Best American Express Cards of December 2024
Updated: Nov 25, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
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, including options without annual fees. Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
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, including options without annual fees. Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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 More
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, including options without annual fees. Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
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, including options without annual fees. Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
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.
NerdWallet's Best American Express Cards of December 2024
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Households & families
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 Everyday spending + no annual fee
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
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best American Express Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Households & families | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 The Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Luxury travel perks | $695 | 1x-5x | 80,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Everyday spending + no annual fee | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 American Express® Gold CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Travel rewards on everyday spending | $325 | 1x-4x | 60,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Luxury perks for business travelers | $695 | 1x-5x | 150,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Simple rewards for small business | $0 | 1x-2x | 15,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 The American Express Blue Business Cash™ CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Simple cash rewards for small business | $0 | 1%-2% | $250 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 American Express® Business Gold CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Customized rewards for business | $375 | 1x-4x | 100,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 The Plum Card® from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Flexible financing for businesses | $250 | 1.5% | $0 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
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.
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.
Households & families
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers top-notch rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, as well as on transit expenses and select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Our Take
You'll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Terms Apply. There's a great welcome offer for new cardholders and a nice 0% intro APR period, too. Terms apply.
There's a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. It's steep for a cash-back credit card, but you'll make up for it with rewards by spending just $31 a week at U.S. supermarkets.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers top-notch rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, as well as on transit expenses and select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Luxury travel perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual fee as heavy as the stainless steel it's made of. But for big spenders who enjoy traveling in luxury, the generous perks and rewards can defray the cost and add more value to a vacation.
Product Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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 through American Express Travel using 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.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $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: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 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.
- 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.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card offers 5X points per $1 spent on airfare purchased directly from airlines or booked through American Express Travel; 5 points per $1 spent on hotels booked on amextravel.com; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. New cardholders get a solid welcome offer. And that's just to start. The lengthy list of ongoing perks — from airport lounge access and travel credits to automatic elite loyalty status at participating hotels — can easily be enough to offset the annual fee.
The $695 annual fee is one of the steepest around, so you'll need to be certain that you can make up the cost of it. The $200 annual airline credit can help, but it's limited to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline. Bonus rewards are targeted at travel spending, which might not fit your spending patterns. Finally, unlike with traditional credit cards, you can carry a balance only for certain charges; others must be paid in full monthly.
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual fee as heavy as the stainless steel it's made of. But for big spenders who enjoy traveling in luxury, the generous perks and rewards can defray the cost and add more value to a vacation.
Everyday spending + no annual fee
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great option if you spend regularly on groceries and gas but can't stomach the fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (described above).
Product Details
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.49% to 29.49% 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%.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- 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.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in spending in each category). Other purchases earn 1% back. Terms apply. There's a good 0% period and a solid bonus offer for new cardholders, too.
If you spend at least $61 per week at the supermarket, you may be better off paying the annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because of its higher rewards rate. This card also lacks the bonus streaming and transit rewards of the "Preferred" version.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great option if you spend regularly on groceries and gas but can't stomach the fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (described above).
Travel rewards on everyday spending
The American Express® Gold Card gives foodies and travelers a large side of Membership Rewards with their bites and flights. The rewards you earn are ideal for redeeming toward travel.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $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. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card offers 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at restaurants; 4 points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 spent annually; 3 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases. Other benefits include up to $120 a year in dining credit (available only in monthly increments on qualifying purchases). Plus, you start with welcome bonus offer.
The $325 annual fee may be a dealbreaker for some. The perks can defray the cost, but only if you make full use of them.
The American Express® Gold Card gives foodies and travelers a large side of Membership Rewards with their bites and flights. The rewards you earn are ideal for redeeming toward travel.
Luxury perks for business travelers
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can add value and luxury to your travel experience, if you don’t mind the sizable cost of card ownership. (For other options, see our list of the best AmEx business cards.)
Product Details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
- $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 the Card.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card is a match for business owners who spend big and prefer to travel in comfort. If that’s you, the card’s long list of perks can elevate your travel experience and offer more value for your money. You’ll start off with a nice welcome offer, then enjoy airport lounge access, a credit of up to $200 for incidental fees (like checked bags) on one airline, and a raft of other perks. As for rewards, you get 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com; 1.5 points per dollar on certain business categories (such as electronics and software) and purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million annually); and 1 point per dollar on eligible purchases. Terms apply.
The sky-high $695 annual fee is worth it only if you travel frequently enough to make full use of the card's perks. (The fee is a deductible business expense, though.) You’ll get the VIP treatment with this card, but only at places that accept it.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can add value and luxury to your travel experience, if you don’t mind the sizable cost of card ownership. (For other options, see our list of the best AmEx business cards.)
Simple rewards for small business
Come for the 0% intro APR offer; stay for the ongoing rewards. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a good fit for entrepreneurs looking for a $0-annual-fee, no-fuss card.
Product Details
- 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card gives you 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on everything, on up to the first $50,000 in purchases made every year, and 1 point per dollar after that. (Terms apply.) The 0% introductory APR offer is outstanding for a business credit card, and the annual fee is $0
The $50,000 spending cap on double points reduces this card's value for businesses with high operating expenses. Prefer cash to points? See The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.
Come for the 0% intro APR offer; stay for the ongoing rewards. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a good fit for entrepreneurs looking for a $0-annual-fee, no-fuss card.
