American Express is one of the market’s most well-known credit card issuers. When you think about American Express, commonly referred to as Amex, it’s likely you think of premium charge cards and generous rewards.
The best American Express cards can potentially earn you hundreds of dollars per year in rewards or score plush perks like premium lounge access and valuable credits. We looked at the issuer’s offerings to help you find the best Amex card for your unique spending needs.
Be sure to compare these cards to those on our lists of the best credit cards to view them outside of the context of this list of cards. Although Amex offers a wide range of credit cards, the cards below may not always be the best on the market or right for your spending patterns and preferences.
Inside this article
- Best American Express credit cards of 2023
- Best for restaurants and travel rewards: American Express Gold Card
- Best for premium travel benefits: The Platinum Card from American Express
- Best for travel perks at a low annual fee: American Express Green Card
- Best for gas and groceries cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for online shopping cash back: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
- Best for general spending cash back: American Express Cash Magnet
- Best for Membership Rewards-earning with no annual fee: Amex EveryDay Credit Card
- Best for Membership Rewards for daily spending: Amex EveryDay Preferred Card
- Compare the best credit cards from American Express
- Should you get an American Express credit card?
- Guide to American Express credit cards
- Methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best American Express credit cards of 2023
Best for restaurants and travel rewards: American Express Gold Card
Best for premium travel benefits: The Platinum Card from American Express
Best for travel perks for a low annual fee: American Express Green Card
Best for gas and groceries cash back: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Best for online shopping cashback: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Best for general spending cash back: American Express Cash Magnet
Best for Membership Rewards with no annual fee: Amex EveryDay Card
Best for Membership Rewards for daily spending: Amex EveryDay Preferred Card
Best for restaurants and travel rewards: American Express Gold Card
Why it’s the best
If eating and travel are your priorities, the American Express Gold Card could be ideal for you for its generous rewards no spending in those areas. Plus it comes with valuable perks that could offset the annual fee if fully maximized.
Pros and cons
Pros:
$240 in combined credits for Uber Cash and dining
High rewards rate on restaurants, groceries, and travel
Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
$250 annual fee
Minimal travel perks
Complex rewards structure
More details
Annual fee: $250
Rewards: 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent per year) and at restaurants worldwide, 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airlines or through amextravel.com, 1 point per dollar on everything else.
APR: None.
Perks and benefits: Up to $120 each in annual credits for Uber Cash and dining, Pay Over Time payment feature.
Best for travel perks at a low annual fee: American Express Green Card
What you should know
The American Express Green Card fills a niche between bare-bones travel cards and pricey premium ones. In exchange for the $150 annual fee, you’ll get a handful of benefits including a $189 CLEAR application fee credit, a $100 LoungeBuddy credit, some travel and purchase protections and a strong rewards rate on travel and transit that rivals far pricier options.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Lower annual fee than some comparable cards
Credits for CLEAR and airport lounges
No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
Fewer perks than more premium travel cards
Complex rewards structure
Some reward redemptions are a poor value
More details
Annual fee: $150
Rewards: 3 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on transit, restaurant and travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and travel purchases through travel agencies. 1 point per dollar on other purchases.
APR: None.
Perks and benefits: $100 LoungeBuddy credit, $189 CLEAR credit, secondary car loss and rental damage coverage, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
Best for gas and groceries cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
What you should know
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers one of the highest rewards rates for groceries you’ll find. You’ll earn 6% back on your first $6,000 in spending at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%. It also offers an unlimited 6% on streaming. As a bonus, you can earn a solid 3% back on your gas and other transit purchases. All other spending earns 1%.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Get up to 6% cash back on groceries
Up to $7 monthly credit toward the Disney streaming bundle with enrollment
Up to $120 annual credit for Equinox+
Cons:
$95 annual fee after the first year
$6,000 spending limit for elevated rewards on groceries
Limited perks compared to some other American Express cards
More details
Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95.
Rewards: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers requested within the first 60 days of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: $7 in monthly credits for the Disney streaming bundle, up to $120 annual credit for Equinox+, secondary car rental loss, and damage coverage return protection.
Best for online shopping cash back: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
What you should know
The Blue Cash Everyday is the no-annual-fee sibling card to the Blue Cash Preferred Card. You’ll earn 3% cash back at U.S supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online retailers (on up to $6,000 spent per year in each category), making this an excellent option for people who do a lot of online shopping and don’t want to pay an annual fee.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
High rewards rate for groceries, gas, and online shopping
$7 monthly credit toward the Disney streaming bundle
Cons:
Rewards rate outside of bonus categories is lackluster
If you spend more than $61 a week on groceries and other supermarket goods, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will net you more cash back in the long run
More details
Annual fee: None.
Rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and on balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: $7 in monthly credits for the Disney streaming bundle, up to $180 annual credit for Home Chef, secondary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, and purchase protection.
