The excellent rewards and benefits of the best American Express credit cards have helped them to get great marks. Almost every kind of spender can find a card from Amex, including credit cards for novices, casual travellers, road warriors, and always-on-the-go business travellers.
Amex provides a card to meet your demands, whether your search is for a no-annual-fee card, worldwide airport lounge access, significant cash back in designated categories, or VIP event access.
See our selections for the top Amex cards from our partners below to evaluate and choose which best fits you.
Best American Express Credit Cards
1. American Express® Gold: Best for U.S. supermarkets and restaurants
| Rewards rate | – Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. – Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. – Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. – Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. – Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
| Intro Offer | 60,000 points + earn up to $100 back |
| Annual Fee | $325 |
| Regular APR | See Pay Over Time APR |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
The American Express Gold is not only a card with a good appearance. Offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases every calendar year), it packs a tremendous punch.
Along with Uber Cash, which may be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the United States, Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys grant up to $120 annually ($10 per month). You have to add the card to your Uber app to get this advantage.
All this makes it a very strong candidate for all food purchases, which has grown to be a common spending line. Enrollment is needed for a few specific perks.
Pros
- On dining at restaurants (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; afterwards, 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year), 4 points per dollar.
- Three points for every dollar on flights booked either directly with the airline or through Amex Travel.
- A welcome bonus of 60,000 points will follow the first six months of card membership expenditure of $6,000. Also, for the first six months of card membership, get 20% back in statement credits on qualified restaurant purchases (up to $100).
Cons
- Weak in travel and daily expenditure bonus categories.
- Not as beneficial for people from outside the United States.
- Some would find it difficult to use Uber/food credits; limited travel benefits and protections.
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for high-end benefits
| Rewards rate | – 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. – Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
| Intro Offer | Earn 80,000 points |
| Annual Fee | $695 |
| Regular APR | See Pay Over Time APR |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
The Amex Platinum is unparalleled in terms of travel privileges and amenities. This card is quite valuable if you value lounge access, hotel elite status, and annual statement credits. The expensive annual charge is justified. See our review of the Platinum Card from American Express for more info.
Pros
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a first-rate concierge service to assist with anything from discovering destination guides to reserving difficult-to-get tickets.
- Among the vast list of benefits this card offers are access to Centurion Lounges, gratis elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $1,400 in varied yearly statement credits, and so much more. (Requires enrollment)
- The welcome offer on this card is really profitable right now. We figure it’s worth $1,600.
Cons
- Only if you fully utilize the features of the card will the $695 yearly cost be worth it. Travelers who seldom may not find enough value to justify the expense.
- It’s not a fantastic card for general spending since, outside of the present welcome bonus, you’re only receiving bonus rewards on particular airfare and hotel expenditures.
- Unlike the more general travel credits provided by rival premium cards, the annual airline fee credit can be difficult to maximize.
Related Article: To learn how to fully leverage the benefits of this card, read our guide on how to maximize Amex Platinum.
3. American Express Business Platinum Card®: Best for frequent business travelers
| Rewards rate | – 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com – Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. – 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. |
| Intro Offer | Earn 150,000 points |
| Annual Fee | $695 |
| Regular APR | 19.49% – 28.49% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
Frequent travellers wishing to add a bit of luxury to their work trips will find the American Express Business Platinum Card to be an excellent card. Although the card has a hefty annual cost, you are also receiving a lot of worthwhile returns.
They feature significant annual travel credits, unmatched lounge access with Amex Centurion Lounges and more.
Pros
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry every four years or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application cost every four one-half years (enrollment required)
- Credit up to $400 yearly on U.S. Dell purchases; Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs. (enrollment required)
- Access to Hotel Collection and the Fine Hotels & Resorts program
- International Airline Program; and Cruise Privileges Program
Cons
- Steep yearly cost.
- High expenses are needed for the welcome offer.
- Limited high bonus categories apart from travel.
4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for maximizing cash back
| Rewards rate | – 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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more – 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations – 1% Cash Back on other purchases |
| Intro Offer | Earn $250 |
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
| Regular APR | 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
Among the top cash-back credit cards available, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a good welcome bonus and a reasonable yearly cost. In addition, you will enjoy an excellent return over a broad spectrum of bonus categories.
