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Best Amex Credit Cards for Travel in 2024

American Express provides many appealing credit cards that serve different travel-related requirements. While some of these cards are co-branded, others are not. All the Amex travel credit cards we've selected offer reward points or miles.

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Updated: March 14, 2024

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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Travelers have multiple credit card options to choose from when they turn to American Express. If you favor using a particular airline or group of hotels over others, you might benefit by getting a co-branded Amex travel card. Irrespective of the card you choose from our selection, you stand to earn rewards in some form.

While some of the best Amex credit cards for travel come with annual fees, a few do away with them completely. This largely depends on the rewards and perks on offer. For example, while the benefit-laden Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Card charges an annual fee, the simpler Hilton Honors Card does not. However, it earns fewer points on bonus category purchases and includes fewer benefits. It is common for Amex travel cards to come with no foreign transaction fees.

  • Our Top 5 Picks
  • Summarized List of All Winners
  • Tips for Comparing Credit Cards

This article is part of our larger series on Best Travel Credit Cards

MoneyGeek's Take: Top 5 Amex Credit Cards for Travel

Quick Summary

The best Amex credit cards for travel offer a variety of travel-related perks and high points/miles earn rates on category-based spending, although these tend to come at a cost. We’ve selected the top five cards from this category based on factors such as annual fees, APRs, welcome offers and value of points/miles.

A great miles rewards card with no annual fees

  • up to 2 Miles per $1* Rewards Rate
  • 20.99% – 29.99% Variable APR
  • $0 Annual Fee
  • Good–Excellent Recommended Credit

WHY WE GEEK OUT

We love the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card for more than its no-annual-fee feature. This card lets you earn 2X miles on restaurants worldwide and Delta purchases. All other purchases come with 1X miles.

An welcome offer gives you the ability to earn 10,000 bonus miles. All you need to do is spend at least $1000 on purchases within the first six months.

This card comes with no international transaction fees, which makes it perfect for use when traveling overseas. Other travel benefits include earning 20% as a statement credit when you use your card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance.

Cardholders also stand to benefit through purchase and fraud protection in different scenarios.

PROS & CONS

  • No annual fee
  • With welcome offer
  • Gives perks for Delta purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Good/excellent credit needed
  • Limited benefits compared to others
  • No lounge access perks
  • Less rewarding for non-Delta spend

CARD DETAILS

Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. No Annual Fee. Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets. No Foreign Transaction Fees. Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

Terms, rates and fees apply

An excellent credit card for earning Hilton Honors points

  • 3–12 Points per $1* Rewards Rate
  • $150 Annual Fee

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a fantastic option for travelers, especially those with a penchant for Hilton stays. Imagine walking into a Hilton property and enjoying complimentary upgrades, thanks to the Gold Status that comes with this card. Whether you're dining out stateside or shopping online, you're racking up points at an impressive rate. And for the globetrotters, there's no need to worry about those pesky foreign transaction fees. The card does have an annual fee, and while the perks cater primarily to Hilton enthusiasts, its broad rewards system can offer value to many.

  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Purchases from Hilton get bonus points
  • Complimentary Hilton upgrades
  • With annual fee
  • Benefits mostly Hilton-centric

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. $95 annual fee. Terms Apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

A rewarding travel card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts

  • 3–7 Points per $1* Rewards Rate

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a traveler's dream come true. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it's a financial no-brainer for those frequenting Hilton properties or just seeking exceptional value. Whether dining out stateside or shopping abroad, you'll accumulate points seamlessly without those pesky foreign transaction fees. And here's the kicker — this card instantly boosts you to Hilton's Silver status! Want more perks? Just up your spending game, and Gold status awaits. This card truly embraces both the occasional and the dedicated traveler.

  • High earning rates with Hilton
  • Automatic Hilton Silver status
  • Potentially high APR
  • High credit requirement
  • Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24.
  • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Card

An excellent card for earning Delta SkyMiles

  • 1–3 Miles per $1 Rewards Rate
  • $350 Annual Fee

We recommend the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card to people who fly with Delta frequently. While this card comes with a $350 annual fee, it offers a number of Delta- and SkyMiles-specific benefits.

A welcome offer gives you the ability to earn 90,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months. All purchases made directly with Delta earn 3X miles, as do hotel bookings made directly with hotels. A couple of categories come with 2X miles and all others with 1X miles.

Cardholders may check their first bags on Delta flights for free, and they receive one domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate every year. You also get a fee credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck. Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it comes with no foreign transaction fees.

Cardholders stand to benefit through different travel insurance coverage and purchase protection.

  • Generous welcome offer
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Free first checked bag on Delta flights
  • Get to the next Medallion membership status faster
  • Exclusive rate for Delta Sky Club access
  • 20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
  • Statement credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
  • Complimentary travel insurance and purchase protection
  • $350 annual fee
  • Cannot transfer miles to other airline loyalty programs
  • Penalty APR may apply in case of late/returned payments

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details. Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner. Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. Get access to Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight. Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck. Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights. No Foreign Transaction Fees. $250 Annual Fee. Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

A great credit card for individuals looking for basic travel perks and more opportunities to earn miles

  • 1–2 Miles per $1 Rewards Rate
  • 0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 Annual Fee

We like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card because it comes with a sizable welcome bonus and multiple bonus categories for earning Delta SkyMiles. As a part of its welcome offer, you earn 70,000 Bonus miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first six months.

This card offers 2X miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta; on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery; as well as on groceries at U.S. supermarkets. All other purchases earn 1X miles per dollar.

This card offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, after which it becomes $150. Additionally, it does not charge any foreign transaction fees. You receive a $200 Delta flight credit if you spend $10,000 on purchases each year. You save 20% when you use this card to pay for Delta in-flight purchases. All cardholders get access to priority boarding on Delta flights.

  • No foreign transaction fee
  • $200 Delta flight credit
  • Free first checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • Up to 20% savings on in-flight purchases
  • Annual fee of $150 after the first year
  • No luxury travel benefits

Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99. Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel. Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com. Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card. No Foreign Transaction Fees. With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today. Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Summary of the Best Amex Cards for Travel

Check this brief Amex travel card comparison table that’s based on aspects such as APRs, annual fees and welcome offers.

  • Credit Card Best For Avg. Reward Rate Annual Fee Credit Needed

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

While many travelers gravitate towards cards with no annual fees, you are often better off choosing a card with a fee. The included perks, like a free checked bag or annual free night, often outweigh any annual fee that you pay. -- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com .

How to Compare Amex Credit Cards & Intro Offers

Features and benefits that you may find in one Amex travel card might be specific to the card in question. This requires that you pay attention to different aspects before arriving at a decision.

Co-branded or not

American Express offers co-branded cards in the form of Delta SkyMiles cards, Hilton Honors cards and Marriott Bonvoy cards. These cards might work well for you if you’re a frequent user of any of these brands. Otherwise, you can choose a card that earns Amex Membership Rewards points, which offer numerous redemption options.

Travel cards tend to come with higher APRs than cards that don’t offer any rewards/cash back. If you plan to carry balances from one month to the next, consider looking at what the top low-interest credit cards have to offer.

Annual fees

The annual fee you might need to pay depends on the features and benefits you’re after. For example, the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card comes with up to 2x miles on category-based spending. While the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card charges a $250 annual fee, it offers up to 3x miles on category-based spending. Besides, it comes with a more rewarding welcome offer as well as other perks such as an annual companion certificate, first checked bag free and credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.

Welcome offer

All the top Amex travel credit cards give you the opportunity to earn bonus points or miles through different welcome offers. If you get the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, you earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles by spending $500 on eligible purchases in the first three months. The Hilton Honors Card , on the other hand, offers 100,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months, and an additional 50,000 bonus points if you spend a total of $5,000 in the first six months.

Points/miles earn rate

The annual fee that you might or might not need to pay typically has a bearing on this aspect, so you need to weigh your options after accounting for your spending patterns. For instance, the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors Card lets you earn up to 7x points on category-based spending. This increases to 12x points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card , which charges a $95 annual fee.

Value of points/miles

If you get a card that offers American Express Membership Rewards Points, their value may vary from 0.5 cents to 1 cent per point or higher based on how to choose to redeem them. If you get a co-branded card that offers miles or points linked to an airline or a hotel loyalty program, you typically get the best value when you use them to pay for flight or prepaid hotel bookings. In such cases, aspects such as dates, routes and specific properties may also affect the value of your miles/points.

Additional features

You may expect various card-specific features and perks from our selection of the best Amex credit cards for travel. These include no foreign transaction fees, no preset spending limits , complimentary travel insurance coverage, status upgrades in loyalty membership programs, weekend night rewards, Priority Pass lounge access, annual companion certificates and additional savings on in-flight purchases.

Further Reading

Best Business Credit Cards

Business vs. Corporate Credit Cards

About Rajiv Baniwal

Rajiv Baniwal headshot

Rajiv Baniwal is a journalist who has been covering financial topics for over 15 years. Meticulous in his research, he provides accurate and up-to-date information. His expertise includes mortgages, loans, credit cards, insurance and international money transfers.

  • Best American Express Credit Cards
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • American Express® Gold Card
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • American Express® Green Card
  • Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
  • Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
  • Hilton Honors American Express Card
  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
  • Why You Should Trust Us

Best American Express Cards of March 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

American Express is well-known for premium travel cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and premium "experiential" offerings like concierge service. But this major card issuer also offers products with non-travel perks and lower annual fees. Amex is also highly regarded for its excellent customer service and a wide assortment of airline, hotel, cash back, and general travel cards. 

If you're looking for the best Amex card for your lifestyle and spending habits, here are the ones you should consider.

Compare the Top American Express Cards

American Express The Platinum Card® from American Express

Limited time offer: Earn 10X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

Good to Excellent

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

American Express American Express® Gold Card

Limited time offer: Earn 10X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn 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.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Limited time offer: Earn 10% cash back per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Earn 3% cash back on transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more). Earn 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening

19.24% - 29.99% Variable

Earn a $250 statement credit

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous bonus rewards, especially at U.S. supermarkets
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. One of a small handful of credit cards that offer bonus rewards on select streaming services
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro APR offer
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Unlike many other cash-back cards, it charges an annual fee
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If you spend more than $6,000 at US supermarkets each year, you'll want to use another card once you reach that cap

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is one of the best cash-back cards, particularly for consumers who spend a lot of money at U.S. supermarkets, use streaming services, or have lots of commuting and gas expenses. The annual fee is worth it if your typical spending lines up with the card's bonus categories.

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 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.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.

American Express Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card

Earn 1-3 points per dollar on purchases, plus a 50% bonus for making at least 30 transactions in a billing cycle

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (made in the first 60 days) for 12 months from the date of account opening

15.99% - 25.99% Variable

Earn 15,000 points

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong rewards at US supermarkets
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can earn a 50% points bonus each billing period when you make at least 30 purchases
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual cap on earning bonus rewards at US supermarkets
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not the best option for earning rewards outside of US supermarkets and US gas stations — especially if you don't make at least 30 purchases per billing statement to earn the bonus

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card is worth considering if you want to earn valuable Amex Membership Rewards points — especially if you spend a lot on groceries, gas, or travel — without incurring a high annual fee. But you'll need to use the card at least 30 times a month to make it worthwhile.

American Express Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

Earn 1-2 points per dollar on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening

12.99% - 23.99% Variable

Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 20% points bonus when you make at least 20 purchases in a billing period
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to Amex Offers
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited bonus categories

The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is American Express's entry-level card for earning valuable Membership Rewards points. Beyond the ability to earn Amex points without paying an annual fee, the Amex Everyday card's standout feature is a 20% points bonus when you make at least 20 transactions in a billing cycle.

American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Limited time offer: Earn 10% cash back per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 1% to 3% cash back on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening

Earn a $200 statement credit

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good bonus cash-back rate at U.S supermarkets
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee.
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If you spend more than $6,000 at U.S supermarkets in a year, you should use another card to earn bonus rewards once you hit that cap.

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a solid cash-back card with no annual fee. It's an especially valuable choice for purchases at US supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail purchases, thanks to its bonus earning categories.

  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.

American Express Hilton Honors American Express Card

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your card.

20.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points (offer ends 4/17/24)

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High welcome bonus
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Complimentary Silver elite status with Hilton
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits beyond earning Hilton points

If you're an infrequent traveler and like earning Hilton points but don't want to pay an annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Card is definitely worth considering.

  • Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24.
  • Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.

American Express Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.

20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Complimentary top-tier Hilton elite status
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Get a weekend night reward each year after you renew your card
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Valuable annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee

Many of the best credit cards come with high annual fees that certainly aren't for everyone, and that's definitely the case with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card . This is Hilton's most expensive (and rewarding) card, and it's geared toward loyal Hilton travelers who can make the most of its many generous benefits.

American Express Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Limited time offer: Earn 10X rewards at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 2x Miles on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2x Miles on groceries at U.S supermarkets. Earn 2x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1x Miles on all other purchases.

$0 intro for the first year, then $150

Earn 70,000 bonus miles

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns bonus miles at restaurants and US supermarkets
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro annual fee is $0 for the first year (then $150)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You get a free checked bag and Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't go above and beyond in terms of benefits beyond Delta perks

If you want to earn Delta SkyMiles and can use day-of-travel benefits on the airline, you should consider the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. It has a modest annual fee so it's worth it even if you only fly the airline occasionally.

  • Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
  • Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Enhanced! $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • New! $100 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
  • Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.

American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Limited time offer: Earn 10X rewards at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1X Miles on all other purchases.