Best for general spending cash back: American Express Cash Magnet
What you should know
Sometimes, you want a simple card you can use anywhere. The American Express Cash Magnet card offers an above-average flat rewards rate without category bonuses.
Pros and cons
Pros:
1.5% cash back on everything you buy
$200 welcome bonus
No annual fee
Cons:
Other flat-rate cards offer better rewards
Better rewards are available on other cards
There’s a foreign transaction fee
More details
Annual fee: None.
Rewards: 1.5% cash back.
APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months from the date of account opening on purchases and on balance transfers requested within the first 60 days. Then a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24% applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater.
Perks and benefits: Unlimited 1.5% cash back, secondary rental car coverage, Global Assist hotline.
Best for Membership Rewards-earning with no annual fee: Amex EveryDay Credit Card
What you should know
American Express rewards program, Membership Rewards, offers a variety of lucrative redemptions and point transfer options. Most cards that are part of this program carry an annual fee, but the EveryDay card lets you earn Membership Rewards points at a reasonable rate without paying a fee.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Earn 20% more points when you make 20 purchases a month. Terms apply
Decent welcome bonus
Cons:
Poor rewards rates compared to other cards
Few travel perks
Spending cap for elevated rewards
More details
Annual fee: None.
Rewards: 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point per dollar), 2 points per dollar when using the card to book trips through American Express Travel, and 1 point for every eligible dollar on everything else. Plus, use the card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% extra points on those purchases.
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a regular APR of 17.24% - 28.24% variable. A balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: Earn 20% bonus points when you use your card 20 times in a month, transfer points to partners, secondary car rental loss, and damage coverage.
Best for Membership Rewards for daily spending: Amex EveryDay Preferred Card
Why it’s the best
The Amex EveryDay Preferred is a step up from the Amex EveryDay Card while still keeping its annual fee low. The card offers a strong rewards rate on groceries and frequent card users can bump up their rewards rate if they make 30 or more purchases in a billing cycle.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Earn 50% more points when you use the card to make 30 purchases a month
Bonus rewards on gas and groceries
Decent welcome bonus
Cons:
No travel perks
Spending cap for elevated rewards
$95 annual fee
More details
Annual fee: $95
Rewards: 3 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point per dollar), 2 points per dollar on U.S. gas stations and eligible travel purchases like prepaid hotel stays vacation packages, and cruises booked through AmexTravel.com and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 17.24% to 27.24%. A balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: Earn 50% bonus points when you use your card 30 times in a month, transfer points to partners, secondary car rental insurance, and return protection.
Compare the best credit cards from American Express
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome bonus | Foreign transaction fee | Other benefits and drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Gold Card | $250 | 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent per year) and at restaurants worldwide, 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airlines or through amextravel.com, 1 point per dollar on everything else | 75,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $4,000 in six months | None | This card offers strong rewards rates but has a slightly complicated rewards structure. It also offers excellent credits and perks on food services but few travel benefits |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | $695 | 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases | 125,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $6,000 in six months | None | This card offers a bevy of credits for various services, letting you offset the annual fee if you use them. The airport travel perks are top-notch, too. However, the card falls short regarding earning rewards, with poor rewards rates |
| American Express Green Card | $150 | 3 points per dollar on restaurants, transit, and travel; 1 point on everything else | 45,000 Membership Rewards when you spend $2,000 in six months | None | This card offers some basic perks, including credits for CLEAR and LoungeBuddy, but does not give full access to American Express’s network of lounges |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | 6% on groceries (up to $6,000 in annual spending) and streaming 3% on transit and gas, 1% everywhere else | $300 when you spend $3,000 in six months | 2.7% | The card offers one of the best cash-back rates for groceries. It also has some solid perks, such as a Disney Bundle streaming credit. However, people who spend a lot on groceries may hit the limit for elevated rewards |
| Blue Cash Everyday Card | $0 | 3% on groceries, gas and purchases with online retailers (on up to $6,000 in annual spending in each of these categories), 1% everywhere else | $100 when you spend $2,000 in six months | 2.7% | The Blue Cash Everyday has great earnings rates for an annual-fee-free credit card and even offers credits, which is unusual for a card with no annual fee. However, like the Blue Cash Preferred, you might hit the spending cap for elevated rewards |
| American Express Cash Magnet | $0 | 1.5% on everything | $200 when you spend $2,000 in six months | 2.7% | This is a no-frills Amex card. While you won’t pay an annual fee or deal with complicated rewards, it has limited perks |
| Amex EveryDay Card | $0 | 2 points per dollar spent on groceries (up to $6,000 in annual spending) and on eligible bookings through Amex Travel, 1 point on everything else. Get a 20% bonus when you use your card 20 times in a month | 10,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $2,000 in six months | 2.7% | People who want a no-annual-fee card to earn Membership Rewards with will find this card appealing, but it comes with low rewards earning rates and limited perks |
| Amex EveryDay Preferred Card | $95 | 3 points per dollar on groceries (up to $6,000 in annual spending), 2 points on gas and eligible bookings through Amex Travel, 1 point on everything else. Get a 50% bonus when you use your card 30 times in a month | 15,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $2,000 in six months | 2.7% | This card offers more substantial rewards than the Amex EveryDay Card, particularly when you use it at least 30 times a month. However, it also suffers from a thin lineup of perks |
American Express Gold Card
The Amex Gold Card deserves a place in the wallet of foodies who like to travel for its generous rewards on eating and flying. Those who can make use of the card’s Uber Cash and dining credits can nearly break even with the card’s $250 annual fee.