Pros
- Among cash-back credit cards, this one boasts among the best earning systems.
- Access to Amex Offers (activation required) on the card might save you even more money on particular purchases.
Cons
- The U.S. supermarket bonus category has a $6,000 expenditure cap, which might not be suitable for people with big shopping expenses.
- International purchases will cost a foreign transaction fee, hence it’s not a fantastic option while you’re traveling overseas.
5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express: Best for SkyClub access
| Rewards rate | – Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. – Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
| Intro Offer | Earn 60,000 miles |
| Annual Fee | $650 |
| Regular APR | 20.99%-29.99% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
For Delta aficionados who prefer a quick route to elite status, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the best option; Delta SkyClubs lounge access, annual companion certificate, and great earning rates on Delta purchases. Check out our Delta SkyMiles Reserve card review.
Pros
- Statement credit for Global Entry charge (up to $100 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years).
- Delta Sky Club Access when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits annually 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 afterwards.
Cons
- High annual fee: $650
- Delta cobranded cards with lower fees offer superior earning categories.
6. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express: Best for occasional Delta flyers
| Rewards rate | – Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. – Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. |
| Intro Offer | Earn 40,000 Miles |
| Annual Fee | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. |
| Regular APR | 20.99%-29.99% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
For Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex users, the first checked bag is free, and priority boarding offers priceless elite-like advantages. It makes perfect sense to receive and keep this card.
Pros
- Twenty percent back in the form of a bill credit on in-flight purchases (not including Wi-Fi).
- The first checked bag is free for you and up to eight companions.
- Priority boarding
Cons
- Better Delta cards are available if you wish for lounge access or a boost to reach elite status.
- Not logical if you do not fly Delta.
7. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card: Best for cash-back beginners
| Rewards rate | – 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 of 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%. – 1% Cash Back on other purchases. |
| Intro Offer | Earn $200 |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
For those seeking a straightforward cash-back arrangement free of annual fees, the Blue Cash Everyday card is a solid choice. Popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. petrol stations, will provide you bonus cash-back incentives.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3% cash back at American petrol stations and American online retail transactions
- Amex Offers, which, depending on the vast range of stores you buy from, grant statement credits or extra points. (enrollment required)
- 3% cash back available at U.S. supermarkets
Cons
- The U.S. supermarket bonus category has a $6,000 spending cap, which might not be suitable for someone who spends more annually on groceries.
- Purchases overseas will incur a foreign transaction fee. Hence, it’s not a good option to bring with you when you travel outside the United States.
8. American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for small businesses that spend under $50,000 each year
| Rewards rate | – 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 |
| Intro Offer | 15,000 Membership Rewards® points |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 18.49% – 26.49% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
Two groups of consumers might find this credit card appropriate. First, the simple point-earning strategy of this card would be quite helpful for small business owners that have under $50,000 in transactions and wish to cut any further expenses.
Alternatively, if you currently have other cards with Amex Membership Rewards points and wish for a card with an everyday rewards rate, the 2x is useful for all purchases (assuming your calendar year spending is less than $50,000).
Pros
- No annual cost
- Get membership rewards points
- Transfer points to 22 hotel and airline partners
Cons
- 2x points limited at $50,000 annually; then, 1x
- No higher bonus categories for expenditure linked to businesses.
9. American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for flexible earning on business expenses
| Rewards rate | – Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories in each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap. – Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. – 1X is earned for other purchases. |
| Intro Offer | Earn 100,000 points |
| Annual Fee | $375 |
| Regular APR | 19.49% – 28.49% (Variable) |
| Recommended Credit | 670-850 (Excellent, Good) |
Why We Chose It
For high-spending small businesses with the freedom to accumulate 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend most, the Amex Business Gold card is a wise option. Companies that appreciate simplicity overall will find the card perfect.
Pros
- In the top two spending categories each billing cycle, you will receive 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar (on the first $150,000 in total purchases per fiscal year; afterwards, one point per dollar).
Cons
- Hefty $375 annual charge.
- Small companies with limited budgets could have better choices.