Earn 100,000 bonus miles

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual companion certificate benefit, which is valid for domestic first class and Comfort+ as well as the main cabin
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when you're flying Delta
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 3x miles on Delta purchases
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer bonus miles on non-Delta purchases

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is one of the best airline credit cards for frequent Delta flyers who can use benefits like airport lounge access, which can make the $650 annual fee worthwhile.

  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. You will receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • New! Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
  • New! Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
  • Enhanced! Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • New! $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • New! $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
  • Eligible Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • New! Not a Medallion Member? Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024 to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or $85 back for TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
  • Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • New! $200 Delta Stays Statement Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members can earn up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
  • New! Transform your car rental experience with Hertz President’s Circle Status, compliments of your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is required. To receive the benefit, you must add your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Account number to your SkyMiles Account associated with your Eligible Card, register at delta.com/mypromos/eligible, and “Enroll in Promotion” at delta.com/hertz.
  • $650 Annual Fee.

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You get a free reward night each year after your renewal month
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending

If you're loyal to Marriott, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card can help you save money and improve your stays, thanks to automatic Marriott Platinum elite status and lots of opportunities to earn additional points.

  • Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Best American Express Credit Cards of 2024

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for frequent travelers
  • American Express® Gold Card : Best for dining rewards
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for cash back
  • American Express® Green Card : Best for bonus points on travel
  • Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card : Great bonus categories for families
  • Amex EveryDay® Credit Card : Best with no annual fee
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best with an intro APR offer
  • Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best for occasional Hilton travelers
  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card : Best for frequent Hilton travelers
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card : Best for Delta flyers
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card : Best premium card for Delta flyers
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card : Best luxury card for Marriott

See our picks for the best credit cards »

American Express Credit Card Reviews

Best american express card for frequent travelers: the platinum card® from american express.

At $695, the Amex Platinum Card has one of the highest annual fees of any mainstream card. However, as long as you're willing to float it up front, you can get way more value back from the card — for instance, it's possible to get more than $2,000 in value from it during your first year.

The Amex Platinum Card offers 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline, as well as flights and pre-paid hotels booked through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1x). It earns 1 point per dollar on everything else. 

The card comes with a long list of perks, including access to more than 1,300 airport lounges within the Priority Pass ** network, as well as Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta) and proprietary Amex Centurion Lounges . It also offers complimentary Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton hotels**, as well as up to $100 per year in shopping credits at Saks Fifth Avenue **, up to $200 in Uber credits ** each cardmember year, and access to special events. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium credit card that is also very popular, so you may want to compare the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve before making a final decision.

The Platinum Card® from American Express also comes with benefits such as up to $300 annually in Equinox credits **, $189 per year in credits for CLEAR® Plus membership **, up to $200 per year in  credits toward eligible prepaid hotel bookings , up to $240 in annual credits toward eligible digital subscriptions **, and credits for Walmart+ memberships** and SoulCycle at-home bike purchases**.

Read more about the Amex Platinum card:

  • American Express Platinum card review
  • Is the Amex Platinum annual fee worth it?
  • Amex Platinum benefits value

Best for Dining Rewards: American Express® Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card is one of the best cards for dining , unless you're only interested in cash back, rather than potentially more valuable rewards points.

The Amex Gold Card earns 4 points per dollar at restaurants and on up to $25,000 per calendar year at US supermarkets (and 1 point per dollar after that), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Based on the fact that you can easily redeem Membership Rewards points for more than 1 cent of value each, this is the highest-earning card for everything food-related.

Here's another reason to consider the Amex Gold card: It adds up to $120 of dining credits** — split into up to $10 each month — at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Milk Bar, Wine.com, Goldbelly, or participating Shake Shack locations. It also offers up to $120 Uber Cash (up to $10 per month credits) each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and Rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

Read more about the Amex Gold Card:

  • Amex Gold Card review
  • Reasons to get the Amex Gold card
  • Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred card comparison

Best for Cash Back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

If you're less excited about earning Membership Rewards points — which can be valuable, but also require some effort to redeem for maximum value — and want to stick with cash back, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card is the best option, even with an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95.

You'll earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services and 3% back on all transit. That's in addition to 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per calendar year (and 1% after that), 3% back at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on everything else (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout).

You'll also get the following statement credits:

  • $7 monthly credit when paying for a Disney Bundle subscription costing $9.99 or more with your card**. This is up to $84 in annual value.
  • $10 monthly statement credits toward Equinox+ membership (an on-demand fitness app that costs $40 per month)**.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, before switching to a 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR. 

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card comes with a handful of travel and purchase protections as well. Cash back comes in the form of a statement credit or can be applied at Amazon.com checkout, so effectively you can use it to "erase" purchases.

Read more about the American Express Blue Cash Preferred card:

  • American Express Blue Cash Preferred review
  • Blue Cash Preferred vs Blue Cash Everyday card comparison

Best for Bonus Points on Travel: American Express® Green Card

The Amex Green Card has become a top option for earning Membership Rewards points on travel and dining. And it's currently offering its highest welcome bonus offer ever: 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership and earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases, up to a total of $200 back, made during your first six months of card membership. However, this offer will only be available for a limited time, so this is your last chance to earn it.

You'll earn 3 points per dollar on all eligible travel, which includes everything from subway fares to hotels to flights. You'll earn 3 points per dollar on transit such as trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. You'll also earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide. In terms of points-earning, this puts the Amex Green Card on par with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which also offers 3 points per dollar in these spending categories (when purchases are not made through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).

Other benefits include up to $189 in statement credits toward CLEAR® Plus membership each year**, and up to $100 in statement credits per year toward LoungeBuddy purchases** (for airport lounge access).

The Amex Green card has a $150 annual fee, but that's relatively moderate, especially if you can take advantage of those two annual statement credits.

Read more about the American Express Green Card:

  • Amex Green card review

Great Bonus Categories for Families: Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card

The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card is a strong option for anyone looking for a Membership Rewards card, but who's not interested in a premium card like the Platinum or the Amex Gold. It also has a strong points-earning scheme and a lower annual fee of $95.

The card earns 3 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each calendar year — 1 point per dollar after that), 2 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. You can also get 2 points per dollar on reservations made through Amex Travel.

Best of all, if you make 30 or more purchases in a billing period, you'll earn a 50% bonus. That means that those little $3 and $4 charges for things like coffee or a snack can help you get a ton of points quickly.

The card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (made in the first 60 days) for 12 months from the date of account opening, before switching to a 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR. If you have a big purchase coming up and want some time to pay it off, but don't want to pay interest fees, this is a great option.

Read more about the Amex EveryDay Preferred card:

  • Amex EveryDay Preferred card review

Best With No Annual Fee: Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee version of the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card — and it still offers solid rewards. It earns 2 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (again, up to $6,000 of purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar after that) and at AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. It also offers 20% more points when you make 20 or more purchases in a billing period.

Like most Amex cards, it features a few travel and purchase protections, as well as access to the Amex Offers program.

While most people will be better off with the Preferred, the regular EveryDay is still a strong option — especially since there's no annual fee.

Read more about the Amex Everyday card:

  • Amex EveryDay credit card review
  • Amex EveryDay versus the Amex EveryDay Preferred

Best Card With an Intro APR Offer: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card is similar to the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card, with a different earning structure and no annual fee.

The card earns a lower 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%), 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 each calendar year in purchases (then 1%), 3% back on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 each calendar year (then 1%), and 1% cash back on everything else (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout). While many people spend enough in the bonus categories to make the Blue Cash Preferred the better option, this remains a decent card for anyone who's strictly opposed to paying an annual fee.

If you're looking to make a major purchase and pay it off over time, like an appliance or an engagement ring, you can take advantage of the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (after that, it reverts to a 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR). You'll earn cash back on the purchase, which you can put right towards paying it off.

This card also offers the following statement credits:

  • $15 monthly credit towards your Home Chef subscription** (up to $180 in credit per year).

Read more about the American Express Blue Cash Everyday card:

  • Blue Cash Everyday Amex card review

Best for Occasional Hilton Travelers: Hilton Honors American Express Card

Amex issues four co-branded Hilton credit cards , and the best option for occasional travelers is the Hilton Honors American Express Card with a $0 annual fee.

The card is offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership (offer ends 4/17/24). The points are worth $500 based on Business Insider's valuation of Hilton points . It also comes with perks that include automatic Silver elite status, which qualifies you for the fifth night free on standard award bookings of five or more nights.

Using this card for everyday spending can earn you lots of Hilton points quickly. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

If you don't mind paying an annual fee, be sure to check out the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card card as well. It has a higher welcome bonus offer and earns more points on spending, and comes with more benefits, including Hilton Gold elite status, a free night certificate after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, and Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership** with 10 free visits per year. There's a $150 annual fee. 

Read more about the Hilton Honors Amex card:

  • Hilton Honors American Express card review

Best for Frequent Hilton Travelers: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

With a $550 annual fee, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card isn't for the casual Hilton traveler. But if you can make the most of the card's incredibly generous benefits, it could prove to be the most valuable card in your wallet.

Cardholders start with a welcome bonus offer of 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership, worth $750 based on Business Insider's valuations. New cardholders also receive a free reward night certificate after account opening, valid at just about any Hilton hotel in the world.

Where the card shines is through the excellent perks you'll get, including:

  • Hilton Diamond elite status (the highest tier)
  • Free reward night certificate each year on your card anniversary
  • Another free reward night certificate after you spend a total of $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
  • Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership 
  • Up to $250 in airline incidental fee credits per calendar year**
  • Up to $250 in Hilton resort credits each cardmember year
  • Up to $100 in on-property credits for minimum stays of two nights at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties

This card also offers the highest earning rates of any Hilton card, with 14 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Hilton hotels, 7 points per eligible dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at eligible U.S. restaurants, and 3 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Read more about the Amex Hilton Aspire card:

  • Hilton Honors Aspire card review

Best for Delta Flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta flyers have a whopping seven co-branded Amex Delta credit cards to choose from, ranging from the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card to the luxury Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

For the average traveler who flies Delta a few times a year, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is our top pick. For a moderate annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $150, cardholders receive elite-like perks that include a free checked bag on Delta flights  for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation. You'll also get priority boarding and 20% off inflight purchases as a statement credit on Delta flights, a $200 flight credit when you spend $10,000 or more in a calendar year, and 15% off award flights on Delta with the new Amex Delta TakeOff 15 benefit.

There's currently a welcome bonus offer of 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months from account opening (worth $770 in flights according to Business Insider's valuation of Delta miles ). Cardholders also get decent travel and shopping benefits, including car rental insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.

Read more about the Amex Delta Gold card:

  • Gold Delta SkyMiles Amex card review
  • Delta Gold card vs Delta Platinum card comparison

Best Premium Card for Delta Flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

If you fly Delta on a regular basis, especially if you travel through airports that have Delta Sky Club airport lounges, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could end up saving you a lot of money along with making your travels more comfortable.

The card's standout feature is Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion lounge access when you fly Delta, and if you make the most of this benefit, it could be well worth paying the $650 annual fee. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve card members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club and must spend $75,000 or more in total eligible purchases on the card to earn an unlimited number of visits each year going forward.

You'll also receive a slew of other perks, including a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights, an annual Delta companion certificate, access to complimentary upgrades and upgrade priority, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider. 

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card currently comes with a welcome bonus offer of 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening. That's worth around $1,100 in flights, according to Business Insider's valuations.

Read more about the Amex Delta Reserve:

  • Delta Reserve review
  • Amex Platinum vs Delta Reserve
  • Delta credit cards companion certificate

Best Luxury Card for Marriott: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

American Express and Chase both issue Marriott Bonvoy credit cards , and Amex's versions — Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card , and Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — are excellent picks if you stay with Marriott on a regular basis.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the most rewarding of the bunch, and it's best suited to Marriott loyalists who can use its excellent range of benefits. It's got a $650 annual fee, so it's not for infrequent travelers — but if you can maximize its perks, you can get tremendous value from the card.

Cardholders receive perks at Marriott and for general travel as well, including:

  • Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
  • Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status
  • Annual free night award (valid at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 85,000 points)
  • 25 elite night credits each calendar year
  • Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership**
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee credit

The card is currently offering a welcome bonus offer of 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. That's worth around $1,295 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Marriott points . In addition, cardholders earn 6x bonus points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program (on top of the points normally earned from a stay), 3x points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with the airline, and 2x points on all other purchases.

Read more about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card:

  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card review
  • Things to do with the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant to activate benefits

American Express Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions 

You can have up to five Amex cards at one time, including both personal and business cards. This figure does not include the cards with which there isn't a fixed credit limit, however. Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Gold Card will not count against this five-card limit.

The Amex Centurion Black Card , or more formally, the Centurion® Card from American Express, is by invitation only. There is no application page (though you can request an invite). Because there are no public application pages, we don't consider it to be one of the best Amex cards.

This card comes with a $10,000 initiation fee and an annual fee of $5,000. There appear to be no predetermined qualifications for this card, but it's generally believed that customers must spend several hundred thousand dollars per year on their credit card before Amex sends an invite.

American Express does issue debit cards through the American Express Serve family of cards. With these prepaid debit cards, you can effectively deposit money onto your card and use it as a checking account of sorts. These cards do not require a credit inquiry to open, though they do come with nominal monthly fees.

American Express issues several metal cards — primarily those with higher annual fees. The Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum are the heaviest and most impressive. Other cards, even co-branded credit cards, also contain metal in between two sheets of plastic. 

