Best American Express Credit Cards

Many people are familiar with American Express cards, but sifting through all of the company’s options can be a challenge. We reviewed the best Amex cards' rewards rates, fees, and bonuses to help you find the best offers.

The post Best American Express Credit Cards appeared first on LendEDU.

There is a reason people are always talking about American Express credit cards — they have some of the best perks on the market. The company also has a solid track record of serving customers around the world and a long history. American Express was founded in 1850, and currently, it is best known for its array of credit card options.

Behind Visa, American Express is the second-largest US card processing company, beating Mastercard in total transactions and market share. The company can credit this success to its credit card selections, both for businesses and individuals. Before deciding whether or not American Express has what it takes to put a new card into your wallet, it’s helpful to know which credit cards are the best in terms of rewards, costs, and other benefits.

On this page:

• The Best Amex Credit Cards
• The Best Amex Business Credit Cards

Best American Express Consumer Credit Cards

1. Blue Cash Everyday Card

Want to earn money back when you buy things you need every day? Who doesn’t?! With the Blue Cash Everyday Card, you earn 3% cash back when you buy groceries. You also earn 2% cash back at gas stations and select department stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases. You have access to a sign-up bonus as a new cardmember and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, all without an annual fee.

Card Highlights

The Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express has some impressive benefits for a cash back card. The most notable is the cash back rewards on everyday items. The 3% cash back category is capped at $6,000 in purchases per year, but there are no other limits on how much you can earn. Additionally, new cardmembers can earn $200 cash back rewards when at least $1,000 is spent within the first three months of opening an account.

Some great benefits that Amex offers include things like access to entertainment pre-sales, the ability to make travel arrangements through the company’s travel site, return protection, roadside assistance, and extended warranties.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months; variable rate of 15.24% to 26.24% after
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater.
• Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
• Plan Fee (fixed finance charge): 1.13% of each purchase moved into the intro APR program.
• Benefits: Earn 3% cash back on supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and select US department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

The Verdict

The American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card is a great option for those looking for a rewards credit card with no annual fee that offers cash back on everyday items. The card offers fairly generous cash back rewards, and the 15-month intro APR is helpful for those who have balances to transfer or large initial purchases to make.

2. Amex EveryDay Credit Card

If you’re wondering what type of credit card may be a good fit for you, if you don’t travel often and don’t spend on specific purchases frequently, you’re not alone. Fortunately, American Express has designed the EveryDay Credit Card for just this purpose. The card offers two points for every dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets and one point on all other purchases. You also have access to an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases and no annual fee.

Card Highlights

The Amex EveryDay credit card is a cash back rewards card that offers a simplistic approach to earning points. Supermarket purchases earn two points while all other purchases earn one. These points can be redeemed and used in the Membership Rewards program or transferred to a frequent traveler partner program. The supermarket points are limited to $6,000 per year. 

Cardmembers earn 20% more in Membership Rewards when they make 20 or more purchases on the card each billing period. Also, new cardmembers have access to a sign-up bonus of 15,000 Membership Rewards points after $1,000 is spent in the first three months after opening an account.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: Intro APR of 0% on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; variable standard APR ranging from 15.24% to 26.24%.
• Balance Transfer Fee: Waived if a transaction posts within the first 60 days; $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) after 60 days.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Benefits: Earn two points per dollar for U.S. supermarket purchases and one point for all other purchases. Cardmembers also earn 20% more points when 20 or more purchases are made on the card each billing period.

The Verdict

The Amex EveryDay credit card is the best fit for those who want maximum flexibility in redeeming rewards without an annual fee. This card is also a good match for those who have a balance they want to transfer immediately or a large purchase they want to pay for over time. The EveryDay credit card may not be the best choice for those who want to earn on specific categories outside of U.S. supermarkets, however.

3. Premier Rewards Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card, formerly known as the Premium Rewards Gold Card, offers just that. The card allows you to earn four times the points on U.S. restaurant and supermarket purchases, as well as three times the points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com. You also earn one point for all other purchases made on the card.

Card Highlights

In addition to the points you can earn through cash back, the Gold Card offers several unique perks. These include a total of $10 in statement credits each month for certain dining purchases, and a $100 statement credit for incidental fees charged by airlines, once per year. You also receive some flexibility with payments, even though this is a charge card. Any purchase over $100 can be carried over to the next month if needed. 

The card offers a significant sign-up bonus of 35,000 Membership Rewards Points when new cardmembers spend at least $2,000 in the first three months after opening an account.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $250
• APR: N/A — this is a charge card that must be paid in full each month.
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Benefits: 4x points at U.S. restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or at Amextravel.com, $120 dining credit, and $100 airline fee credit.

The Verdict

The Gold Card from American Express is a great choice for those who spend enough on the card to earn rewards to help offset the annual fee. Because this is a charge card, you need to have a solid plan for paying off any charges you make each month, meaning this isn’t the best option for everyone. If you like flexibility in your rewards redemption options and you spend a good amount in the bonus categories, this card may be a good fit for you.