Annual fee: $250
Rewards: 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent per year) and at restaurants worldwide, 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airlines or through amextravel.com, 1 point per dollar on everything else.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Perks and benefits: The card offers up to $120 in annual credits for Uber Cash and dining, up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required), up to $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay at the Hotel Collection with American Express Travel, baggage insurance, secondary auto collision damage waiver coverage and access to Amex Offers.
The Platinum Card from American Express
If you want access to as many airport lounges as possible, and upscale perks on a credit card are important to you, then you might not blink an eye at the hefty annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card. It also offers numerous credits that are potentially valuable for those who can use them.
Annual fee: $695
Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The card is chock full of credits that could be worth thousands if fully maximized. But, that’s a big if, as not all of the credits are applicable to everyone—and credits may require enrollment to receive the benefit. This is a card that’s best for those who want lounge access at a level no other card currently is offering.
American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card charges $150 per year but you can offset that fee with credits toward CLEAR and LoungeBuddy, letting you get several upscale travel perks at a low cost. The Amex Green Card also offers better rewards rates on several everyday expenses over the Platinum Card, making it useful for people who want to earn rewards through spending.
Annual fee: $150
Rewards: 3 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on transit, restaurant, and travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and travel purchases through travel agencies. 1 point per dollar on other spending.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The card comes with a $100 LoungeBuddy credit, $189 CLEAR credit, secondary car loss and rental damage coverage, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage, but frequent travelers or those seeking higher-end perks will likely find that a more premium card will suit them better.
Blue Cash Preferred Card
Given how much the average family spends on groceries and gas, this card can score you serious savings in these areas (in the form of generous cash-back earnings). It also offers some valuable credits in areas some families are likely to find appealing.
Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95.
Rewards: 6% back on your first $6,000 in spending at U.S. supermarkets. It also offers an unlimited 6% on streaming. As a bonus, you can earn a solid 3% back on your gas and other transit purchases. All other spending earns 1%.
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: In addition to the rewards rates the card offers, cardholders can enjoy $7 in monthly credits for the Disney streaming bundle, up to $120 annual credit for Equinox+, secondary car rental loss, and damage coverage and return protection. But this is not a great card for international travel as it carries foreign transaction fees.
Blue Cash Everyday Card
The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations but the secret sauce is that the card also earns high rewards on online spending, too. This makes it an ideal choice for households who spend in these areas but don’t want to be saddled with an annual fee.
Annual fee: None.
Rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. (on up to $6,000 spent in each category per year in purchases, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Perks like $7 in monthly credits for the Disney streaming bundle, up to $180 annual credit for Home Chef, secondary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, and purchase protection are nice, but consumers who routinely spend more than $3,000 a year on groceries may wish to instead consider the Blue Cash Preferred for its higher earning rate in that category, despite the Preferred Card’s annual fee.
American Express Cash Magnet Card
If you’re set on owning an Amex card and you want simple cash back, the American Express Cash Magnet card earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Annual fee: None.
Rewards: 1.5% cash back.
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: Although this card grants access to Amex Offers and comes with secondary rental car coverage and access to a Global Assist hotline, there are other cards on the market with better rewards.
Amex EveryDay Card
Charging no annual fee, the Amex EveryDay offers the opportunity to earn valuable Membership Rewards Points and get a rewards bump when you use your card at least 20 times in a month.
Annual fee: None.
Rewards: 2 points per dollar spent on groceries (up to $6,000 in annual spending) and on eligible bookings through Amex Travel, 1 point on everything else. Get a 20% bonus when you use your card 20 times in a month.
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Other benefits and drawbacks: Getting something for nothing is always nice and the Amex EveryDay can certainly offer value for those who are interested in transferable points. However, know that there are cards with higher earning rates for spending at supermarkets.