The security code, or CVV number , on American Express cards, is a four-digit number located on the front of your card on the right-hand side. Amex cards still come with a three-digit code on the back (similar to other card issuers), but you'll usually only need that for activating your card.

No, American Express doesn't currently offer secured credit cards . However, many other banks do — you can find the top secured options in these guides to the best credit cards for bad credit and best secured credit cards .

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best American Express Cards

We considered Amex-branded cards and co-branded airline and hotel cards that are currently available to new applicants and looked at several factors:

  • Simplicity  — Does the card offer an easy-to-use rewards program and redemption options? Are there any restrictions to navigate?
  • Earning potential — Are there generous spending categories or a strong rewards rate across all purchases, and is there a welcome bonus offer?
  • Annual fee — No-annual-fee cards are appealing, but if the card charges an annual fee, does it offer benefits that justify the cost?
  • Options for different types of consumers  — We made sure to include cards that are geared to various users, from cards with a 0% APR offer to travel points and cash-back cards.

Amex cards also offer various benefits like travel insurance  and purchase protection. Additionally, all American Express cardholders get access to Amex Offers ** that can earn you bonus points or get cash back when you shop with certain retailers.

Before you decide on an American Express card, be sure to consider what you want to do with your rewards, as well as your spending habits — some cards offer bonus rewards in popular categories, so those might be a better choice if they fit your typical purchases.

See our full methodology for rating credit cards »

amex travel best card

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

*All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Business Insider.

For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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Best American Express Cards of April 2024

Kenley Young

ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2024 || Visa || Mastercard || American Express || Discover || Bank of America® || Capital One || Chase || Citi || US Bank || Wells Fargo

American Express made its name with cards that were as much status symbols as payment methods. In the 21st century, the issuer offers a complete line of cards with generous rewards and valuable benefits, and many of them do not charge annual fees .

Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits. Many AmEx cards also come with a variety of useful side perks . Regardless of your goals, there's likely an American Express card that fits your priorities, habits and lifestyle .

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best American Express Cards of April 2024

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for Family spending: Groceries, gas, transit, streaming

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Travel rewards on everyday spending

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best for No-annual-fee grocery and gas rewards

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury perks for business travelers

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express : Best for Simple rewards for small business

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card : Best for Simple cash rewards for small business

American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for Customized rewards for business

The Plum Card® from American Express : Best for Flexible financing for businesses

Best American Express Cards From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Family spending: Groceries, gas, transit, streaming

Luxury travel perks, travel rewards on everyday spending, no-annual-fee grocery and gas rewards, luxury perks for business travelers, simple rewards for small business, simple cash rewards for small business, customized rewards for business, flexible financing for businesses, best american express cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

CONSUMER CARDS

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

Our pick for: Family spending: Groceries, gas, transit, streaming

If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice welcome offer for new cardholders and an introductory APR period, too. The generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one charges an annual fee. Read our review.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Our pick for: No-annual-fee grocery and gas rewards

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases. The rewards might not be as rich as on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , but this card doesn't charge an annual fee either. New cardholders get a decent welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period.  Read our review.

American Express Cash Magnet® Card

Our pick for: Simple, flat-rate cash back

The American Express Cash Magnet® Card pays a simple, flat cash-back rate on all purchases, with no limit to how much cash back you can earn. Plus, get a decent welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. If you want an AmEx card with a no-hassle rewards structure, this is your card. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

American Express® Green Card

Our pick for: Travel and dining rewards

The "original" American Express card is a great fit for travelers who can make use of its extensive list of airline and hotel transfer partners and its rich rewards on dining and travel. The American Express® Green Card also offers some potentially valuable credits and a good welcome bonus offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee to consider, however, and getting maximum value can take some work. But if you're committed to the AmEx Membership Rewards, it's a fine option. Read our review.

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

Our pick for: AmEx points for no annual fee

The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is the only American Express card without an annual fee that gives you Membership Rewards points ... although you shouldn't expect to get a ton of them. You can earn bonus points at U.S. supermarkets and on certain travel, and your rewards rate gets a boost if you use the card frequently enough.  Read our review.

SMALL BUSINESS CARDS

The business platinum card® from american express.

Our pick for: Luxury perks for business travelers

Like the consumer version of this card, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a big annual fee. But business travelers who prefer to go in style will find plenty that appeals to them: high rewards on certain travel purchases, bonus rewards on larger non-travel purchases, a superb newcomer welcome offer, extensive airport lounge access, elite hotel status, hundreds of dollars a year in available credits and a list of perks as long as your arm. It's not cheap, but luxury never is. Terms apply. Learn more and apply .

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Our pick for: Simple cash rewards for small business

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card boasts one of the better introductory APR offers among business credit cards. Beyond that, you earn a solid cash-back rate (at least for a while — the rate drops after you hit a spending threshold). There's also a $0 annual fee. Learn more and apply .

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Our pick for: Simple rewards for small business

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a near-twin to The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card , with one key difference: Rather than cash back, it pays you in AmEx Membership Rewards points. Learn more and apply .

American Express® Business Gold Card

Our pick for: Customized rewards for business

The rewards on the American Express® Business Gold Card adjust according to your spending. You automatically earn bonus rewards in the two categories where you spend the most each month. That can translate into outstanding rewards, as long as your business spends money in those categories. If it doesn't, the steep annual fee probably isn't worth it. The card has six bonus categories: advertising, gas stations, restaurants, software, transit and cell phone service. Only purchases made in the U.S. qualify for bonus categories. Learn more and apply .

The Plum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Flexible financing for businesses

Businesses with high working capital needs but sometimes inconsistent cash flow might find The Plum Card® from American Express  a perfect fit. Pay early and get a discount, or enjoy up to 60 days without interest. Terms apply. There's a substantial annual fee, but if you're using the card for, say, big inventory purchases, the benefits could far outweigh the costs. Read our review.

Other cards issued by American Express

American Express issues branded credit cards in partnership with airlines, hotels and others. Learn more about these cards by reading the reviews linked below:

Delta Air Lines credit cards

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Hilton Hotels credit cards

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Other credit cards

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

Amazon Business American Express Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

OTHER RESOURCES

What is american express.

American Express is a financial services company that, within the credit cards industry, operates both as a card issuer and as a payment processing network:

As an issuer , it provides credit cards to consumers and businesses and manages those card accounts. In this way, it's like Chase, Citi or your local bank or credit union.

As a payment network , it facilitates transactions among merchants, credit card issuers and banks. In this way, it's like Visa or Mastercard.

Several banks offer credit cards that operate on the American Express payment network, but these cards are not issued by American Express itself. You can use them anywhere that accepts AmEx, but their rewards, perks, fees and rates are dictated by the card issuer, not American Express. Those cards are not included on this page.

Examples include the U.S. Bank Cash 365™ American Express® Card and the USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card

Where is American Express accepted?

American Express is accepted by more than 99% of U.S. merchants, according to a February 2020 survey from the Nilson Report, which covers the payments industry. American Express is also accepted by more than 66 million businesses worldwide.

For years, AmEx lagged Visa, Mastercard and Discover in acceptance, mostly because it charged higher fees to process transactions. AmEx has essentially closed that gap with programs that make it easier for smaller merchants to take its cards. Even so, there are still some merchants that accept other credit cards but not American Express.

What credit score do you need to get an American Express card?

American Express cards typically require good to excellent credit to qualify, which can be generally defined as a credit score of 690 or higher. But credit scores aren't the only factor in approval decisions; others include your income, outstanding debts and the number of American Express cards you currently have.

Newcomers to the country who don't have a U.S. credit history may be able to qualify for an American Express card through Nova Credit , a financial technology company that makes it possible for immigrants to use their credit history from qualifying countries.

What are the interest rates on American Express cards?

American Express credit cards typically charge a range of interest rates. The exact rate on your account will be determined based on several factors when you apply. Typically with credit cards, the better your credit, the lower the rate you may be able to qualify for. Credit card interest rates are usually tied to the prime rate, which is the interest rate that banks charge their biggest customers. When the prime rate goes up, credit card interest rates increase with it.

You can avoid finance charges entirely by paying off your credit card bill in full and on time every month. Doing so gives you a recurring grace period , in which interest never accrues on your purchases.

Some American Express cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card , were historically charge cards that were designed to be paid in full every month. Now, however, you can use them more like credit cards with their Pay Over Time feature .

Finally, some American Express cards offer a 0% introductory APR period, which gives you. a year or more without interest on purchases, balance transfers or both. These cards include the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the American Express Cash Magnet® Card .

What credit limit can I get with an American Express card?

With any kind of credit card, your credit limit will depend on factors such as your credit score, payment history, income, credit utilization and large recurring expenses such as rent. Issuers take these factors into account when determining your credit limit, and they also consider macroeconomic factors like the state of the economy. In an unstable economy, it’s not uncommon to see issuers be more conservative with’ credit limits.

Several American Express cards do not have a hard credit limit, or what the issuer refers to as a "preset spending limit." These include the issuer's Platinum-, Gold- and Green-branded cards. "No preset spending limit" doesn't mean your credit is unlimited, however. According to the issuer, "the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history."

What are the benefits of American Express cards?

Benefits of American Express cards include:

Rewards: All American Express consumer cards offer rewards in the form of cash back, Membership Rewards points, or points or miles in the loyalty programs of partner airlines or hotels. American Express cards also usually come with a "welcome offer" — an opportunity for new cardholders to earn a bonus by spending a certain amount in the first few months they have their card.

AmEx Offers: American Express cards can give you bonus rewards or discounts when you shop with certain merchants through offers that appear in your account. AmEx has a wide variety of merchant offers to choose from, and the offers are easy to activate.

Pay It and Plan It features : This option lets you pay for your purchases, big or small, one at a time and might help you save on interest.

An “apply with confidence” feature :  When you see this option for a card on AmEx's website, you can check your odds of approval before applying with no initial impact on your credit scores.

Can you combine points on American Express cards?

You can link eligible American Express cards so that the Membership Rewards points you earn can be combined. To ask about linking your cards, call the issuer at 800-668-2639. You cannot combine Membership Rewards points with rewards from co-branded credit cards issued by American Express, such as those for Delta Air Lines or Hilton Hotels.

Which American Express card is easiest to get?

American Express credit cards generally aren’t easy to get. You'll need good or excellent credit to qualify, which generally suggests a credit score of 690 or better. If you’re unsure as to whether you’re a good candidate for an American Express card, you can use AmEx’s "apply with confidence" option to find out if you’re eligible for some cards with no initial impact on your credit scores.

NerdWallet's Melissa Lambarena contributed to this article.

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

All information about the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The  American Express Cash Magnet® Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. 

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , see this page .

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card , see this page .

All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

All information about the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is no longer available through NerdWallet.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

To view rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express , see this page .

To view rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card , see this page .

To view rates and fees of the Amazon Business American Express Card , see this page .

Last updated on March 27 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

No. There are several American Express cards with no annual fee , including cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, co-branded cards (offered in partnership with a brand or merchant), and small-business cards.

Depending on the American Express card in question, it may earn rewards in the form of:

Cash back (generally as a statement credit).

American Express Membership Rewards (flexible points that can be redeemed for a variety of different things, including travel).*

Airline miles (if the card is offered in partnership with an airline).

Hotel points (if the card is offered in partnership with a hotel chain).

*It's possible to earn Membership Rewards points in other ways aside from direct spending on an AmEx card.

American Express cards — especially travel rewards cards — may also come with a variety of benefits, credits and perks , depending on the card.

Yes. It can be difficult to get an American Express card because they usually require good to excellent credit. That generally means a credit score of 690 or higher, although credit scores aren't the only thing considered in card issuers' approval decisions.

American Express historically lagged behind Visa, Mastercard and Discover in acceptance among merchants because of the higher interchange fees it charged to process card transactions. AmEx is now accepted at more than 99% of merchants, according to industry data, but some places that take other credit cards still don't accept American Express.

American Express credit cards generally require good to excellent credit to qualify. Unlike some other card issuers, it does not have secured cards or other credit-builder options.

About the author

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Kenley Young

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You’re a Member When Every Trip Can Be Extraordinary

Book through American Express Travel® and elevate your next journey.

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Plan Your Ideal Getaway 

With the many travel benefits of your personal Platinum Card ® .

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Elevate Your Stay With Fine Hotels & Resorts®

Explore a curated list of hotels worthy of your dreams. From city escapes to beachside destinations, any one of the 1,500 Fine Hotels + Resorts properties are thrilled to welcome Platinum Card Members. Book through American Express Travel and receive benefits that elevate your stay from morning to night, like daily breakfast for two, 4pm check-out, and more. Terms apply.‡

A tranquil pool and lounge chairs at the InterContinental Sydney.

Enjoy More Benefits With The Hotel Collection

Style, perks, and benefits await at over 700 boutique, design-inspired hotels around the world. Enjoy premier benefits unique to each property – including a room upgrade at check-in when available and a $100 experience credit – when you book a prepaid stay of at least two consecutive nights with The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property. Certain room categories not available for upgrade. Terms apply.‡

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Airfares Just for You

Save on the best seats in the house when you book with your Platinum Card on a partner flight from the International Airline Program through American Express Travel.‡ Explore lower fares on international First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy seats or go farther for less when you use Membership Rewards® points through Insider Fares. Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary. Max eight tickets and must originate and return to the US. Terms apply.‡

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Experience Cruises and Custom Vacations

From one-of-a-kind charters to premier culinary experiences, let your adventurous spirit and American Express® Platinum Card guide your next journey.‡

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Ready, Set, Book

From extra Membership Rewards points to special offers and more, book through American Express Travel to take advantage of your Platinum Card benefits.

