If you’re on the lookout for credit card rewards, you’re likely aware of the impressive benefits offered by American Express. From the legendary Centurion card to a variety of options tailored to different financial needs, American Express boasts a range of cards designed for everything from cash back and travel rewards to introductory 0% APR offers.
-
Annual fee
$0
-
Welcome offer
Receive a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the initial 6 months
-
Introductory Balance Transfer APR
0% on balance transfers for 15 months
-
Ongoing Balance Transfer APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
-
Introductory Purchases APR
0% on purchases for 15 months
-
Ongoing Purchases APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
-
Rewards rate
- 3% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 yearly, then 1%)
- 3% cash back on online retail purchases within the U.S. (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year in eligible spending, then 1%)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cash back is available as Reward Dollars redeemable as a statement credit or during checkout on Amazon.com
-
Benefits
- Generous introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Enjoy up to $7 monthly statement credit after making eligible subscription purchases with your enrolled Blue Cash EverydayÂź Card at sites like disneyplus.com, hulu.com, and plus.espn.com (U.S. only, terms apply)
- Break down purchases of $100 or more into manageable monthly payments with a fixed feeâjust select the purchase in your online account or in the American ExpressÂź App to review plan options
Why we appreciate it: The Blue Cash Everyday offers tremendous valueâwhether you’re in search of a versatile cash-back card or aiming to complement existing rewards. Its coverage of common expenses like groceries and fuel, alongside bonuses for online shopping, helps you make the most of your everyday spending. Plus, with zero annual fee, the bonuses can effectively enhance your monthly savings.
Related: Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card review: Earn solid rewards in common categories
-
Annual fee
$0 initial annual fee for the first year, then $95.
-
Welcome offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first 6 months
-
Introductory Purchases APR
0% on purchases for 12 months
-
Ongoing Purchases APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
-
Introductory Balance Transfer APR
0% on balance transfers for 12 months
-
Ongoing Balance Transfer APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
-
Rewards rate
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1%)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and for transit expenses (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, etc.)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- *Rewards are received as Reward Dollars redeemable for statement credits or during checkout on Amazon.com
-
Benefits
- Generous introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Receive up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash PreferredÂź Card for certain subscriptions, including bundles, at disneyplus.com, hulu.com, or plus.espn.com (subject to auto-renewal)
- Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee by selecting the purchase in your online account or through the American ExpressÂź App
Why we appreciate it: With 6% cash back on the first $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets every year, the Blue Cash Preferred can contribute up to $360 back on grocery spending alone. Alongside impressive returns in other spending categories, this card proves to be quite beneficial.
Before applying, ensure your spending habits align with the reward categories to guarantee you earn more rewards than the annual fee cost.
Read more: Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card review
-
Annual fee
$325
-
Welcome offer
Potentially earn up to 100,000 Membership RewardsÂź Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months (availability of offers may vary; apply to determine approval without affecting your credit score; acceptance impacts your score)
-
Rewards rate
- 4x Membership Rewards Points at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 spent annually, then 1x)
- 4x Membership Rewards Points at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 spent annually, then 1x)
- 3x Membership Rewards Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com
- 2x Membership Rewards Points on pre-paid hotels and other eligible purchases via AmexTravel.com
- 1x Membership Rewards Points on all other eligible purchases
-
Benefits
- Accumulate up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you use your American Express Gold Card at specified locations like Five Guys, Grubhub, and The Cheesecake Factory (enrollment is required)
- Enjoy up to $100 in statement credits annually ($50 semi-annually) for eligible purchases made at U.S. restaurants through the Resy app or Resy.com
- Benefit with up to $84 per year ($7 monthly) in statement credits when paying at participating U.S. DunkinâÂź locations (enrollment required)
Why we appreciate it: The Amex Gold is a great option for travel enthusiasts, offering robust benefits for both occasional and frequent travelers. The 4x points on dining and U.S. supermarket expenses ensure you accumulate significant rewards for your everyday purchases. Additionally, regular credits on common expenses could offset the cost of the annual fee, contributing to overall value.
Before applying, familiarize yourself with the Membership Rewards system; although there are numerous redemption options, the greatest value is often obtained when redeeming points for flights through Amex Travel or transferring to one of American Expressâ travel partners.