4. Blue Cash Preferred Card

Want to earn cash back quickly? If so, the Blue Cash Preferred Card may be right for you. Cardmembers earn an impressive 6% cash back at supermarkets, as well as 3% at gas stations and 1% on everything else. Cash back can be accelerated with the help of authorized user cards or by setting up monthly bills to be paid for by the card. New cardmembers also have access to a sign-up bonus that helps rake in the cash back even faster.

Card Highlights

The Blue Cash Preferred from American Express offers bonus category rewards and is the best fit for those who use the card for everyday purchases. The 6% cash back at supermarkets is capped at $6,000 in spending each year, while the 3% and 1% categories are unlimited. If you’re new to the card, you can earn an additional $250 cash back bonus by spending at least $1,000 on the card in the first three months. Cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or online shopping.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; variable APR of 15.24% to 26.24% after
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
• Benefits: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back at gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

The Verdict

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is designed for you if you spend frequently enough at gas stations and supermarkets for your cash back rewards to overcome the annual fee. If you’re looking for a card that has more flexibility in rewards redemption or bigger cash back opportunities in other categories, this card isn’t for you.

5. The Platinum Card from American Express

If you are looking for a luxurious rewards credit card from American Express with all the bells and whistles, the Platinum Card may be your choice. This luxury travel rewards credit card has a number of impressive benefits, but those can be overlooked with the hefty $550 annual fee. However, many cardmembers feel the card is worthwhile even with the fee because of the rewards they earn.

Card Highlights

The Platinum Card from American Express allows you to earn five times the points on flights booked directly with the airline or through Amextravel.com and five times the points on prepaid hotels booked through the site. You also receive a $200 airline fee credit each year to help cover incidental fees. Uber ride credits are also available — up to $15 per month or $200 per year.

And the rewards keep going. A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit is available every four years, as well as access to the Global Lounge Collection. This is the most luxurious perk, since it opens up access to more than 1,200 airport lounges in more than 130 countries. Cardmembers also have an opportunity to receive benefits through Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $550
• APR: N/A — this is a charge card that must be paid in full each month
• Late Payment Fee: $38
• Foreign Transaction Fee: N/A
• Benefits: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels, Uber ride credits each month, and airline fee credits each year

The Verdict

The Platinum Card by American Express is one of the best luxury travel rewards credit cards on the market today, but it isn’t the best fit for everyone. If you do not spend a significant amount of money on travel, the rewards won’t add up quickly with this card. You have to warrant paying the hefty $550 annual fee and have a plan for paying off your balance each month in full. If that seems like a challenge or not worth the cost, this card may not be right for you.

6. American Express Green Card

When it comes to credit cards, you don’t always think of getting a green card — gold or platinum cards are far more common. But the American Express Green Card might be just what you need. This rewards card offers great rewards, including the ability to pay for travel with rewards points. You also have access to a sign-up bonus as a new cardmember and a pay-over-time option to help budget for large expenses.

Card Highlights

You earn two points for every dollar spent at Amextravel.com and one point for all other purchases made on the card. Your points can go pretty far when you use them to pay for travel through the American Express site. As a new cardmember, you can earn 25,000 bonus rewards if you spend at least $1,000 in the first three months after opening an account. 

There are no balance transfer options with the card, nor is there an intro APR for purchases. The card is meant to be a charge card with the balance paid in full each month. However, you do have an option to select a pay-over-time program with a variable APR of 20.49%.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
• APR: 20.49% variable APR if pay over time is selected; otherwise balances due in full each month
• Balance Transfers: Not available
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Benefits: Earn double rewards points on purchases made at Amextravel.com and one point for all other purchases

The Verdict

The American Express Green Card is a no-frills travel rewards card best fit for those who want a simple card that earns rewards toward travel. However, the card’s annual fee makes it difficult to see the value of the rewards unless you do quite a bit of spending each month or year. The large sign-up bonus can be beneficial to new cardmembers, though. It may be wise to look at other travel rewards credit cards that offer higher rewards with a low or no annual fee.

7. Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card

Want a card with great benefits and cash back potential? With the EveryDay Preferred Credit Card, you’ll fast track earning your rewards. The card offers three times the points for U.S. supermarket purchases, two times the points at U.S. gas stations, and one point for all other purchases. You also get a 50% bonus on points if you make at least 30 purchases during your billing period. The card also offers a sign-up bonus and an intro APR that helps you earn more from your credit card.