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Earn $200 for Your Stay

Get up to $200 back in statement credits ‡ each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts  bookings, or stays of two nights or more with The Hotel Collection , when you book through American Express Travel using your personal Platinum Card. Terms apply. ‡

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Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points

From short flights to long hotel stays, you can use Pay with Points for all or part of the purchase through AmexTravel.com . Or, earn 5X Membership Rewards points when you book with your Platinum Card. This includes up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and eligible prepaid hotels. Terms apply. ‡

An ocean-view room in the Conrad Punta de Mita.

Enjoy Hilton Honors Gold Status

With Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio and earn reward stays faster with Hilton Honors Bonus Points. ‡ Enjoy this elevated status automatically when you enroll with your Platinum Card.

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Enjoy Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status

As a Platinum Card Member, you can upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy ® Gold Elite status without meeting any stay requirements. You can enjoy perks like 25% more Marriott Bonvoy ® points , priority late checkout, and enhanced room upgrades when available. Terms and limitations apply. ‡

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Drive in Style

Take advantage of your instant elevated status with Avis, Hertz, and National and explore any city in style. Enjoy perks like member-only discounts, no fees for additional drivers, and the ability to skip the rental line. Enrollment required. ‡

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Elevate Your Experiences

It’s time to make the most of your benefits. Enjoy access to lounges, priority tables at premier restaurants, and more along your journey.

A Centurion Lounge entrance.

Unwind Before Takeoff

The American Express Global Lounge Collection® provides Platinum Card Members with more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market, as of 3/2023. Experience the highest levels of luxury at The Centurion® Lounge along with various other lounge programs and partners in destinations worldwide.‡

A group of people sitting around a table full of appetizers.

Take Global Dining to the Next Level With Priority Notify

Wherever you go, be in the know when a table at the world’s most sought-after restaurants becomes available with Priority Notify from Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log in to Resy.com and add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.‡

A woman smiling on the phone in the back of a car.

Arrive on Time With Uber

Book your Uber in advance so you can head to the airport on your schedule. As a Platinum Card Member, you receive $15 in Uber Cash, available to you through the Uber app, for orders with Uber Eats or rides with Uber in the US each month plus a bonus $20 in December*, delivered through an exclusive Uber app experience. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card to your Uber account to get started. *Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.

Two women laughing in their seats on a flight.

Get Through Airport Security Faster With CLEAR® Plus

CLEAR® uses unique attributes, such as eyes or fingerprints, to digitally verify identity to help its members move faster through security at select airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership‡, excluding any applicable taxes, with up to $189 in statement credits per year after you enroll and pay for CLEAR Plus, which is subject to auto-renewal with your Platinum Card.† †Taxes and fees subject to autorenewal. Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.

A man relaxing at a gate before his flight.

Save $200 on Airline Fees

Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.§ §American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.

Start Your Next Adventure

You deserve the best from every journey. We’re here to help you get it.

‡ Terms and Conditions

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program Show Details Hide Details

Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card® Members, and Centurion® Members. Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts are also eligible for FHR program benefits. Companion Card Members on Consumer Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, Additional Business Gold and Additional Business Expense Card Members on Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

The Hotel Collection Program Show Details Hide Details

The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Gold Card, Platinum Card® Members, and Centurion® Members. Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum Card Accounts, and Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Centurion Accounts are also eligible for THC program benefits. Delta SkyMiles® Gold and Platinum Card Members are not eligible. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

International Airline Program Show Details Hide Details

International Airline Program benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card ® and Centurion ® Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible), on international tickets booked through American Express Travel for select first class, business class, and premium economy tickets with participating airlines, subject to availability. Travel must originate in and return to U.S. gateway (may exclude certain overseas territories) and select Canadian gateways. One-way travel is permitted on some airlines where routing originates in U.S. or select Canadian gateways. An eligible Card Member can book for himself/herself and up to seven passengers traveling on the same itinerary as that Card Member. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card in the Card Member’s name. Discounts are applied to the base airfare. Discounts are not combinable with other offers unless indicated and may not apply to codeshare partners. Airline fare rules and restrictions apply and are subject to change at the discretion of the airline. Tickets are non-refundable unless otherwise indicated. Tickets are non-transferable; name changes are not permitted. Benefits, participating airlines, and ticket availability are subject to change.

Cruise Privileges Program Show Details Hide Details

Cruise Privileges Program (“CPP”) benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion ® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express ® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.

Extra Membership Rewards ® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward ® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member’s Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms .

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our travel consultants. For more information visit americanexpress.com/travelterms

California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694

$200 Hotel Credit Show Details Hide Details

Basic Card Members on U.S. Consumer Platinum Card Account are eligible to receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when they or Additional Platinum Card Members use their Cards to pay for eligible prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® and The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel (meaning through amextravel.com, the Amex ® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card) or when Companion Platinum Card Members on such Platinum Card Accounts pay for eligible prepaid bookings for The Hotel Collection made through American Express Travel (meaning through amextravel.com, the Amex ® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card). Purchases by both the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, the total amount of statement credits for eligible purchases will not exceed $200 per calendar year, per Card Account. Fine Hotels + Resorts ® program bookings may be made only by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic Platinum and Additional Platinum Card Members. The Hotel Collection bookings may be made by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic and Additional Platinum Card Members and Companion Platinum Card Members on the Platinum Card Account. Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for the benefit. To receive the statement credits, an eligible Card Member must make a new booking using their eligible Card through American Express Travel on or after July 1st, 2021, that is prepaid (referred to as "Pay Now" on amextravel.com and the Amex App), for a qualifying stay at an available, participating Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection property. Bookings of The Hotel Collection require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights. Eligible bookings must be processed before December 31st, 11:59PM Central Time, each calendar year to be eligible for statement credits within that year. Eligible bookings do not include interest charges, cancellation fees, property fees or other similar fees, or any charges by a property to you (whether for your booking, your stay or otherwise).

Statement credits are typically received within a few days, however it may take 90 days after an eligible prepaid hotel booking is charged to the Card Account. American Express relies on the merchant to process transactions within the same calendar year that you made the prepaid booking in order to apply the statement credit in the calendar year that it was intended. For example, if you make an eligible prepaid booking on the last day of the year, but the merchant doesn't process that transaction until the next day, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied to the Card Account, if the purchase is eligible. Statement credits may not be received or may be reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. To be eligible for this benefit, your Card account must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card. Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.

5X Air and Hotel Show Details Hide Details

Basic Card Members will get 1 Membership Rewards® point for each dollar charged for eligible purchases on their Platinum Card® or an Additional Card on their Account and 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar charged for eligible travel purchases on any Card on the Account (“Additional Points”), minus cancellations and credits. Eligible travel purchases are limited to: (i) purchases of air tickets on scheduled flights, of up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel (by calling 1-800-525-3355 or through AmexTravel.com); (ii) purchases of prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel; and (iii) purchases of prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com. Eligible travel purchases do not include: charter flights, private jet flights, flights that are part of tours, cruises, or travel packages (other than prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com), ticketing or similar service fees, ticket cancellation or change fees, property fees or similar fees, hotel group reservations or events, interest charges, or purchases of cash equivalents. Eligible prepaid hotel bookings or prepaid flight+hotel bookings that are modified directly with the hotel will not be eligible for Additional Points. 

Bonuses that may be received with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that the Basic Card Member elects to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply. 

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. Basic Card Members may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet. 

To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card or visit  americanexpress.com/rewards-info  for more information about rewards.

Hilton Honors Gold Status Enrollment Show Details Hide Details

Enrollment through American Express is required to receive the benefit. Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the Platinum Card Account can enroll in complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status in the Benefits section of their americanexpress.com online account or by calling the number on the back of their Card. If a Card Member already has a Hilton Honors Number, they may enter it on the benefit page prior to enrollment. Benefit available only to Platinum Card Members and is not transferable. Once the Card Member requests enrollment in the Hilton Honors program, American Express will share their enrollment information with Hilton. Hilton may use this information in accordance with its privacy policy available at hilton.com/en/p/global-privacy-statement/ . Enrolled Card Members will maintain Hilton Honors Gold Status without meeting otherwise required Hilton Honors criteria as long as the Card Member remains an eligible American Express Card Member or until American Express notifies the Card Member that the benefit is terminated. If your Platinum Card is cancelled for any reason, your complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status provided with the Card will be cancelled. American Express reserves the right to change, modify or revoke complimentary Gold status at any time. If your complimentary Gold status is cancelled, you may be able to maintain your Gold status by qualifying under the Hilton Honors Program terms. Gold status benefits are subject to availability and vary by hotel; see Hiltonhonors.com/MemberBenefits and Hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/benefit-terms/ for additional details. The Hilton Honors Program, including the benefits of Hilton Honors membership, are subject to Hilton Honors Terms and Conditions; see hiltonhonors.com/terms .

To be eligible for this benefit, Card Account(s) must not be cancelled. If your Card has been replaced, please check the Benefits section of your americanexpress.com account, mobile app or call the number on the back of your Card to confirm your continued enrollment in the benefit. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way, American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy ™ Gold Elite Status Show Details Hide Details

Enrollment through American Express is required to receive the benefit. Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members are eligible to enroll in the complimentary Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite Status benefit in the Benefits section of their americanexpress.com online account or by calling the number on the back of their Card. If a Card Member already has a Marriott Bonvoy account number, they may enter it in the Benefits section prior to enrollment. Once the Card Member requests enrollment, American Express will share their enrollment information with Marriott International Inc. Marriott Bonvoy may use this information in accordance with its privacy statement available at www.marriott.com/about/privacy.mi . Enrollment into the Marriott Bonvoy program is required to receive program benefits, and enrollment may be terminated without prior notice subject to Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions. Enrollment usually occurs within 3-5 business days, but in limited instances it may take longer. Please call the number on the back of your Card for assistance if you have not received a benefit enrollment confirmation within 10 days from the time you requested enrollment. The Marriott Bonvoy program is subject to change and certain eligibility requirements and benefit availability may vary by property. Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status benefits may be combined with the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Not all Marriott International brand properties participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Reservations booked through third parties and online booking services are not eligible to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, miles or Gold Elite Status benefits. All Marriott Bonvoy program terms and conditions apply; for complete terms and conditions, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com/terms . American Express reserves the right to instruct Marriott Bonvoy to remove Gold Elite status if the Card Member ceases to be a Platinum Card Member or their account is cancelled or past due. To be eligible for this Gold Elite status benefit, Card Account(s) must not be cancelled and you must remain in good standing with Marriott Bonvoy. If your Card has been replaced, please check the Benefits section of your americanexpress.com account, mobile app or call the number on the back of your Card to confirm your continued enrollment in the Gold Elite status benefit. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this the Gold Elite status benefit in any way, American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

Car Rental Privileges Show Details Hide Details

Consumer Platinum Card® Members, Corporate Platinum Card® Members and Business Platinum Card® Members are eligible to receive complimentary status in the following programs: Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club. Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum Accounts are also eligible for this benefit. Companion Platinum Cards® on Consumer Platinum Card Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Card Accounts are not eligible to receive this benefit. Benefits provided to Platinum Card Members are subject to each car rental company’s terms and conditions, including age restrictions, and require enrollment in each car rental program through your American Express online account to receive benefits. Payment must be made using the Platinum Card. Platinum Card Members are required to enroll in Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and National Emerald Club memberships to receive the car rental program benefits. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® is a registered trademark of Hertz System, Inc. Minimum rental age is 25 (exceptions apply). Minimum age to join Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is 21. Standard rental terms and conditions apply. National collects Frequent Flyer Tax Recoupment Surcharge to cover the federal tax on the cost of the miles awarded at the time of rental. Discount applies to base rate only. Taxes (including GST), other governmentally authorized or imposed surcharges, license recoupment/air tax recovery and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, additional driver fee, one-way rental charge, and optional items are extra. Renter must meet applicable age, driver, and credit requirements. Advance reservation required. May not be combined with other discounts. Availability is limited. Subject to change without notice. Blackout dates may apply. National’s Emerald Club and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards and their services require a signed Master Rental Agreement to be on file. Please note that the Car Rental Privileges program available to Platinum Card Members is a separate program from the Premium Car Rental Protection insurance product offered by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. and underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. 

To be eligible for this benefit, Card Account(s) must not be canceled or past due. If you have a Card on file with one of the eligible partners, make sure that the most up to date Account information is on file or else you may not receive the benefit. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way, American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your card.

The Global Lounge Collection Show Details Hide Details

The American Express Global Lounge Collection®

U.S Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members and any Additional Platinum Card Members on the Account are eligible for access to the participating lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Global Lounge Collection benefit. All lounge access is subject to space availability. Each lounge program within the Global Lounge Collection has its own policies and access to any of the participating lounges is subject to the applicable rules and policies. Participating lounges reserve the right to remove any person from the premises for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive, or violent. To be eligible for this benefit, Card Account must not be cancelled. Please refer to each program’s terms and conditions to learn more.

The Centurion® Lounge U.S. Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for access to The Centurion Lounge. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, Platinum Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight and present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Centurion Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our Lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. In addition to the complimentary services and amenities in the Lounge, certain services, products or amenities may be offered for sale. You are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you make in The Centurion Lounge or authorize our Member Services Professionals to make on your behalf. Services available at the Member Services Desk are based on the type of American Express Card used to enter the Lounge. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by visitors to The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with Lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Platinum Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.

