Best American Express Credit Cards

American Express offers a wide selection of credit cards tailored to different spending habits and lifestyles. In this review, we’ll cover the top Amex cards across categories like cash back, travel, business, and more. Read on to see which American Express card matches your needs.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred Card earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 1% on everything else. There is a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. If you spend on groceries and streaming services monthly, the rewards can outweigh the fee. Read all reviews about Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Everyday Card has no annual fee and earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on other purchases. A solid card for earning cash back on daily spends with no annual fee. Read all reviews about Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.

American Express Cash Magnet® Card

This straightforward cash back card earns 1.5% back on all eligible purchases with no category restrictions. There is no annual fee. New cardholders can earn a $150 statement credit after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. If you want simple flat-rate cash rewards, it is a solid no-fee option. Read all reviews & information about American Express Cash Magnet Card.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The premium American Express Platinum Card earns 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel and 1X points on other purchases. It comes with an extensive suite of luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access, hotel elite status, airline fee credits, and more. There is a $695 annual fee. Travelers who can maximize the perks get immense value. Read all information & reviews about American Express Platinum Card.

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked through Amex Travel, and 1X points on other purchases. It has a $250 annual fee but comes with up to $120 in annual dining credits and other perks. Excellent for foodies. Read all reviews about American Express Gold Card.

American Express® Green Card

The American Express Green Card earns 3X Membership Rewards points on travel and transit including flights, hotels, public transportation, ride shares, and more. It earns 1X points on other purchases. There is a $150 annual fee with up to $100 in annual CLEAR statement credits. A good mid-tier card for earning travel rewards. Read all reviews about American Express Green Card.

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

The no-annual-fee Amex EveryDay Card can earn 2-3X Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1X), plus 2X points at U.S. gas stations. You earn 1X points on other purchases. With no fee and bonus categories, it can be a solid card for daily spends. Read all reviews about Amex EveryDay Credit Card.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express earns 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on Amex Travel, 1.5X points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, and 1X points per dollar on other purchases. There is a $695 annual fee but over $1,000 in annual statement credits help offset it for high spenders. Business travelers can really maximize the perks. Read all reviews about American Express Business Platinum Card.

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Business Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two select categories where your business spent the most each month, then 1X points on other purchases. The $295 annual fee is reasonable for a card tailored to business spending. Read All reviews & information about American Express Business Gold Card.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

This no-annual-fee business card from Amex earns 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1X point per dollar thereafter. Solid for earning a nice return on common business expenses without paying an annual fee. Read all reviews about American Express Blue Business Plus Card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The premium Hilton Aspire Amex offers complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, airline fee credit up to $250, resort credits up to $250, and other elite perks. It earns 14X points on eligible Hilton purchases, 7X on flights booked via Amex Travel, 7X on dining, and more. The $450 annual fee is easily offset for frequent Hilton guests. Read all reviews about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

What is American Express?

American Express (also known as Amex) is a financial services company that issues credit cards, charge cards, and other products. Amex cards tend to cater to a more affluent clientele and offer robust rewards programs, travel benefits, and elite perks. They are accepted at millions of merchants worldwide.

Types of American Express Credit Cards

American Express offers diverse credit card options:

Travel Cards – Cards that earn points to redeem for travel like flights and hotels. e.g. Platinum Card and Gold Card.

Rewards Points Cards – Cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points for redemption on travel, shopping, dining, and more.

Cash-Back Cards – Cards that earn statement credits or cash rewards on purchases rather than travel points. e.g. Blue Cash cards.

Business Cards – Cards with spending and rewards bonuses tailored specifically to business owners’ expenses.

Co-Branded Credit Cards – Cards issued in partnership with hotel chains, airlines, and retailers to earn rewards in their loyalty programs. e.g Hilton Aspire Amex

Luxury Travel Cards – Ultra-premium cards like the Centurion (or “Black”) Card that offer VIP benefits and status.

How to Choose an American Express Credit Card

Consider your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals to pick the right Amex card for you. Opt for a card whose bonus categories and perks provide the most value based on your budget and spending. Compare annual fees to potential rewards earnings.

American Express Benefits

All Amex cards come with robust benefits like:

Purchase protection against damage or theft for up to 90 days
Travel insurance and assistance when booking travel via Amex
Roadside assistance for vehicle emergencies when traveling
Access to exclusive dining reservations and entertainment events
Discounts and savings through Amex Offers

Top-tier cards add credits, lounge access, elite status, and more.

How the Amex Membership Rewards Program Works

The Membership Rewards program lets you earn points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, cruises, vacation packages, dining, shopping and more. Points don’t expire as long as your account is open. Transfer to airline/hotel partners maximizes value.

Are American Express Cards Worth It?

American Express cards generally provide strong rewards earnings rates and valuable benefits. But annual fees are higher than competitors on premium cards. Overall, Amex cards are worth it for frequent travelers, those who can maximize bonus categories, and consumers who will utilize the elite benefits and credits.

Pros and Cons of American Express Credit Cards

Pros:

Lucrative points earnings on select purchases
Upscale benefits like lounge access and elite status
Transfer points to travel partners for maximum value

Cons:

Very high annual fees on premium cards
Points generally best for travel redemptions
Smaller welcome bonuses than competitors

For the right cardholder, American Express credit cards provide exceptional rewards value and a luxurious card ownership experience. Compare your spending and priorities to find the one Amex card that is well worth a spot in your wallet.