Amex EveryDay Preferred Card
Those who rarely carry cash and use their card to pay for everything big or small may find exceptional value in the Amex EveryDay Preferred Card. The card offers 50% bonus points when you use your card 30 times in a month, giving your earnings a nice boost.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards: 3 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point per dollar), 2 points per dollar on U.S. gas stations and eligible travel purchases booked through AmexTravel.com like prepaid hotel stays, vacation packages and cruises and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The potential to earn a 50% increase on your points is a major highlight of the card, especially for those who spend frequently at U.S. supermarkets. However, for the same annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred earns at a much higher rate on groceries and may provide better value overall.
Should you get an American Express credit card?
“American Express is known for a wide selection of excellent credit card options that all come with high-quality customer service. There’s something for everyone regarding cash back or travel rewards. An underestimated strength of American Express is its online portal, which is best-in-class when navigating your expenses, payments, benefits, and rewards. The ability to live chat with a representative can also be helpful. Lastly, some American Express cards do not come with a credit limit, which can be beneficial if you need that flexibility” —Zac Hood, travel rewards educator and founder of TravelFreely.com
American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards, ranging from high-end premium travel cards to basic cash-back options. There’s a good chance you can find one that fits your needs.
If you’re looking to earn Membership Rewards, owning an American Express card is the only way to do it. If you’re looking for a cash-back card, Amex is just one of many issuers offering cash-back rewards, so be sure to compare our best cards for cash back to see if an American Express card—or a card from a different issuer—is right for you.
In general, American Express cards require at least good credit to qualify, which is something to keep in mind. They are also slightly less commonly accepted than other cards abroad. However, the company is known for strong customer support, ranking highest in customer satisfaction for the past three years in a row, according to a 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study.
And, if it’s high-end perks you’re looking for, the American Express Platinum Card essentially invented the premium card category.
So, if you qualify and find one that fits your needs, it’s likely you can benefit from having an American Express card in your wallet.
Guide to American Express credit cards
If you are considering getting an American Express credit card, here’s what you should know to simplify the process.
How to get an American Express card
You can get an American Express credit card by applying on the company’s website. The application asks for basic information, including your identity, location, current debts, and income. Remember that you’ll likely need good credit or better to qualify for an Amex card.
What credit score do I need to qualify for American Express?
American Express does not publish a list of the minimum credit scores for its credit cards.
In general, you need to have excellent credit to qualify for its premium offerings, like the Platinum Card. If you’re going for a lower-tier card like the Blue Cash Everyday or the Amex EveryDay Card, you might be able to qualify with solid, but not excellent, credit.
Typically, good credit means a FICO Score of 670 or higher, while excellent credit will generally be a FICO Score in the range of 740 to 850. But, even with excellent credit, your application could be denied based on other factors—such as too many accounts opened recently.
Pros and cons of American Express cards
Certain American Express cards tend to have higher annual fees than many other credit cards, but they tend to compensate for that drawback with substantial rewards or incredibly valuable perks. For example, the Platinum Card offsets its nearly $700 annual fee with more than $1,500 in potential credits. It also includes access to a vast network of airport lounges. Paying out-of-pocket for entry to some airport lounges even a few times a year could cost you several hundred dollars, meaning the card saves you money on luxury travel experiences.
Another perk of the Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards Points is that you can pool your points from multiple cards for large redemptions or transfers. A drawback is that the reward structures on American Express cards are often complicated—with many bonus categories and spending caps to keep track of.
Pre-qualification vs. Preapproval
American Express allows you to access personalized welcome offers for its credit cards by providing basic information about yourself. When you fill out the form, the company will try to pre-qualify you for its cards and give you a list of offers.
This pre-qualification differs from preapproval in that it doesn't closely examine your credit or financial details. You may receive final approval only if you get prequalified first.
Also note that neither pre-qualification nor preapproval guarantees final approval for a financial product, just that you have a strong likelihood of approval if you choose to apply.
Who is Amex best for?
American Express products can work well for many people thanks to the issuer’s numerous card options. However, frequent travelers who want luxury benefits, such as airport lounge access, will most likely benefit from an American Express card.
American Express Membership Rewards and benefits
The American Express rewards program is called Membership Rewards. You can use the points you earn on Membership Rewards cards for various redemption choices.
The best redemption options are usually to redeem premium travel rewards through an airline transfer partner or the American Express travel redemption portal. Amex transfer partners include British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Redeeming points for cashback may be tempting, but it’s usually a lower-value redemption option than travel. You’ll often get a much better return if you use the points toward travel, such as booking flights and hotels through American Express or transferring to a travel partner. It’s almost never a good deal to turn in points for merchandise.
Also, be sure to determine before you apply what type of rewards the Amex card you’re considering offers. Not all Amex cards earn Membership Rewards—some earn straight cash back, which can be redeemed as a statement credit, for example.
Is an Amex Card worth the fee?
Many American Express cards are known for their high fees, but these are often worth paying. The cards that charge annual fees typically offer credits and rewards that can easily offset the cost.
Methodology
Sound Dollar's credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product. That analysis and our years of experience covering credit cards informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.