U.S. Platinum Card Members, U.S. Business Platinum Card Members and Additional U.S. Platinum Card Members on the Account will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, with proof of age) unless they have qualified for Complimentary Guest Access. U.S. Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members may qualify for Complimentary Guest Access for up to two (2) guests per visit to locations of The Centurion Lounge in the U.S., Hong Kong International Airport and London Heathrow Airport (“Complimentary Guest Access”), after spending $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on the Platinum Account in a calendar year. Once effective, Complimentary Guest Access will be available for the remainder of the calendar year in which it became effective, the following calendar year, and until January 31 of the next calendar year (for example, if Complimentary Guest Access became effective on May 1, 2023, it would remain effective until January 31, 2025). Eligible purchases made by any Additional Card Members on the Platinum Account will contribute to the purchase requirement. Complimentary Guest Access is limited to two (2) guests per Card Member per visit, regardless of whether you are eligible for complimentary guest access through multiple Platinum Accounts or through other Amex Cards. Guest access policies may vary internationally by location and are subject to change.

  Eligibility for Complimentary Guest Access will typically be processed within a week of the Platinum Account’s meeting the purchase requirement, but may take up to 12 weeks to become effective. Complimentary Guest Access status will be reflected in the Benefits tab of your online Account and in the American Express App. Eligible purchases to meet the purchase requirement are for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or other cash equivalents. If a Card Member upgrades or downgrades from a different American Express Card to a Platinum Account, eligible purchases made on that Card Account will count toward meeting the purchase requirement to achieve Complimentary Guest Access on the new Platinum Account. 

Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner This benefit is available to U.S. Platinum Card Members. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for access to Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner. Card Members receive complimentary access to all US locations of the Escape Lounges. Card Member must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Escape Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express credit card and Card Members may bring up to two complimentary guests per visit. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, including access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. 

Delta Sky Club

This benefit is available to U.S. Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the Account (each, an “Eligible Platinum Card Member”). Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Delta Sky Club benefit. Platinum Card Members must present their valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and boarding pass to the Delta Sky Club ambassador. Boarding pass must show a reservation for a same-day Delta-operated flight (Delta or Delta connection) departing from or arriving at the airport in which the Delta Sky Club is located. Name on boarding pass must match name on the Card. Eligible Platinum Card Members on departing flights can only access the Delta Sky Club or the Delta Sky Club “Grab and Go” feature within 3 hours of their flight's scheduled departure time. During a layover between Delta-operated flights on the same ticket, you may use the Delta Sky Club in your connecting airport at any time during the layover. Delta reserves the right to limit access for non-revenue flyers at any Delta Sky Club. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the Delta Sky Club. Benefit valid only at Delta Sky Club. Partner lounges are not included. Note that amenities may vary among Delta Sky Club locations. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring guests into the Delta Sky Club subject to the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policies and must use their valid Platinum Card as the payment method for guest access. Guests also must be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs. Access is subject to Delta Sky Club rules. To review the rules, please visit  delta.com/skyclub . Benefit and rules subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

Effective January 1, 2024:  Eligible Platinum Card Members traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight with Basic Economy (E) fare tickets will not have access to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go.  

Effective September 14, 2023 through January 31, 2025:  Eligible Platinum Card Members receive complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring either up to two guests, or their immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) to the Club at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location or to Grab and Go at a per-visit rate of $25 per person, per location. The Eligible Platinum Card must be used as the payment method to purchase guest access. Guests must also be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Children under 2 years of age may accompany the Eligible Platinum Card Member for free.

Effective February 1, 2025:  Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Visits are non-transferable and may only be used by the Eligible Platinum Card Member. Visits issued from February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026 will expire on January 31, 2026, and Visits issued in subsequent years will expire on January 31 of each calendar year thereafter. 

A “Visit” is an entry to one or more Delta Sky Clubs or usage of the Delta Sky Club “Grab and Go” feature, at one or more airports, for a period of up to 24 hours starting upon the first Delta Sky Club entry or Grab and Go usage, during an Eligible Platinum Card Member’s travel on a same-day Delta-operated flight. A single Visit permits usage of Delta Sky Club(s) in multiple airports during the 24-hour period. For example, if you visit a Delta Sky Club in different airports on a trip, entry into one or more of these Clubs will be considered part of the same Visit as long as these additional entries occur within 24 hours of the first Delta Sky Club entry. If travel exceeds 24 hours from the first Delta Sky Club, then a second Visit will be deducted if entering the Delta Sky Club or using Grab and Go more than 24 hours after the first entry. Eligible Platinum Card Members may not access the Club or a Grab and Go location in the three hours from the time of previous Grab and Go usage at the same airport. Once all 10 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits (including Grab and Go) at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person. Visits cannot be used for guest entry. During a Visit, Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring either up to two (2) guests, or their immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) to the Club (including Grab and Go) at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person. The Eligible Platinum Card must be used as the payment method to purchase Card Member and guest access. Guests must also be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight and be accompanied by the Eligible Platinum Card Member. Children under 2 years of age may accompany the Eligible Platinum Card Member for free.

To earn an unlimited number of Visits (“Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access”) starting on February 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the Eligible Platinum Card Account must equal or exceed $75,000 (the “Purchase Requirement”) between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024 and in each calendar year thereafter. Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access will be provided to all Eligible Platinum Card Members once the Account has reached the Purchase Requirement. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access benefit. All entry requirements set forth above will continue to apply with respect to Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access.

Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access will be processed within a week of the Eligible Platinum Card Account’s satisfying the Purchase Requirement in most instances but may take up to 12 weeks to become effective. Once effective, Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access will be available for the remainder of the calendar year in which it became effective, the following calendar year and through January 31 of the next calendar year (for example, if Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access becomes effective on May 1, 2025, it will remain effective through January 31, 2027). Eligible purchases made by any Additional Card Members on the Eligible Platinum Card Account will contribute to the Purchase Requirement. Eligible purchases to meet the Purchase Requirement are for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do NOT include fees, interest charges, cash advances, purchases of travelers’ checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or other cash equivalents. If a Card Member upgrades or downgrades from a different American Express Card to an Eligible Platinum Card, eligible purchases made on the prior Card Account will count toward the Purchase Requirement. Delta reserves the right to revoke Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access if you return, reverse or charge back eligible purchases in a way that reduces your eligible spend below the Purchase Requirement for the calendar year. If Delta and/or American Express determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this Delta Sky Club Access Benefit in any way or that you intend to do so, Visits may be deducted from your account and/or Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access revoked.  

This benefit is available to U.S. Platinum Card Members. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Lufthansa lounges benefit. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class) when flying on a Lufthansa Group flight. To access the Lufthansa lounges, a Platinum Card Member must present their valid Platinum Card, a government issued I.D., and a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines). Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. For the most current list of Lufthansa lounges, guest access requirements, rules, and pricing policy, please visit  https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges .

Plaza Premium Lounges This benefit is available to U.S. Platinum Card Members. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Plaza Premium Lounges benefit. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. To access Plaza Premium Lounges, Card Member must present their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two (2) companions into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Plaza Premium Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Plaza Premium Lounge locations are subject to change.

Priority Pass Select This benefit is available to U.S. Platinum Card Members. Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members must enroll in the Priority Pass™ Select program through the benefits section of their americanexpress.com account or by calling the number on the back of their Card to receive the benefit. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for the Priority Pass Select benefit. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. You acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card Account number and provide updated Card Account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass Select program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members with a valid Card Account may access participating Priority Pass Select lounges by presenting their Priority Pass Select card and airline boarding pass. If the Card Account is canceled, you will not be eligible for Priority Pass Select and your enrollment will be canceled. When visiting a Priority Pass Select lounge that admits guests, Platinum Card Members receive complimentary access for up to two accompanying guests. After two guests, the Card Account on file with Priority Pass Select will be automatically charged the guest visit fee of the Priority Pass Standard program for each additional guest after you have signed up for the additional guest visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge. Some lounges limit the number of guests or do not admit guests. In some lounges, Priority Pass Select members must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass Select members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges and access to participating lounges is subject to all rules, terms and conditions of the applicable lounge. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass Select lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass Select members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at  www.prioritypass.com . Upon receipt of your enrollment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass Select card and membership package which you should receive within 10–14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 days, please contact American Express using the number on the back of your American Express® Card. To receive immediate access to lounges after your enrollment in Priority Pass Select has been processed, you can activate your membership online by using your Priority Pass Select membership details to receive a Digital Membership Card. For a step-by-step guide on the activation process, visit  prioritypass.com/activation .  

Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges

American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where U.S.Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to participating locations. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts are not eligible for access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express and the participating lounge will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit  www.americanexpress.com/findalounge .

Global Dining Access by Resy Show Details Hide Details

The Global Dining Access program (“GDA”) is a benefit available to eligible Card Members. “Eligible Card Members” are account holders of Platinum Card ® or Centurion ® Card from American Express, Business Platinum Card ® , Business Centurion ® Card from American Express, Corporate Platinum Card ® or Corporate Centurion ® Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, The Platinum Card ® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley, The Platinum Card ® from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab, The Platinum Card ® from American Express for Goldman Sachs, and The Centurion ® Card from American Express for Goldman Sachs (and any Additional Card Member(s) on their accounts). GDA may not be available for Cards issued from some countries. GDA provides eligible Card Members with (a) access to exclusive reservations, (b) Priority Notify, which allows GDA members to set notifications to be in the first group notified when tables become available before they are made available to other Resy users, and (c) access to exclusive events. GDA reservations are accessible through the Resy iOS App and Website (“Resy Sites”) and Concierge. Some features of GDA, like Priority Notify, may not be available through Concierge. To access this benefit through the Resy iOS App, you must download the Resy App; or if you already have the Resy iOS App, ensure the latest update is downloaded. When using the Resy Sites, create a Resy account or log into your existing Resy account and add your eligible Card to your Resy account. If you are assigned a new Card number, you must update the Card number in your Resy account. When you use GDA, a badge will be placed on your Resy profile, letting restaurants know that you are a member of the GDA program. Reservations are based on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of a reservation cancellation, you will be subject to the restaurant’s cancellation policy. Generally, same-day reservations that are not booked by GDA members are released back to restaurants at certain times of day that vary across restaurant policies. American Express and Resy make no representations or warranties regarding the availability of reservations, events, and/or experiences, which shall at all times be subject to availability and the discretion of the applicable restaurant. American Express and Resy are not responsible for informing the restaurants of any dietary restrictions or for a restaurant being able to accommodate such restrictions. There is no cost to you for booking services through GDA, although you are responsible for any purchases or fees you authorize to be charged to your Card account. GDA reservations and events are intended for personal use only and cannot be resold or used for commercial purposes. By participating in the GDA program, you are accepting these GDA terms and conditions, which are in addition to and do not replace the Resy Sites’ Terms of Service. To be eligible for this benefit, your Card account must not be cancelled.

$200 Uber Cash Show Details Hide Details

Basic Card Members on a Consumer Platinum Card or Centurion account and Additional Centurion Card Members are eligible for Uber VIP and the monthly Amex Benefit (“Amex Benefit”). To receive this benefit, you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible Platinum Card or Centurion Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.

To be eligible for the Amex Benefit, your Card Account must not be canceled or past due. American Express reserves the right to suspend your eligibility for the Amex Benefit if we suspect any violation or abuse. To continue to receive the Amex Benefit, the details for your eligible Card must be kept up to date in your Uber Account. Cards added to your Uber account through a third party such as Apple Pay or PayPal will not be eligible. An eligible Platinum Card or Centurion Card may receive the Amex Benefit on one Uber account. If the same Card is added to multiple Uber accounts, only the first Uber account to which the Card is added will receive the Amex Benefit. If your American Express Card details change, you will need to make required updates to your Card details in your Uber payment profile before the end of the current month to ensure you remain enrolled in the Amex Benefit. If you do not update your Card details prior to the first day of the following month, you may need to re-enroll to continue to receive your Amex benefit. It may take up to 48 hours for the Amex Benefit to become available in your Uber account after your eligible Card has been added to that account. Uber VIP is available in select cities and is governed by Uber’s terms and conditions.

The Amex Benefit is found within your Uber Cash balance. In order to use the Amex Benefit, Uber Cash must be turned on. If Uber Cash is turned on when you request a ride, Uber Cash will appear above the confirmation button. If Uber Cash does not appear above the confirmation button, tap on the current payment option and turn on Uber Cash. If you do not see the Amex Benefit in your Uber Cash balance within 48 hours from the time you enroll, call the number on the back of your Card for assistance.

The Amex Benefit may be applied to all vehicle types with Uber, orders on Uber Eats and to any other services to which Uber permits Uber Cash to be applied. If your Uber Cash balance does not satisfy the cost of your ride or order, the primary payment method on your Uber account will be charged for the difference.

The Amex Benefit will not apply to previous Uber transactions and cannot be used when paying with an UberFAMILY profile. New and existing Uber users are eligible. Uber will apply the Amex Benefit at the point of sale and it will be displayed on your emailed receipt. There is no limit to the number of transactions you may apply your Amex Benefit to each month, up to a total of $15 per month (up to a total of $35 in December).

Your monthly Amex Benefit expires at 11:59 PM Hawaii Standard Time on the last day of each calendar month. Unused balance in Uber Cash from your Amex Benefit will not carry over to the following month. Your Amex Benefit will be applied for the month in which the transaction is completed. If a transaction is eligible for another promotion that you have added to your Uber account, the promotion will be applied before your Amex Benefit. Certain other types of balances in Uber Cash may be applied to the cost of your ride or order prior to your Amex Benefit in Uber Cash. For purposes of fulfilling this benefit, American Express will share with Uber certain information about your Card, including the Card type, and updated Card information from time to time. If you do not wish to receive the Amex Benefit, please call the number on the back of your Card. If you do not see the Amex Benefit in your Uber Cash balance by 5:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time on the first day of each calendar month, call the number on the back of your Card for assistance.