Check out the newest Amex Gold Card benefits and features for foodies
-
Annual fee
$895
-
Welcome offer
Potentially earn up to 175,000 Membership RewardsÂź Points after a $8,000 spending within the first 6 months (availability of offers may vary; apply to determine approval without impacting your credit score)
-
Rewards rate
- 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express TravelÂź (up to $500,000 annually)
- 5x points on pre-paid hotels booked through American Express Travel
- 1x points on all other purchases
-
Benefits
- Receive up to $600 in statement credits annually for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel ($300 semi-annually; The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay)
- Get up to $400 in statement credits each year ($100 quarterly; requires enrollment) for eligible expenses through Resy, including dining at participating restaurants
- Receive up to $200 in Uber Cash each yearâ$15 monthly and a special $20 in December (requires the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Platinum Card as payment)
Why we appreciate it: Even though it’s one of the priciest credit cards available, the Platinum Card from Amex can yield substantial savings for the right cardholders. For premium travel enthusiasts, it’s crucial to ensure the benefits and rewards counterbalance the hefty annual fee. Frequent travelers who value perks like airport lounge access and travel credits can find themselves reaping significant rewards, particularly as points accrue toward future travels. For occasional travelers or those not utilizing the more luxurious perks, a lower-cost rewards card may be the better choice.
Related: American Express Platinum Card review: An elite travel card with first-class benefits
-
Annual fee
$350
-
Welcome offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the initial 6 months (offer available until 10/29/25)
-
Rewards rate
- 3x miles on Delta purchases and transactions made directly with hotels
- 2x miles at worldwide restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., as well as at U.S. supermarkets
- 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
-
Benefits
- Receive a Companion Certificate for a main cabin round-trip flight to select destinations after renewal of your Card; terms apply.
- Enjoy up to $10 in statement credits monthly on rideshare purchases with select providers (enrollment required)
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights
Why we appreciate it: This premium option among American Express and Delta’s co-branded cards, the Delta Platinum, provides valuable perks to justify the expense for frequent Delta flyers. Just the annual Companion Certificate can save you a substantial amount when booking flights, particularly now that it applies for Caribbean and Central American flights in addition to domestic travel. For those aiming for Medallion Status, annual MQD headstarts and MQD Boost from spending with this card make significant contributions.
This card is ideal for earning miles toward future flights, rewarding not only Delta purchases but also everyday transactions at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. Combined with a 15% discount on award tickets, it represents a fantastic opportunity for savings on future trips.
Related: Delta Platinum vs. Delta Reserve: Which is better for frequent Delta travelers?
-
Annual fee
$250
-
Welcome offer
Receive 85,000 Marriott BonvoyÂź bonus points after $5,000 spent in the first 6 months
-
Rewards rate
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points for eligible purchases billed at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- 4x points on meals out and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 combined spending at restaurants and supermarkets annually, then 2x)
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases
-
Benefits
- Earn up to 18.5x Marriott Bonvoy points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at Marriott properties: 6x points with the Marriott Bonvoy BevyÂź American ExpressÂź Card, up to 10x points as a Marriott Bonvoy member, and up to 2.5x points through the 25% Bonus Points on Stays benefit with your complimentary Gold Elite status
- Receive 1 Free Night Award after $15,000 in eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card within one calendar year (redemption capped at 50,000 points at participating Marriott hotels; some hotels may incur resort fees)
- Each year, earn 15 Elite Night Credits with your card toward a higher tier of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status (limitations apply per member account; not unique to American Express cards)
Why we appreciate it: If Marriott is your preferred hotel chain, this card offers valuable benefits to enhance future stays. The attractive welcome bonus can help offset the cost of an upcoming trip after meeting the spending requirement.
In the long run, the Bonvoy Bevy card’s reward structure and supplementary points when staying with Marriott loyalists present considerable savings for travelers. Given its annual fee, you should assess your yearly travel habits to verify that the potential rewards justify the cost.
-
Annual fee
$0
-
Welcome offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after making $3,000 in purchases within your first 3 months
-
Introductory Purchases APR
0% on purchases for 12 months from account opening
-
Ongoing Purchases APR
17.24% – 27.24% Variable
-
Rewards rate
- 2% cash back on eligible purchases up to $50,000 each calendar year
- 1% cash back beyond $50,000 in eligible purchases (cash back automatically credited to your statement)
Why we appreciate it: The Blue Business Cash provides straightforward, high-value rewards for small business owners in any sector. With no annual fee and 2% cash back on every purchase up to the first $50,000 per year, you can benefit without tracking expenses across categories. If approached judiciously, this could yield significant cash back rewards.
A spending cap of $50,000 at 2% rewards means this card best serves businesses with average monthly budgets below $4,000. For upcoming significant expenses, the cardâs generous introductory APR offers flexibility to pay off over time before acquiring interest.
-
Annual fee
$0
-
Welcome offer
Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $2,000 in purchases within your first 6 months of membership (offer ends Jan. 14, 2026)
-
Rewards rate
- 7x points on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts
- 5x points on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 3x points on all other qualifying purchases
-
Benefits
- No annual fee
- Spend $20,000 in eligible purchases annually to upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year
- Incur no extra fees for international transactions
Why we appreciate it: We value this card for its substantial rewards potential despite having no annual fee. Its variety of reward categories, including everyday transactions at dining establishments and gas stations, helps you accumulate points towards free stays at Hilton.