Simple cash rewards for small business
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a solid cash-back rate on purchases (up to a point) and gives you a good 0% introductory APR period for an annual fee of $0.
Product Details
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card offers 2% cash back on the first $50,000 a year in eligible purchases, then 1% back. Terms apply. Cash back is automatically credited to your statement. Business owners also can get a break on interest payments with an 0% introductory APR offer.
The $50,000 annual cap on spending that earns 2% cash back will be a serious limitation for some businesses. If you're willing to pay an annual fee, there are other cards that offer unlimited 2% rewards.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a solid cash-back rate on purchases (up to a point) and gives you a good 0% introductory APR period for an annual fee of $0.
Customized rewards for business
The unique rewards structure on the American Express® Business Gold Card automatically changes with your spending. It can mean big rewards — if your purchases match its 4X categories.
Product Details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
- 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 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.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top two eligible categories where you spend the most each month. All other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The categories: airfare purchased directly from airlines; U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio); U.S. purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software and cloud solutions; U.S. gas stations; U.S. restaurants; and U.S. purchases for shipping. Terms apply. There's a welcome offer for new cardholders, too.
The $375 annual fee is steep. If your business doesn't spend much in the 4X categories, you'll have an uphill climb to break even.
The unique rewards structure on the American Express® Business Gold Card automatically changes with your spending. It can mean big rewards — if your purchases match its 4X categories.
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 interest-free.
Product Details
- Paying early pays off: earn an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.
- Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest‡, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.‡
- Terms Apply. Learn More.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pay your bill within 10 days of your statement closing date, and you get an automatic 1.5% discount. If you need more time, pay the minimum due, and you can get up to 60 days interest-free to pay the rest. The card also has no preset spending limit. Terms apply.
With a hefty annual fee, this card is designed for businesses that spend big. And while it offers flexible terms, it's still a charge card, meaning your balance will be due in full — you can't spread out the cost of a purchase over several months.
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 interest-free.
ALSO SEE: Best credit cards of 2024 || Visa || Mastercard || American Express || Discover || Bank of America® || Capital One || Chase || Citi || US Bank || Wells Fargo
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: Households & families
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. Terms apply. Read our review.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Everyday spending + 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 APR period. 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.
SMALL BUSINESS CARDS
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Luxury perks for business travelers
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 nontravel 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. Terms apply. 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 top two eligible 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 wireless telephone 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
Hilton Hotels credit cards
Other credit cards
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
ASK OUR CREDIT CARD EXPERTS
Sally French
Sally FrenchWHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
The Platinum Card. Yes, it's a bougie coupon book. But I am an extreme couponer, and I like to be bougie, too! I love the airport lounge access, which makes it so I actually look forward to getting to the airport early. If you're the kind of person who rolls up to your gate one minute before the boarding door closes, then skip this card. But if you travel often and like the peace that Centurion Lounges entail, then you may find this card worth it.
Sally French
Writer/spokesperson, travel rewards
Kenley Young
Kenley YoungWHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
The AmEx Gold, even with its higher annual fee, is still probably the ultimate card for families, IMO. Groceries and dining out are the two largest monthly expenses for my household (besides the mortgage), and it's rare to find a card that can reward you so handsomely in both of those categories.
Kenley Young
Editor, credit cards
Paul Soucy
Paul SoucyWHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
Blue Cash Preferred is the first card I got after I started working at NerdWallet. We spend a lot of money on groceries and a lot of money on streaming. I'll admit that we now have so many subscriptions that the streaming rewards alone pay the annual fee on this card.
Paul Soucy
Content director, credit cards and travel rewards
Melissa Lambarena
Melissa LambarenaWHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
Blue Cash Everyday is my favorite AmEx card because I can use it for groceries and gas. AmEx offers have also gone a long way in helping me save at qualifying U.S. supermarkets.
Melissa Lambarena
Writer, credit cards
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
The Platinum Card. Yes, it's a bougie coupon book. But I am an extreme couponer, and I like to be bougie, too! I love the airport lounge access, which makes it so I actually look forward to getting to the airport early. If you're the kind of person who rolls up to your gate one minute before the boarding door closes, then skip this card. But if you travel often and like the peace that Centurion Lounges entail, then you may find this card worth it.
Sally French
Writer/spokesperson, travel rewards
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
The AmEx Gold, even with its higher annual fee, is still probably the ultimate card for families, IMO. Groceries and dining out are the two largest monthly expenses for my household (besides the mortgage), and it's rare to find a card that can reward you so handsomely in both of those categories.
Kenley Young
Editor, credit cards
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
Blue Cash Preferred is the first card I got after I started working at NerdWallet. We spend a lot of money on groceries and a lot of money on streaming. I'll admit that we now have so many subscriptions that the streaming rewards alone pay the annual fee on this card.
Paul Soucy
Content director, credit cards and travel rewards
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD, AND WHY?
Blue Cash Everyday is my favorite AmEx card because I can use it for groceries and gas. AmEx offers have also gone a long way in helping me save at qualifying U.S. supermarkets.
Melissa Lambarena
Writer, credit cards
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Do all American Express cards have annual fees?
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.
What kind of rewards and perks do American Express cards offer?
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.
Is it hard to get an American Express 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.
Why do some merchants not accept American Express?
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.
Can you get an American Express credit card with bad credit?
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