$189 CLEAR Plus Credit Show Details Hide Details

Basic Card Members can earn up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year when the Platinum Card or Additional Cards on the Account are used to pay for an annual CLEAR Plus membership. Enrollment in CLEAR Plus is required and is subject to CLEAR’s terms and conditions. CLEAR Plus memberships automatically renew each year unless canceled and CLEAR will charge the applicable membership fee to the Card CLEAR has on file. American Express has no control over the application and/or approval process for CLEAR, and does not have access to any information provided to CLEAR by the Card Member or by CLEAR to the Card Member. American Express has no liability regarding the CLEAR program. If a Card Member's application is not approved by CLEAR, CLEAR will refund the charges. If the statement credit benefit has been applied before CLEAR refunds the charges, that statement credit will be reversed. Purchases by both the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, the total amount of statement credits for eligible purchases will not exceed $189 across all Cards on the Account per calendar year. For additional information on the CLEAR program, including information regarding membership, eligibility, and for a list of participating locations, as well as the full terms and conditions of the program, please go to www.clearme.com . The CLEAR program is subject to change, and American Express has no control over those changes. Please allow up to 6-8 weeks after a qualifying CLEAR transaction is charged to the Card Account for the statement credit to be posted to the Account. American Express relies on accurate transaction data to identify eligible CLEAR Plus purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, please call the number on the back of your Card. Card Members remain responsible for timely payment of all CLEAR charges. If you are assigned a new Card number or have a Card number on file with CLEAR that is outdated (for example, if you replace your Card or if your Card has expired), you must update your Card information on file with CLEAR to help ensure that statement credits are received for eligible CLEAR Plus membership fees. To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time feature balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time feature balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

$200 Airline Fee Credit Show Details Hide Details

Enrollment through American Express is required to receive the benefit. Basic Card Members on U.S. Consumer and Corporate Platinum Card Accounts can enroll in the benefit by making their airline selection in the Benefits section of their americanexpress.com online account or by calling us. Enrolled Basic Card Members on U.S. Consumer Platinum and U.S. Corporate Platinum Card Accounts are eligible to receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental airline fees charged by their one selected qualifying airline to the enrolled Card Account. Purchases by both the Basic Card Member and Additional Card Members on the enrolled Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, the total amount of statement credits will not exceed $200 per calendar year, per Card Account. To receive statement credits, the Basic Card Member must select one qualifying airline through their American Express Online Account or the link for their Card below:

  • American Express Platinum Card ®
  • Goldman Sachs Platinum Card ®
  • Morgan Stanley Platinum Card ®
  • Charles Schwab Platinum Card ®
  • American Express Corporate Platinum Card ®

Qualifying airlines include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, and are subject to change. Only the Basic Card Member or Authorized Account Manager(s) on the Card Account can select the qualifying airline. Card Members who have not chosen one qualifying airline will be able to do so at any time. Card Members who have already selected one qualifying airline will be able to change their choice one time each year in January through their American Express Online Account or by calling the number on the back of the Card. Card Members who do not change their airline selection will remain with their current airline. Incidental airline fees must be separate charges from airline ticket charges. Fees not charged by the Card Member’s selected airline (e.g. wireless internet and fees incurred with airline alliance partners) do not qualify for statement credits. Incidental airline fees charged prior to selection of a qualifying airline are not eligible for statement credits. Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees. The airline must submit the charge under the appropriate merchant code, industry code, or required service or product identifier for the charge to be recognized as an incidental air travel fee.

Please allow 6-8 weeks after the qualifying incidental air travel fee is charged to your Card Account for statement credit(s) to be posted to the Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions, so please call the number on the back of the Card if statement credits have not posted after 8 weeks from the date of purchase. Card Members remain responsible for timely payment of all charges. Statement credits may be reversed if an eligible purchase is returned/cancelled. To be eligible for this benefit, Card Account(s) must be not canceled and not past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide statement credits and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time feature balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time feature balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.

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The 4 Best Cards To Pair With the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

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The 4 Best Cards To Pair With the Amex Platinum Card [2024]

Benefits of the Amex Platinum card

Where the amex platinum card is weakest, american express ®  gold card, american express ®  green card, capital one venture rewards credit card, the blue business ®  plus credit card from american express, comparing cards by bonus category earnings, comparing cards by welcome offer and annual fee, final thoughts.

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When it comes to luxury, ultra-premium credit cards, no card stands out like The Platinum Card ® from American Express . If you travel frequently and want to do it in style, the Amex Platinum card may be worth carrying in your wallet.

The Amex Platinum card comes with a fantastic welcome offer, great bonuses on travel purchases, and offers some of the best purchase and travel protections of any card in the market. The Amex Platinum card also earns American Express Membership Rewards points, which we consider to be among the most valuable points currencies available.

However, with all the premium benefits comes an exorbitant annual fee of $695 ( rates & fees ). While that may be hard to stomach for many, the card does come with numerous statement credits that help offset the hefty annual fee.

Let’s take a look at the many benefits and occasional drawbacks of the Amex Platinum card and some of the best cards to pair with it to maximize your rewards.

Amex Platinum Card Snapshot

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
  • $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Once considered the premium travel card, The Amex Platinum card offers tons of top-notch benefits and lifestyle perks that its competitors don’t. Although the card has undergone significant changes over the years, it is still considered one of the best travel cards available.

As for earning rewards, the Amex Platinum card earns 5x Membership Rewards  points for flights booked directly with airlines or with AmexTravel.com — up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year (then 1x). If you purchase a lot of airfare, it may be worth carrying the Amex Platinum card for that reason alone. It also earns 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com.

For those looking for exclusive experiences when traveling, the Amex Platinum card has the  most comprehensive airport lounge access   out of any card and also offers hotel and rental car elite status (upon enrollment).

Lastly, the Amex Platinum card also includes purchase protection , return protection , and extended warranty, along with car rental loss and damage insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance .

All these benefits of the Amex Platinum card come at a cost: that substantial annual fee. However, to help offset the annual fee, the Amex Platinum card comes with plenty of credits (with enrollment), including credits for prepaid hotels , digital entertainment , Walmart+ , airline fees , Uber Cash , Equinox , CLEAR Plus , Global Entry or TSA PreCheck , and Saks Fifth Avenue .

The Amex Platinum card offers a ton of value despite an incredibly high annual fee. If you can take advantage of the various statement credits, the Amex Platinum card is worth having in your wallet.

When it comes to credit cards, no one card has everything to offer and that includes the Amex Platinum card. Although the Amex Platinum card offers a ton of value, the card is not all that great for everyday spending.

The Amex Platinum card severely lacks bonus categories . The card earns a low 1x points on many everyday spending categories, including restaurants, supermarkets, and gas.

If you spend a lot on airfare, it may be worth having the Amex Platinum card in your wallet . However, if airfare is not where you spend the most money, the card becomes a lot less useful, as it earns 1x on nearly everything else.

This is reason enough to carry another card in your wallet.

The 3 Best Personal Cards To Pair With the Amex Platinum Card

Amex Gold Amex Platinum Card Upgraded Points LLC Large

When it comes to pairing credit cards, you want to maximize the rewards you earn. This is best done by having a credit card that has higher rewards earning potential for specific categories . When you know what your largest spending categories are, it becomes quite easier to determine which cards to pair.

Let’s say you spend a lot on airfare and going out to eat with your friends and family. Many cards may offer higher earnings potential for one of those categories but not for the other. When it comes to this situation, carrying 2 different credit cards can help you maximize your spending .

Now that we’ve covered the numerous benefits of the Amex Platinum card and where the card is weakest, let’s take a look at some of the best cards you can pair with the Amex Platinum card to maximize your spending.

American Express® Gold Card

American Express ® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners
  • $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
  • No lounge access
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn 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.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Find the Amex Gold 75k or 90k Welcome Bonus Offer
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When it comes to the best cards for everyday spending, arguably no card is more valuable than the Amex Gold card . This card consistently ranks as one of Upgraded Points’ top rewards credit cards.

When it comes to earning valuable Membership Rewards points, no card even comes close to some common spending categories.

With the Amex Gold card, you can earn  4x points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and U.S. supermarkets  on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases (it then drops to 1x). This elevated earnings potential is fantastic, as both restaurants and supermarkets are common spending categories.

The Amex Gold card does have a $250 annual fee ( rates & fees ). However, the card comes with a few different statement credits each year that effectively  offset its annual fee . These include:

  • Up to $120 in Annual Dining Credits : These are broken into monthly statement credits of up to $10 when you use your Amex Gold card at  Grubhub , The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly,  Wine.com , Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required).
  • Up to   $120 in Annual Uber Cash : This is issued as $10 monthly credits in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Amex Gold card to your Uber account.
  • A  $100 experience credit  with a 2-night minimum stay when you book  The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com. The experience credit varies by property.

Why This Card Pairs Well With the Amex Platinum Card

Unlike the Amex Platinum card, the Amex Gold card serves as both a travel rewards card and an everyday spending card . The higher earning rates on certain day-to-day spending categories make this card a no-brainer.

Carrying both the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Gold card is a great way to earn American Express Membership Rewards points by maximizing your spend. According to  our valuations , Amex Membership Rewards are the most valuable points available from a credit card loyalty program.

For travel purchases, you could use the Amex Platinum card to earn 5x points for all flights purchased directly with an airline or AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year, then 1x) and for all prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com.

You could then use the Amex Gold card for all purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets , as the card earns 4x points on those categories for up to $25,000 per calendar year (then 1x). It is worth noting that the Amex Gold card has no foreign transaction fees and you will still earn 4x points when spending at restaurants abroad ( rates & fees ).

Pairing these 2 cards together is a great way to maximize your earning potential.

The combination of the Amex Platinum card and Amex Gold card is a great way to maximize your Membership Rewards earnings. Check out our comparison of the Amex Platinum card vs. the Amex Gold card for more details.

American Express® Green Card

American Express ® Green Card

This card can provide a great way to accumulate Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit, and at restaurants.

The American Express ® Green Card is an excellent all-around travel rewards card thanks to earning 3x Membership Rewards ® points on eligible travel and transit purchases and at restaurants, access to American Express transfer partners, and a reasonable annual fee.

  • 3x points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, on all eligible travel purchases, and transit purchases
  • Up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits after you pay for a CLEAR ® Plus membership with the Card.
  • Up to $100 in statement credits annually when you purchase airport lounge access through LoungeBuddy with the Card.
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • $150 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your American Express ® Green Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
  • $189 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express ® Green Card.
  • $100 LoungeBuddy: No airport lounge membership? No problem! Purchase lounge access through the LoungeBuddy app using the American Express ® Green Card and receive up to $100 in statement credits annually.
  • Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It ® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
  • Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express ® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
  • $150 annual fee.
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  • Travel Insurance Benefits of the Amex Green
  • Amex Green CLEAR Plus Credit
  • The Amex Green $100 LoungeBuddy Credit
  • Is the Amex Green a Good Card for Frequent Travelers?
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If the Amex Gold card’s $250 annual fee seems too high to add to the Amex Platinum card’s $695 annual fee, there is another option, especially for those who eat out but also commute often.

The Amex Green card is a great all-around Membership Rewards-earning credit card that offers great earning potential. The Amex Green card earns 3x points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), on all eligible travel purchases, and on transit purchases.

Travel purchases include airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Transit purchases include trains, taxicabs, ride-share services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.

The Amex Green card also comes with credits that help offset its $150 annual fee. These credits include:

  • Up to $189 CLEAR Plus Credit : You receive up to $189 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for a CLEAR Plus membership.
  • Up to $100 LoungeBuddy Credit : You can receive up to $100 in statement credits annually for lounge access purchases.

The Amex Green card is another great card to pair with the Amex Platinum Card, thanks to its higher earning potential on some common spending categories. Although the Amex Platinum card is a more premium credit card, the Amex Green card has a  very  broad definition of travel. Per American Express, travel includes airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, and more.

While we would recommend using the Amex Platinum card for booking flights directly with an airline or through AmexTravel.com , the Amex Green card could be used to cover everything else in the travel category, including car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. If you plan on doing a lot of your travel bookings outside of AmexTravel.com , you’re better off spending on a card like the Amex Green card.

The Amex Green card is especially great for those who prefer booking hotels directly , whether for elite benefits or hotel spending requirements for status, as the card earns 3x points compared to the Amex Platinum card’s earning of just 1x points on hotels (hotels that are not prepaid and booked through AmexTravel.com).

If you eat out a lot, the Amex Green card would also be worth carrying, as it earns 3x points at restaurants  worldwide, compared to just 1x points on the Amex Platinum card.

The Amex Green card has a broad definition of travel that lets you earn 3x Membership Rewards points, higher than an ultra-premium travel card like the Amex Platinum card. Our head-to-head comparison of the Amex Platinum card vs. the Amex Green card further illustrates when you might use one card over the other.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners
  • $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
  • Limited elite benefits
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

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Although the Amex Platinum card generally pairs best with other Membership Rewards-earning cards, let’s also take a look at a great card offered by a competing issuer. Since the Amex Platinum card is not a good option as an everyday credit card, you should ideally pair it with something better for everyday spending.