In comparison to higher-priced hotel cards offering premium perks, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is an excellent choice for travelers who prefer Hilton without predominantly spending on travel expenses.
Read more: Hilton Honors American Express Card review: Lots of reward opportunities for Hilton loyalists
-
Annual fee
$375
-
Welcome offer
Earn 100,000 Membership RewardsÂź Points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 3 months
-
Ongoing Purchases APR
18.24% – 28.99% Variable
-
Rewards rate
- 4x Membership Rewards Points on the top two eligible categories (out of 6 total categories) where you spend the most each month. Note that the top two categories may vary monthly, and you’ll earn 4x points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in these categories each year, then 1x after that (terms apply).
- 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
- 1x on other purchases
Why we appreciate it: The Amex Business Gold Card comes with a hefty $375 annual fee but could be worthwhile if your business expenses align with its categories.
-
Annual fee
$650
-
Welcome offer
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after $15,000 spent in the first 6 months (offer available until 10/29/25)
-
Recommended credit score
Excellent/Good
-
Rewards rate
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store expenses (plus all purchases after hitting $150,000 in annual spending with your card)
- 1x on all other purchases
-
Benefits
- Receive an annual statement credit up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights
- Enjoy international purchases without additional fees
Why we appreciate it: The Amex Business Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is among our top picks for frequent Delta business travelers seeking premium features. Key benefits include Delta Sky Club access* and a complimentary annual companion certificate upon card renewal.
For those evaluating multiple American Express credit cards, our detailed comparison pages could prove valuable:
-
Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum: Which card is best for your next getaway?
-
Delta SkyMiles Gold vs. Platinum American Express Card: Which card offers more Delta benefits?
-
Delta SkyMiles Platinum vs. Reserve American Express Card: The top choice for frequent Delta flyers?
-
Rewards and benefits: Whether you seek cash back or points and miles, American Express cards rank among the best for maximizing expenditure. Itâs important to compare different options to ensure you find the perfect fit for how you want to earn and redeem rewards.
-
Travel transfer partners: American Express not only hosts numerous co-branded airline and hotel cards but also facilitates transfers to over 21 partners on Membership Rewards-earning cards, including Delta Air Lines, Marriott Bonvoy, JetBlue TrueBlue, Emirates Skywards, and more.
-
Cardmember exclusives: Among issuers, American Express boasts one of the richest entertainment access programs. As a cardholder, gain entry to exclusive dining, entertainment, and sports events, often including early ticket sales.
-
Card acceptance: Although American Express has significantly increased merchant acceptance, it might still lag behind networks like Visa or Mastercard. In the U.S., you likely won’t encounter acceptance issuesâ99% of credit card-accepting merchants will take Amex.
-
Different rewards types: The diverse range of American Express credit cards brings various reward types, which may complicate card combinations. For instance, an Amex cash-back card and a travel card earning Membership Rewards wonât allow for pooled redemptions or easy transfers between card types.
-
Limited card type availability: Generally, American Express cards cater to those with good-to-excellent credit scores. If you’re seeking a student or secured credit card for credit-building, consider exploring other issuers.
When contemplating opening a new credit card, including those offered by American Express, ensure alignment with your financial goals.
American Express presents fantastic opportunities for earning both cash-back and travel rewards through regular spending, alongside tailored cards for business owners, balance transfers, and more.
Prior to applying for any card, analyze your habitual spending to verify youâll generating enough value to counterbalance any annual fees while maximizing purchases you already make. Read the cardâs terms and conditions to grasp how to prevent fees that could minimize potential value. Review the specifics of any welcome offer to ascertain if the required spending is manageable for your budget.
Ultimately, evaluate how the card may impact your overall financial health. If concerned about the temptation to overspend for bonuses or to utilize credits which may lead to more spending, reconsider applying for a new card. Spending beyond your means can lead to high-interest debt that could persist for years, likely exceeding any potential rewards gained.
Hereâs what to keep an eye out for when you enroll in an American Express card:
Amex Offers provide additional savings and rewards on specific expenses when activated through your American Express account. For example, you might find an offer for $30 back after spending $100 at Leviâs or 15% back on Bose.com purchases (with a maximum total refund of $50).
Offer values can differ, and availability typically depends on your geographic location. Before using an Amex Offer, you must add it to your card and use it before the expiration.
Your Amex account will allow you to track total savings accrued through Amex Offers. This program is applicable with any qualified consumer or business Amex card in the U.S.
If youâre already a credit card holder, your familiar with the payment cycle. At the end of each billing cycle, youâll receive a statement depicting your overall balance and the minimum payment due. To avoid late fees and penalties, ensure you make at least the minimum payment. If you pay only the minimum, interest will start to accrue at your set APR.
