<h3 data-toc=”false” class=”header-sideline”>Bottom line</h3>

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 <a href=”https://www.finder.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards” title=”The best credit cards”>top cards from other issuers</a>.

<div class=”has-padding-xsmall”></div>
<article class=”luna-card luna-card–alt”>
<div class=”luna-card__block”>
<ul>
<li>See rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express</li>
<li>See rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express</li>
<li>See rates and fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express</li>
<li>See rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card</li>
<li>See rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card</li>
<li>See rates and fees for Hilton Honors American Express Card</li>
<li>See rates and fees for The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card</li>
</ul>
</div>
</article>