The Capital One Venture card is a popular option for an all-around card. With the Capital One Venture card, you can earn an unlimited 2x miles on every purchase . This makes it a simple option for earning a bit more on everyday spending. You can also earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel . This provides an alternative to AmexTravel.com when it comes to booking hotels.

In addition, the Capital One Venture card also features other benefits , including purchase protection and insurance, including rental cars and travel insurance . The card also comes with a Global Entry / TSA PreCheck application credit of up to $100 every 4 years.

Similar to Amex Membership Rewards, when you earn Capital One miles , you have access to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners . The Capital One Venture card has an annual fee of $95 ( rates & fees ) and does not charge any foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees ).

Unlike the Amex Platinum card, the Capital One Venture card is an excellent card for everyday spending for a low annual fee.

With this credit card combination, you could use the Amex Platinum card for all flights and prepaid hotels with AmexTravel.com and then use the Capital One Venture card for all other purchases . You could also use the Capital One Venture card for hotels booked through Capital One Travel, as you would also earn 5x miles. It would be best to compare rates between the 2 travel portals.

Although you wouldn’t be earning American Express Membership Rewards points with it, carrying the Capital One Venture card in your wallet allows you to earn Capital One miles. Better yet, both American Express and Capital One have common transfer partners , including Air Canada Aeroplan and British Airways Executive Club. This allows you to pool points together, earning them more quickly for award travel.

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Capital One miles for max value.

The Best Business Card To Pair With the Amex Platinum Card

Now that we have looked at some of the best personal cards to pair with the Amex Platinum card, we thought it would be worth mentioning a business credit card for small business owners.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express .

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees ).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

  • 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
  • No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
  • No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
  • No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
  • Charges foreign transaction fees
  • Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
  • You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
  • *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply
  • APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
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The Amex Blue Business Plus card is arguably the single best card for small business owners looking for a simplified earning structure for business spending.

The card earns 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 per year. After you reach that threshold, the card earns 1x points. The 2x points are a great way to earn Membership Rewards points on spending that generally does not have any bonus.

In addition to the simplified earnings, the Amex Blue Business Plus card also offers other perks. For example, the Amex Blue Business Plus card allows you to add employee cards for no additional fee ( rates & fees ), which is a welcome addition for businesses with multiple employees.

The Amex Blue Business Plus card also comes with purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and car rental insurance.

The card provides all this value with a $0 annual fee ( rates & fees ).

The Amex Blue Business Plus card pairs nicely with the Amex Platinum card for 1 main reason. Although the card does not offer any bonus categories, the 2x Membership Rewards points earned on everyday purchases are already better than what the Amex Platinum card offers in many everyday spending categories.

To make the most of this combination, you could use the Amex Platinum card for all your airfare purchases directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com and all prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com to earn 5x points .

You could then use the Amex Blue Business Plus card for all other business expenses to earn 2x points . With this combination of cards, you earn at least 2x Membership Rewards points for all your business spending, up to $50,000 per year.

It is worth noting that the Amex Blue Business Plus card charges foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees ). For purchases abroad, the Amex Platinum card is a better choice.

The straightforward earning structure makes the Amex Blue Business Plus card one of the best cards available with no annual fee.

Card Comparison

Now that we have looked at some cards to pair with the Amex Platinum card, let’s review the earning rates on common spending categories and see which card is best to use.

One of the best reasons to apply for a new credit card is a generous welcome bonus , as you can earn thousands of extra points and miles by meeting a minimum spending requirement .

Now that we have covered what cards are best for everyday spending categories, let’s also take a look at the current welcome offers and annual fees for each card discussed in this article.

Pairing the right credit cards is the best way to speed up your rewards-earning potential by maximizing a specific card for a specific bonus category. Because credit cards offer different benefits and earning potential, it makes sense to carry more than 1 card.

No single credit card is best for everyone, and that includes an ultra-premium credit card like the Amex Platinum card. Although it has so much to offer in terms of luxury travel perks and lifestyle benefits, the card is severely lacking in everyday spending categories.

Pairing the Amex Platinum card with any of the cards mentioned in this article is a great way to maximize your travel rewards. It’s important to know what your highest spending categories are, as that simplifies deciding which card to pair with your current card.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa ® or Mastercard ® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For the purchase protection benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the extended warranty benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual fee of the amex platinum card.

The Amex Platinum card comes with a $695 annual fee. However, the card also comes with numerous statement credits that help offset the annual fee. These include up to $200 in airline incidental credits, up to $200 in Uber Cash credit, and up to $200 in prepaid hotel credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, among others.

Does the Amex Gold card have foreign transaction fees?

The Amex Gold does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for certain purchases abroad.

Is the Amex Gold card worth having?

The Amex Gold card is a fantastic card worth considering and should be the go-to card if you eat out a lot and shop at U.S. supermarkets.

What is the annual fee on the Amex Green card?

The Amex Green card has a $150 annual fee.

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About Ehsan Haque

Ehsan is an avid traveler who has traveled to 100 countries, diligently using points and miles to fund his journeys. Currently, he holds 32 active credit cards and earns over a million points and miles annually, primarily using them for luxury hotels and long-haul premium cabins.

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4 reasons why the Amex Platinum may be the ideal card for Delta flyers

Chris Dong

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the top earners on airfare purchases .

Beyond earning, though, there are various other reasons why the Amex Platinum Card is a great option for all sorts of air travelers. And it's an especially good option for Delta flyers .

Thanks to Delta's close partnership with Amex , semi-regular travelers on the carrier have more reasons than most to consider adding this card to their wallets. Here's what to know.

Maximize your airfare purchases

As mentioned above, most other cards can't beat the Amex Platinum when it comes to the return you'll get on airfare spending.

amex travel best card

The card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchases made directly with the airline or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 spent on these purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent). TPG values American Express Membership Rewards at 2 cents apiece, so that's like getting 10% back on your spending.

In the case of Delta specifically, remember that Amex points transfer to Delta SkyMiles instantly on a 1:1 basis. So, earning 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar is like earning 5 Delta SkyMiles per dollar on airfare spending.

That beats what you can earn on Delta purchases with a cobranded Delta credit card .

Related: Why this TPG staffer is chasing Delta elite status

Earn valuable points

Speaking of transfers, the Amex Platinum earns Membership Rewards points that can be converted into miles or points with several different airline frequent flyer and hotel points partner programs.

While you could transfer your Membership Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio to Delta SkyMiles , you don't necessarily have to focus on the program like you would if you were simply earning Delta SkyMiles with one of the airline's cobranded credit cards.

Basically, it's like the best of both worlds — you can still use your Amex points toward Delta awards, but you have many options beyond that.

amex travel best card

While Delta might be your preferred airline, having transferable points helps you for a few reasons:

  • It gives you numerous options to book airlines and hotels you normally might not have on your radar.
  • It protects you from loyalty program devaluations .
  • It minimizes the risk against bankruptcies and program suspensions.

Transferable points such as Membership Rewards points could even be a financial safety net for unplanned expenses and emergencies.

As long as you have Membership Rewards, you have Delta miles whenever you need them. But if a different opportunity arises, you're ready for that, too.

Related: Travel is back. Now, points and miles devaluations are (likely) coming

Transfer to Delta and partners

As mentioned, you can instantly transfer the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn with the Amex Platinum (and other eligible cards) to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. This is a great way to top off your Delta SkyMiles balance if you need extra miles for a particular redemption.

American Express is also Delta's exclusive partner for its lineup of cobranded credit cards , so it's a good bet you'll be able to leverage this benefit for years to come.

However, one of the main reasons to accumulate points with Amex rather than just directly with Delta is that you can leverage the power of airline partnerships beyond Delta's SkyMiles program. For instance, you can transfer Membership Rewards points not only to Delta but also to Virgin Atlantic .

As with any transferable currency, you should only transfer when you are confident that there is available award inventory. Transfers only go one way: You can't convert Delta miles back into Amex Membership Rewards points if you change your mind.

Related: 6 Delta SkyMiles sweet spots worth saving up for

Lounge access

Aside from earning, the Amex Platinum has several day-of-travel perks that can save you time and money.

Many Delta loyalists will opt for the airline's top-tier personal card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , to access Sky Clubs when flying Delta. The Delta Reserve gets you unlimited Delta Sky Club access when you fly Delta through Jan. 31, 2025; this will be limited to 15 visits per year from Feb. 1, 2025, unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.

Conversely, the Amex Platinum still gets you unlimited access to Sky Clubs when flying Delta through Jan. 31, 2025; although, you'll get five fewer visits (10 in total) per year from Feb. 1, 2025, unless you spend $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.

amex travel best card

You can also access Centurion Lounges with both cards. The difference is that you'll only get access to them with the Delta Reserve if you are flying Delta and you purchased your ticket with a U.S. Amex-issued card. The Amex Platinum gets you access, regardless of the carrier you fly with.

Finally, there is an up-to- $200 airline fee statement credit per calendar year on the Amex Platinum, which can cover checked bag fees on the airline you select each calendar year.

If you're flying Delta (or another U.S.-based airline) and don't want to shell out for the airline's cobranded card with a checked bag fee perk, you can offset the cost through your Platinum Card. Enrollment is required.

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

A reason to still consider Delta cobranded cards

While the Amex Platinum is an excellent all-around choice for Delta flyers, there's one area where four Delta cobranded cards have the advantage.

If you're working toward Delta Medallion elite status , you can accrue Medallion Qualification Dollars by spending on one of the following cards:

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card : Earn 1 MQD per $20 spent.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card : Earn 1 MQD per $10 spent.

You'll also receive an annual MQD Headstart that gives you 2,500 MQDs automatically deposited each year on all these cards.

Those are benefits that the Amex Platinum can't provide, so if you're dead-set on earning Delta elite status, you might want to consider one of its cobranded offerings.

Bottom line

The Amex Platinum has a hefty $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ), but the cost can be easily justified if you take advantage of the many perks available. The Platinum Card earns our top spot as the best luxury card for Delta flyers thanks to benefits including Sky Club access when flying Delta, earning points that can be transferred to SkyMiles and a useful airline fee credit.

However, if you specifically want to earn MQMs toward elite status through spending and a welcome offer, you'll still want to consider the other Delta cobranded options .

Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express , or check the CardMatch Tool to see if you've been selected for an elevated welcome offer.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here .

amex travel best card

Is the Delta Reserve Amex worth it? Here’s how to decide

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Delta’s premium credit card from American Express comes with multiple benefits that seem attractive at first glance to fans of Delta Air Lines, but it comes with one of the highest annual fees on the market. Because of that, making use of every benefit each year is the only way to judge if the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is right for you.

For whom is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card worth It?

Having a credit card for Delta Air Lines might make sense if you’re flying on the airline quite a bit, but also there are a few sets of people for which getting this card makes a lot of sense.

Flyers who want lounge access

For travelers who prioritize getting to the airport earlier so they can enjoy some time at the lounge sipping on a drink and having a snack before their flight, this card offers a compelling argument. Just keep in mind that as of 2/1/25, cardmembers will get 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, with the ability to earn unlimited visits if they spend at least $75,000 a year, as well as four one-time guest passes so you can bring a guest along with you on your flights into the lounge.

The card also comes with unlimited access to the Centurion network of lounges as well, provided you used your card to purchase your Delta flights.

Big spenders who want status

This card becomes quite valuable if you already are a big spender, as a few benefits unlock the more you use your card. For starters, once you spend $75,000 or more every year, you receive unlimited visits to the Delta Sky Club. 

This card also offers cardmembers the chance to earn status with their spend. Every $10 you spend with this card gets you $1 in Medallion qualification dollars towards your status as a boost for next year’s status. Additionally, you’re offered $2,500 Medallion qualification dollars as a head start, helping you get even closer to earning status.

Travelers who check baggage

For those travelers who travel often and regularly check luggage, this card can save them significant cash as it comes with a first checked bag fee waiver for themselves and up to eight additional passengers in the same reservation. Delta charges $30 each way for a checked bag on domestic flights, so a family of four traveling together can save up to $240 per round trip if they all check one bag. The savings quickly add up the more you travel.

For whom is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card not worth it?

You might already have a couple of credit cards in your wallet, and you’re thinking about applying for this one as well. Before you hit that application button, see if you fall into any of these categories. If you do, then you might want to pause and think twice.

Cardmembers averse to high annual fees

Regardless of the myriad perks this card comes with, for those who just can’t get past this card’s astronomical annual fee, very little can be done to overcome that objection. The card comes with lounge access, a companion certificate that’s good for first class tickets, plenty of statement credits that can help take the sting off the high annual fee, but if the high dollar amount required to get them is a non starter, it’s best to just move on to another card.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page  

Travelers with no set airline loyalty

For those whose only loyalty lies with your bottom line and they will choose whatever airline gets them to their destination the cheapest, getting an airline co-branded credit card that forces them to route all their travel with Delta and offers mostly Delta-related perks might not be a great idea. In these cases, a general purpose travel card that offers flexibility in benefits and redemptions options is the best way to go.

Solo flyers

Travelers who normally fly solo will not obtain the most value from this card, as a few of the card’s perks are best enjoyed with someone else. The companion certificate the card comes with can help you get a first class, Comfort+ or main cabin round trip ticket for domestic, Caribbean or Central American destinations every year for just up to $80 for domestic flights and $250 for international ones. This can save them hundreds of dollars on that second ticket depending on their chosen destination, but it obviously only works if they’re traveling with someone else.

The same logic applies to waived baggage fees, which works for you and up to eight other people in your reservation, and while there’s some value in using it just for yourself, the savings add up the more travelers you fly with.