However, some American Express credit cards (e.g., the Platinum Card from Amex, Amex Gold, and the Amex Green Card) utilize a different formula. Cards equipped with Pay Over Time flexibility lack a standard preset limit; instead, this limit fluctuates based on your credit and spending behavior. Unlike typical credit cards, payment of the full balance by the due date is required unless you opt into Pay Over Time.
If you activate Pay Over Time, the system mirrors that of other credit cards. You can incur eligible charges up to your assigned Pay Over Time limit (noted in the card agreement) and need to adhere to the minimum due by the due date; otherwise, interest will accrue at your Pay Over Time APR. However, you can always opt to pay your entire balance by the due date to avoid incurring interest charges.
Despite these potentially flexible terms, the basic principle of avoiding interest proves unchanged. Failing to remit your total balance by the due date will still invite interest charges at your credit card’s rates; the safest approach to avoid such charges is to only spend what you can afford to pay off entirely each month.
Many American Express cards yield points through the issuerâs Membership Rewards program. Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, and additional perks. As with many rewards programs, different redemption types can yield varying values.
In general, you receive the best value for Membership Rewards points when redeemed for travel, particularly through American Express Travel. Airfare often holds a maximum value of roughly 1 cent per point; however, hotel and car rentals may deliver lower values.
Another lucrative redemptive avenue is transferring points to one of American Express’s numerous travel partners. Redemption values can vary dramatically based on your travel plans, specific partner programs, and moreâyet this frequently represents the most valuable way to redeem points.
When comparing card selections, utilize the Membership Rewards calculator on Amexâs site to determine precise values for different credit cards and redemption methods.
American Express travel rewards credit cards vary in rewards categories, fees, and other advantages; all cards earn Membership Rewards points.
If you’re interested in credit card options that allow you to earn rewards on your spending for future travel (and you don’t favor any particular travel brand), consider these options. Travel cards from American Express often entail annual fees in exchange for substantial welcome bonuses and annual perks.
Examples:
Co-branded travel cards
American Express has partnered with Delta Air Lines, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy to offer co-branded travel credit cards. If you consistently fly Delta or stay with Hilton or Marriott, these specialized cards may appeal to your travel habitsâthey encompass various annual fees and rewards structures.
Unlike general American Express travel rewards cards, these co-branded options don’t earn Membership Rewards; instead, the points and miles earned apply to the respective airline or hotel loyalty program (Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors points, or Marriott Bonvoy points).
Examples:
Cash-back credit cards via American Express offer an excellent pathway to maximize everyday spending for cash rewards. Competitive rewards rates are matched with annual credits for increased value in specific areas.
Amex cash-back credit cards frequently provide 0% APR introductory offers for new purchases and balance transfers. These features are advantageous for anyone looking to earn rewards while addressing existing debt or planning significant purchases.
Examples:
Small business owners have a plethora of options for maximizing their business expenses with American Express. The issuerâs business cards range from cash-back solutions to travel rewards and various co-branded options. You also have access to business cards that feature no annual fee and 0% APR promotions.
American Express business cards typically allow users to add employee cards to their account and provide expense management tools to help track business costs and streamline tax season.
Examples:
The American Express Centurion Card, commonly referred to as the Amex Black Card, epitomizes exclusivity among American Express offerings; it’s an invite-only card reserved for a select group of high-spending Amex clients.
The Amex Gold card shines for accumulating rewards on everyday spending, particularly with grocery purchases and dining out. However, for those who are frequent travelers seeking luxurious perks such as lounge access, the Amex Platinum card delivers superior value.
American Express does not disclose an official limit on the number of Amex cards one may hold concurrently, but in general, avoid obtaining too many cards if they possess similar benefits to avoid management complexities.
While Visa cards boast stronger global acceptance and more variety, remember Visa operates as a network rather than an issuer. In contrast, American Express directly issues its own cards, allowing you to manage your Amex credit cards through a unified account.
Our ranking of the best American Express credit cards encompasses offerings we consider top-tier within their respective categoriesâcash-back, rewards, travel credit cards, and beyond.
To create this ranking, we defined the categories reflective of the card types available from American Express and typical consumer preferences. These categories guide us in fulfilling the specific needs for cardholders from business to cash-back cards and more.
Next, we reviewed our current card ratings and âbest cardsâ lists to discover cards that fit within our chosen categories while maintaining high ratings. This evaluation encompassed both card-specific details (welcome offers for rewards credit cards and 0% APR for balance transfer cards, for instance) alongside general attributes (annual fee, ongoing APR, clarity, app ratings, etc.).
Our final selections aim to assist a broad range of prospective Amex cardholders in finding the most suitable credit options, also directing them toward valuable alternatives they may not have previously considered.
This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bankâs website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