Card Highlights

The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card gives you an opportunity to earn cash back rewards through several bonus categories, including supermarkets and gas stations. Points potential on supermarket spending is capped at $6,000 per year, but there are no limits on other categories or everyday spending. If you’re new to the card, you can also earn 15,000 bonus rewards if you spend at least $1,000 in the first three months. There is an annual fee for this card, but you also have an intro APR that can help you save money over time.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months; 15.24% to 25.24% after that.
• Balance Transfer Fee: either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Benefits: 3x points on supermarkets, 2x points at gas stations, and 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

The Verdict

The Amex EveryDay Preferred Card offers some great bonuses and rewards potential for cardmembers, specifically for those who spend in the bonus categories listed. The added sign-up bonus and the 50% more in rewards points helps offset the $95 annual fee, but only for cardmembers who spend enough to make it worth their time. Before you get the card, you should do the math to ensure you can benefit from its perks over time.

Best American Express Business and Corporate Cards

The difference between a business and a corporate American Express card is that corporate cards are generally used for very large businesses that have revenue over $1 million. These cards help keep track of an employee’s individual expenses.

Business credit cards, though, can be used with both big and small businesses. The benefits of corporate cards include monitoring employee spending and creating easier reporting. However, they often have high annual fees compared to business cards. Business credit cards help newer businesses develop a credit profile and score, and some cards have low or no fees.

1. The Business Gold Rewards Card

When it comes to business credit cards, you want something that offers strong benefits. With the Business Gold Card, you earn one point for every dollar you spend as well as four points per dollar on select bonus categories. If you’re new to the Gold Card, you also have a chance to earn bonus rewards after meeting spending requirements after opening an account.

Card Highlights

The Gold Card allows you to select two bonus categories to earn four times the points on purchases, including advertising, airfare purchased directly from the airline, select technology providers or computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions, gas stations, restaurants, and shipping. You can earn four times the points on your chosen categories up to $150,000 in annual spending.

The card also offers 25% back in points when you use rewards to pay for flights booked through American Express travel. Up to one year of free G Suite Basic and ZipRecruiter Standard subscriptions are also thrown in to sweeten the deal in the form of a statement credit.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $295
• APR: variable APR of 16.49%, 20.49%, or 24.49%; no intro APR or balance transfers
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Benefits: 4x points in two select bonus categories and one point per dollar spent on all other purchases

The Verdict

The Business Gold Card from American Express may be a good fit if you are a business that spends significantly in the bonus categories you select. You have flexibility in how you redeem your rewards, which adds value, but it can be hard to justify the $295 annual fee. Be sure to think about how your business spends before selecting this card and add up the savings you may earn from rewards points by using it.

2. The Business Platinum Card

Do you travel a lot for business? If so, the Amex Business Platinum Card might be the perfect choice for you. The card comes with a hefty annual fee, but the benefits far outweigh this cost for frequent travelers. You earn five times the points on travel booked through Amextravel.com and one point for all other purchases. New cardmembers also have an attractive sign-up bonus, available when you meet the spending requirements.

Card Highlights

The Amex Business Platinum Card is a travel rewards credit card for businesses that spend much time in the air or hotels. The five-times rewards for travel booked on Amextravel.com can add up, and new cardmembers can earn an impressive 75,000 bonus rewards when spending at least $20,000 in the first three months. You also have a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years, no foreign transaction fees, a $200 airline fee credit each year, and 35% airline bonus when redeeming rewards. The Global Lounge Collection is also available, giving you access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $450
• APR: N/A — this is a charge card that must be paid in full each month.
• Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
• Late Payment Fee: $38
• Benefits: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on Amextravel.com; one point per dollar on all other purchases

The Verdict

This business travel rewards credit card is a great fit for someone who travels often for work. However, if hitting the open road or friendly skies isn’t on your agenda, this card won’t offer much value for the cost. There may be other business credit cards that offer similar benefits for a lower fee, which are worth considering.

3. The Blue Business Plus Credit Card

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card is a simple business credit card designed for those who don’t want to keep track of category or bonus points spending without an annual fee. The card offers a simple two times the points per dollar on business spending up to $50,000 each year, and one point per dollar after that spending limit is met. If you’re new to the card, you also have access to an intro APR for balance transfers and purchases, as well as a relatively low interest rate after the promo period ends.

Card Highlights

This business cash back rewards card allows you to rack up points fairly quickly in any category of spending you choose. Once you meet the spending maximum of $50,000 per year, you are still earning on every dollar, just at one point instead of two. You have the benefit of an intro APR of 0% on both balance transfers and purchases — good for the first 15 billing cycles — and you pay no annual fee for the card.

Rates & Fees

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months for purchases and balance transfers; 13.49%, 17.49%, or 21.49% after that.
• Balance Transfer Fee: ​​​​$5 or 3%, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
  
• Benefits: 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year; one point per dollar after that.

The Verdict

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card could be a good fit for you if you’re looking for a great business card with strong rewards and no annual fee. The intro APR for purchases and balance transfers is a great feature, and the flexibility in rewards redemption helps this card stay valuable to businesses. If you’re looking for a card with more generous rewards or a sign-up bonus, you may want to look elsewhere.

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