How to Maximize Rewards with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Cardholders applying for this card for the first time can earn a 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. This is a significant head start that can help you start booking award travel earlier.

Utilizing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for bonus categories will help earn more miles faster, but this card only bonuses spend purchases on Delta flights and Delta Vacations at 3X, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. The only way to earn more is to spend more. 

Another way to earn a few additional miles here and there is to enroll in the Delta SkyMiles Dining program, which allows you to earn additional miles whenever you use your enrolled card in one of the program’s participating restaurants. Lastly, if you regularly make online purchases, you might as well run your purchases through the Delta SkyMiles Shopping portal, which helps you earn additional miles when you click through the portal’s links.

The Takeaway

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a few compelling reasons to get it to avid Delta flyers who are also relatively big spenders. A few of the benefits kick in the more they spend—like unlimited lounge visits as well as potentially earning status with the airline—while at the same time helping them save some money by way of multiple statement credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i transfer delta skymiles to any other airlines.

Delta SkyMiles are not transferable to other airlines, but you can use SkyMiles to book flights on many of Delta’s SkyTeam partners. This can virtually help you get anywhere in the world, since there are more than a dozen partners to choose from.

How do I earn status with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card?

This card can help you earn status based on spend. The more purchases you make with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card, the more Medallion qualification dollars you earn, at a rate of $1 earned for every $10 in purchases. Additionally, you’ll earn $2,500 Medallion qualification dollars per year as a head start.

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card come with unlimited lounge access?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve comes with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year after 2/1/25, but you can unlock unlimited visits if you spend at least $75,000 a year with the card. Access to the Centurion lounge is uncapped, but it is only granted when you’re flying Delta flights that you used your card to purchase.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

Is the Delta Reserve Amex worth it? Here’s how to decide

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Credit Cards

Why I got the Citi Custom Cash Card this year instead of another travel rewards card

Kevin Payne

Julie Sherrier

Julie Sherrier

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 6:27 a.m. UTC March 27, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

Featured Image

megaflopp, Getty Images

Citi is a Blueprint partner. 

I love travel rewards . They have played a pivotal role in our family’s travel plans for over a decade. We’ve redeemed countless points and miles for flights, hotel stays, vacation rentals, Disney World tickets and other travel experiences. 

As a credit card writer, I’ve covered a wide range of cards over the years. While I’ve reviewed and written about dozens of cash-back cards, it wasn’t until this year that I added one to my wallet. I was recently approved for the Citi Custom Cash® Card . Although it’s not the flashiest card, it’s been a godsend this year. 

Here’s why I opted for Citi Custom Cash instead of another travel rewards card. 

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

  • No annual fees.
  • Easy-to-redeem cash-back rewards.
  • Introductory APR period.
  • Charges foreign transaction fees.
  • There’s a balance transfer fee.
  • Limited cash-back reward categories.

Card Details

  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ®  Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

It comes with an attractive intro APR offer 

The primary reason I decided to get the Citi Custom Cash Card was its intro APR offer. It comes with a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and from the date of the first transfer for balance transfers within the first four months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% to 29.24%. There is a balance transfer fee of 5% of each balance transfer with a $5 minimum.

I had no interest in doing a balance transfer and, normally, an intro 0% interest rate wouldn’t matter because I pay my balances on time and in full each month. However, I knew our family had several large financial obligations coming up. Having the option to finance those purchases for up to 15 months without incurring interest charges provided additional flexibility if we needed it. 

Have your eye on a Citi card with a balance transfer offer? Here’s how to do a balance transfer with Citi .

It earns elevated cash-back rewards across a range of eligible categories

While plenty of cash-back cards feature intro APR offers, what drew me to the Citi Custom Cash was its unique bonus rewards structure. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on purchases in a top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent each month and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

These are the 10 eligible spending categories where you can earn 5% cash back, up to the $500 monthly billing cycle maximum:

  • Restaurants.
  • Gas stations.
  • Grocery stores.
  • Select travel.
  • Select transit.
  • Select streaming services.
  • Drugstores.
  • Home improvement stores.
  • Fitness clubs.
  • Live entertainment.

Our monthly budget almost always includes several of these categories, so it’s easy for us to max out our rewards potential every billing cycle. The best part is that I don’t have to activate or opt into these categories or track my rewards. Citi automatically assigns the bonus cash back designation to my top eligible spend category each month. 

It features an easily attainable bonus offer 

Earning welcome bonuses is one of the simplest ways to earn a ton of rewards quickly. Typically, you have to meet a specific spending requirement within a certain time period to earn that bonus. With the Citi Custom Cash Card, you’ll earn $200 cash back, in the form of 20,000 ThankYou points, after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. 

While that’s not the lowest spending requirement I’ve seen to earn a bonus, I hit the mark in the first month without straying from our typical monthly spending. That’s a nice chunk of cash back in my pocket for purchases our family was going to make anyway.

It has no annual fee

There’s nothing wrong with paying an annual fee, especially if you get enough value from a card’s rewards and benefits to offset the cost. But it’s also nice to have in your wallet a valuable credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee . 

The Citi Custom Cash doesn’t offer many extra benefits, so it’s hard to say if I would value it as much if it included a yearly fee. 

How I am using Citi Custom Cash as part of my overall credit rewards strategy

So far, I’ve only redeemed rewards earned from Citi Custom Cash as statement credits, but it offers other redemption options, such as cash back via direct deposit or check, gift cards, travel and Shop with Points at Amazon.com. 

Cash back rewards come in the form of ThankYou® points . And, because I already have the Citi Premier® Card * The information for the Citi Premier® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , Citi lets me pool my points together and take advantage of another valuable redemption option—point transfers to Citi’s hotel and airline transfer partners.

Wondering how to use your Citi ThankYou points for travel? Read our complete guide to the ThankYou travel portal .

The Citi Custom Cash offers few additional card benefits beyond its rewards and intro APR offer. But because I have multiple rewards credit cards, I can already access a full suite of perks, like travel and consumer protections, annual credits, partner perks and elite status upgrades. I don’t need those types of benefits from my new cash-back card. 

It’s not a perfect card by any means. The bonus cash back is capped at the first $500 in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle. So far, we’ve maxed out our bonus cash back potential every cycle. The base cash-back rate on all other purchases is low, so I use the Citi Custom Cash for spending in a specific category and rely on other cards with higher rewards rates when spending in other categories. 

The Citi Custom Cash does charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, but since I have several other rewards cards that don’t charge a fee for international purchases, it’s not a dealbreaker.

Final verdict

Cash-back rewards like those earned with the Citi Custom Cash don’t get much love from travel rewards enthusiasts because they’re perceived to offer less value. But regardless of point valuations and the perceived “best” way to earn and redeem rewards, value is in the eye of the beholder. 

Often, it’s better to survey your current circumstances to see if there might be a credit card that fits your needs better than those generally regarded as the best rewards cards. By adding the Citi Custom Cash to my wallet, I have a more diverse card selection to choose from without having to pay another annual fee. 

Read more: How to choose the right credit card for you .

*The information for the Citi Premier® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne is a personal finance and travel writer who covers credit cards, banking, and other personal finance topics. In addition to Forbes, his work has been featured by Bankrate, Fox Business, Slick Deals, and more. He is the budgeting and family travel enthusiast behind Family Money Adventure. Kevin lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and four kids.

Julie Stephen Sherrier is a personal finance writer and editor based in Austin, TX. She is the former senior managing editor for LendingTree, responsible for all credit card and credit health content. Before joining LendingTree, Julie spent more than a decade as the managing editor and then editorial director at Bankrate and CreditCards.com. She also served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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COMMENTS

  1. 9 Best American Express Credit Cards of March 2024

    Recommended Credit. 670-850 Excellent/Good. Why We Chose It. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases.

  2. Best Amex Credit Cards for Travel in 2024

    Welcome offer. All the top Amex travel credit cards give you the opportunity to earn bonus points or miles through different welcome offers. If you get the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, you earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles by spending $500 on eligible purchases in the first three months.

  3. Best American Express Credit Cards Of March 2024

    Best Midrange Amex Card for Travel Rewards. Excellent/Good $150. Earn 40,000 points Rates & Fees. American Express® Gold Card Best Card for Foodies. Excellent/Good $250 ...

  4. Most High-Value AmEx Card Offers for Travelers

    AmEx travel portal value. 1 cent for flights; 0.5-0.7 cents for hotels and cruises. 1 cent for flights; 0.5-0.7 cents for hotels and cruises. Transferable points. Yes. Yes. Travel insurance. Trip ...

  5. American Express Travel: Everything you need to know

    Amex Travel is the booking portal for most American Express cards. You can book flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises through the site, and you can pay with points, cash or a combination of the two. How to book flights on the Amex Travel portal. To find flights on American Express Travel, visit this webpage. The flight booking process on the ...

  6. Best Travel Credit Cards of March 2024

    Travel cards have varying rates for different purchase categories. For example, the American Express® Gold Card card earns 4 points per dollar spent on restaurants but only 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or Amex Travel. While the Amex Platinum may be a better card for travel as it earns 5 points per ...

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    Best American Express Credit Cards of 2024. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for frequent travelers. American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining rewards. Blue Cash Preferred ...

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    The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best Travel Credit Card for Lounge Access American Express® Gold Card : Best Travel Rewards Earning for Foodies Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ...

  10. Best American Express credit cards of March 2024

    American Express® Gold Card: Best for restaurants and travel rewards. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for premium travel benefits. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express ...

  11. Amex Travel Portal: Find The Best Deals

    In most cases, the best deals on the Amex Travel Portal are for booking flights, hotels or cruises. Booking car rentals or vacation packages probably won't offer massive savings compared to ...

  12. American Express Platinum Card review: An elite travel card with first

    Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a slightly lower annual fee of $550, and cardholders can get a $300 annual travel credit. This card offers fewer credits than the Amex Platinum, but ...

  13. What Is the Best Credit Card for Travel?

    The best credit cards with travel insurance also tend to be premium travel credit cards. For example, The American Express Platinum Card offers trip delay, trip cancellation, and interruption insurance if you book travel through the card. It also extends car rental loss and damage insurance to cardmembers, something that not all travel credit ...

  14. The Amex Platinum Credit Card Review

    When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.. Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily ...

  15. Best American Express Cards of March 2024

    The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Luxury travel perks. American Express® Gold Card: Best for Travel rewards on everyday spending. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express ...

  16. American Express Platinum Benefits & Travel Perks

    From short flights to long hotel stays, you can use Pay with Points for all or part of the purchase through AmexTravel.com. Or, earn 5X Membership Rewards points when you book with your Platinum Card. This includes up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and eligible prepaid ...

  17. The Complete Guide to the Amex Travel Portal

    The Amex Travel portal can provide great value to those looking to book travel. This is especially true if you have one of Amex's high-end cards, which provide exclusive benefits.

  18. The Five Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

    Annual fee: $695. The quick sell: Even with patchy acceptance of Amex cards abroad, the Platinum card continues to reign supreme for its excellent airport lounge access and instant VIP status at ...

  19. Which is the best American Express credit card for you in 2021?

    Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best no-annual-fee Hilton card (see rates and fees) Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card: ... Earning rate(s): Earn 5x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 1x points per dollar ...

  20. The 4 Best Cards To Pair With the Amex Platinum Card

    The Amex Blue Business Plus card is arguably the single best card for small business owners looking for a simplified earning structure for business spending. The card earns 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 per year. After you reach that threshold, the card earns 1x points.

  21. Top Credit Card Combinations to Maximize Your Rewards

    This card earns 5 Membership Rewards® points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year, 5 points per $1 on prepaid ...

  22. 7 of the best cards to pair with the Amex Gold

    Delta is one of Amex's transfer partners, which makes using your Amex Gold to supplement your Delta earnings for redemptions easy. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex is a great choice for casual flyers ...

  23. Best Amex Offers To Save On Travel Now

    Hotel Offers. Best Western: $20 back after spending $100 or more through December 31, 2023. Cambria and Ascend Hotels: $100 back after spending $300 or more through December 31, 2023. Hilton—Las ...

  24. How to earn airline miles and hotel points with Uber

    This card earns 2 points per dollar on all purchases, including Uber and Uber Eats, with a limit of $50,000 per calendar year. Finally, the American Express® Green Card earns card holders 3 ...

  25. 4 reasons why the Amex Platinum may be the ideal card for Delta flyers

    The card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchases made directly with the airline or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 spent on these purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent). TPG values American Express Membership Rewards at 2 cents apiece, so that's like getting 10% back on your spending.

  26. Best credit cards for gas for April 2024

    Best for business: American Express® Business Gold Card. Potential annual gas rewards: 8,932 points, which are worth up to $89 if used to book flights through Amex Travel. Annual fee: $375 ( see ...

  27. Is the Delta Reserve Amex worth it? Here's how to decide

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card packs a few premium benefits for frequent Delta flyers like lounge access, free bags and a companion certificate, but only if they are willing to ...

  28. Best Card To Pair With The Amex Gold

    The Amex Gold combines two favorite spending categories—food and travel—and rewards you for them. This card's food benefits include 4 points per dollar on all restaurant and grocery ...

  29. Why I got the Citi Custom Cash Card this year instead of another travel

    With the Citi Custom Cash Card, you'll earn $200 cash back, in the form of 20,000 ThankYou points, after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. While that's ...

  30. Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards Of March 2024

    Best No Annual Fee Amex Card for Travel . Excellent/Good $0. Earn $200 Rates & Fees. Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Best No-Annual-Fee Card To Earn Rewards on Rent. Good/Excellent $0. N/A ...