10 Best American Express Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated October 3, 2025

Choosing the right American Express card can make everyday spending more rewarding and travel more convenient. This guide highlights the 10 best American Express cards that suits various lifestyles and spending habits, offering options from premium travel rewards to cash back on groceries and gas.

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent travelers who value comfort and perks. It is widely recognized for its strong set of travel-related benefits.

    This card focuses on offering access to exclusive services and experiences. It is best suited for cardholders who want to maximize rewards through travel and lifestyle benefits.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
    • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • 1x point on other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Airport lounge access, hotel status upgrades, travel credits
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Charge card with pay-over-time option
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Access to airport lounges worldwide
    • Credits for travel and lifestyle purchases
    • Hotel and airline loyalty program perks
    • Strong earning rates on travel purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel through Amex Travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transfers to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, often with a FICO score of at least 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries a high annual fee, which may not be worth it for those who do not travel often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Beginners who travel frequently can benefit from the welcome bonus and travel perks, making it easier to see value early on.

  • American Express® Gold Card

    The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for frequent spenders on food and travel, rewarding everyday purchases while offering valuable credits. Positioned between entry-level and premium Amex cards, it delivers strong earning power without the high cost of ultra-premium options.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
    • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to annual spending cap, then 1x)
    • 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
    • 1x points on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $325
    • APR: Variable, typically around 20.74%–29.74%
    • Other benefits: Monthly dining credits, travel insurance, purchase protection
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Charge card with pay-over-time option
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Higher rewards on dining and groceries
    • Monthly dining credits
    • Strong travel protections
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Membership Rewards program

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or shopping through Amex partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The annual fee may not be worth it for people who do not spend much on dining or groceries.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple bonus categories and easy redemption options, making it beginner-friendly.

  • American Express® Green Card

    The American Express® Green Card is designed for people who spend often on travel and dining. It provides a straightforward way to earn rewards while keeping the card easy to use.

    It works well for those who want flexible earning categories without managing too many rules. The card also includes travel-focused perks that add value for frequent flyers.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on travel (including transit)
    • 3x points at restaurants worldwide
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $150
    • APR: 20.74%–28.74% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Amex Offers, travel protections
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Charge card with flexible payment options
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong rewards on travel and dining
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to Amex Offers for extra savings
    • Flexible payment options
    • Travel protections included

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transfers to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, often with a FICO score of at least 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not offer the highest rewards in every category and carries an annual fee that may not suit light spenders.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemption options, making it easy for new cardholders to get value without confusion.

  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a cash back credit card designed for common daily purchases. It focuses on rewarding spending in categories that most households use often. It offers a simple structure without extra complications, making it easy to understand. The card is geared toward people who want steady rewards without paying extra costs.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in each category (then 1%)

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $2,000 in the first six months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Amex Offers, purchase protection, and car rental coverage
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
    • Other details: No rotating categories to track

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Bonus cash back on groceries, gas, and online retail
    • Simple flat rate on other purchases
    • Access to Amex Offers for added savings
    • Purchase protection on eligible items

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is provided as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed for statement credits or applied at Amazon.com checkout.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit is recommended, often starting around a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has spending caps on bonus categories and charges foreign transaction fees.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is easy to use with no annual fee and straightforward rewards, making it a good entry-level cash back card.

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Card is designed for people who spend heavily in everyday categories like groceries and gas. It focuses on cash back rewards rather than travel benefits.

    This card appeals to families and individuals who want consistent savings on common purchases. It provides strong earning potential in select categories, making it a practical choice for regular use.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to set spending cap each year)
    • 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
    • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
    • 3% cash back on transit (taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, buses, and more)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 intro for first year, then $95 after
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, return protection, Amex Offers
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion
    • Eligibility: Good to excellent credit needed

    Key Benefits:

    • High cash back on groceries and streaming
    • Strong rewards for gas and transit
    • Introductory annual fee waiver
    • Useful purchase protections
    • Access to Amex Offers

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is received as a statement credit, which reduces the balance owed on the account.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need a good to excellent credit score, often at least 670, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has a spending cap on supermarket rewards and charges a foreign transaction fee.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is easy to understand and rewards common purchases, making it beginner-friendly.

  • Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

    The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is a premium hotel rewards card designed for frequent Hilton guests. It provides automatic elite status and strong travel benefits that appeal to those who stay at Hilton properties often.

    This card focuses on hotel perks and travel credits rather than basic cash back. It is best suited for travelers who want to maximize Hilton Honors points and enjoy added convenience during hotel stays.

    Earning Structure:

    • 14x points at Hilton hotels and resorts
    • 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
    • 7x points on car rentals booked directly with select companies
    • 7x points at U.S. restaurants
    • 3x points on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $550
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Annual free night reward, statement credits for eligible travel purchases
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Hotel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary Hilton Diamond status
    • Free night reward each year
    • Airline and resort statement credits
    • High earning rates at Hilton hotels

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for free nights at Hilton hotels, room upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit, with a FICO score starting at 670, is required.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for those who rarely stay at Hilton properties.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers built-in elite status and simple point earning, making it easy for beginners to see value without managing complex rewards programs.

  • Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

    The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is designed for travelers who stay at Hilton hotels several times a year. It provides mid-tier perks that make Hilton stays more rewarding. Cardholders receive automatic Hilton Gold status, which adds value for those who want hotel benefits without meeting high stay requirements.

    Earning Structure:

    • 12x points on Hilton purchases
    • 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
    • 4x points on eligible U.S. online retail purchases
    • 3x points on other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $150
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Hilton Gold status, Priority Pass Select (10 visits per year)
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Hotel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Automatic Hilton Gold status
    • Strong earning rates on Hilton stays and everyday categories
    • Priority Pass Select lounge visits
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Option to upgrade to Diamond status with higher spending

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Hilton hotel stays, room upgrades, and experiences through the Hilton Honors program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card carries an annual fee and is most valuable for those who stay at Hilton properties regularly.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It gives new travelers mid-tier hotel status and strong earning potential without requiring frequent hotel stays.

  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

    The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is designed for travelers who stay at Marriott hotels often and want extra perks. It provides hotel benefits that can make frequent stays more rewarding.

    This premium travel card also includes features that help cardholders earn points on everyday purchases. It focuses on hotel loyalty while still offering value for dining and travel spending.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®
    • 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines
    • 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardmembers can earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $650
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Complimentary Marriott Platinum Elite status, annual Free Night Award up to 85,000 points
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary Marriott Platinum Elite status
    • Annual Free Night Award after renewal
    • Strong earning potential on hotel stays
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to premium travel protections

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for Marriott hotel stays, travel packages, and other rewards within the Marriott Bonvoy program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of at least 670, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for infrequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers automatic elite status and a free night annually, helping new travelers quickly recognize its value.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is built for frequent Delta flyers seeking premium perks, offering travel benefits that enhance comfort and strengthen loyalty. It includes exclusive features like airport lounge access and priority upgrades. It helps cardholders progress toward Delta elite status.

    In addition, the card provides valuable companion certificates each year and strong travel protections. These extras make it a powerful choice for travelers who prioritize luxury and consistent benefits on Delta flights.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on Delta purchases
    • 1x miles on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a 70,000 SkyMiles bonus after spending $5,000 within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $650
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Companion certificate, upgrade priority, MQD headstart
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Travel rewards
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Access to Delta Sky Clubs and Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority upgrades on Delta flights
    • Annual first-class or Comfort+ companion certificate
    • Access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges (when flying Delta)
    • MQD head start toward Medallion Status
    • Free first checked bag on Delta flights

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants are required to have good to excellent credit, with a FICO score often starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be worth it for travelers who do not fly Delta often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps new Delta loyalists earn status and enjoy travel perks quickly if they already fly Delta frequently.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is designed for travelers who fly with Delta often and want to earn rewards toward future trips. It provides benefits that make frequent travel more convenient and rewarding.

    This card is a middle option between the Gold and Reserve versions, providing a mix of features without being too basic or too premium. It gives cardholders solid travel perks while keeping the focus on earning SkyMiles.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on Delta purchases
    • 3x miles on hotels booked directly with hotels
    • 2x miles at restaurants worldwide
    • 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a 60,000 SkyMiles bonus after spending $3,000 in the first six months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $350
    • APR: 20.24%-29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Companion certificate each year, free checked bag on Delta flights, priority boarding
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Travel rewards credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • Companion certificate on a domestic flight
    • First checked bag free on Delta flights
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights
    • Travel protections and purchase coverage
    • Ability to earn toward Medallion Status

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score of 670 or higher, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The annual fee may not be worth it for those who fly Delta only a few times per year.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple earning categories and travel perks that are easy to use, making it a practical entry into airline rewards cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top benefits of the American Express Platinum Card?

The Platinum Card provides premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access and hotel status upgrades. Cardholders also receive travel credits that help offset certain purchases. Frequent travelers often find the card valuable for its strong set of travel protections.

What potential disadvantages come with using American Express cards?

Some Amex cards have higher annual fees and interest rates than competitors. Their acceptance can also be limited at smaller merchants compared to Visa or Mastercard. These factors may reduce overall value if you do not spend enough to offset the costs.

How many American Express cards can someone hold at once?

Most people can have up to five Amex credit cards at the same time, depending on creditworthiness and approval history. Charge cards like the Platinum or Gold are generally not counted in this limit. Your credit score and income still play a role in approvals.

Are American Express cards a good value overall?

Amex cards can be worth it if you take advantage of strong rewards programs and premium benefits like travel credits and lounge access. They deliver excellent value for frequent travelers and high spenders. However, those who rarely travel or spend heavily may find the annual fees outweigh the perks.