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Simply mentioning American Express credit cards can conjure images of luxury perks and lucrative welcome offers. And the hype is well-earned. The best American Express cards can potentially net you hundreds of dollars per year in rewards and deliver plush benefits like premium lounge access and valuable credits. Whether you’re looking to earn cash back or travel rewards, Amex has excellent options for both personal and business spending. We looked at all of this issuer’s offerings to help you find the best Amex card for your unique spending needs. Here are the best American Express credit cards for 2024.

Best American Express credit cards

All information about American Express® Green Card, American Express Cash Magnet® Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 40+ cards analyzed.
  • 7+ data points considered.
  • 5-step fact-checking process.

Best for restaurants and travel rewards

American Express® Gold Card

Partner Offer
American Express® Gold Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & fees / Terms apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s secure website

Welcome bonus

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 60,000 points

Annual fee

$250

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time 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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.; Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Up to $240 in combined credits for Uber Cash and on select dining.
  • High rewards rate on restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and travel.
  • Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
  • $250 annual fee.
  • Minimal travel perks.
  • Complex rewards structure.
If eating and travel are your priorities, the American Express® Gold Card could be ideal for you for its generous rewards on spending in those areas. Plus it comes with valuable perks that could offset the annual fee, if fully maximized.

Card details

  • 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.
  • Terms Apply.

Best for premium travel benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Partner Offer
The Platinum Card® from American Express
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & fees / Terms apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s secure website

Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time 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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5 Membership Rewards® Points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or AMEX travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500K in purchases per calendar year. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Over $1,500 in travel and entertainment credits can offset the annual fee.
  • Comprehensive lounge access benefit.
  • Generous travel and purchase protections.
Cons
  • High annual fee and spending requirements.
  • Amex’s once-per-lifetime rule limits welcome bonus eligibility.
  • Annual statement credits have limited use.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is packed with unparalleled luxury travel perks. Cardmembers have access to a wide range of airport lounges, mid-tier hotel elite status and a comprehensive set of travel protections.

Card details

  • 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.

Best for cash back on gas in the U.S. and groceries at U.S. supermarkets

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Partner Offer
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & fees / Terms apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s secure website

Welcome bonus

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earn $250

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

19.24%-29.99% Variable

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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; Earn 3% cash back on transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and at U.S. gas stations; Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Earns generous cash back in numerous categories.
  • Intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
  • Ongoing annual fee.
  • Annual spending cap on elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Redemptions are only in the form of statement credits.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers one of the highest cash-back rates for groceries at U.S. supermarkets you’ll find (subject to an annual spending cap). You’ll strong rewards rates on select streaming services, at U.S. gas stations and on other transit purchases. Heavy spenders can easily recoup the card’s annual fee.

Card details

  • 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.
  • Terms Apply.

Best for online shopping cash back in the U.S.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Partner Offer
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & fees / Terms apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s secure website

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earn $200

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24%-29.99% Variable

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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • High rewards rate for groceries at U.S. supermarkets and select online shopping.
  • Statement credits for eligible streaming and meal kit delivery.
Cons
  • Rewards rate outside of bonus categories is lackluster.
  • If you spend more than $61 a week on groceries and other supermarket goods, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will net you more cash back in the long run.
Consumers seeking a no-annual-fee credit card with strong rewards on gas, online shopping and at U.S. supermarkets will find a lot to love about the Blue Cash Everyday Card.

Card 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.
  • 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%.
  • 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.

Best for travel perks for a low annual fee

American Express® Green Card

*

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

American Express® Green Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome bonus

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 40,000 points

Annual fee

$150

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time 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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on restaurant purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services; Earn 1X Membership Rewards points on other purchases

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Lower annual fee than some comparable cards.
  • Credits for CLEAR® Plus membership and airport lounges.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
  • Fewer perks than more premium travel cards.
  • Complex rewards structure.
  • Some reward redemptions are a poor value.
The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. fills a niche between bare-bones travel cards and pricey premium ones. There’s an annual fee, but the card’s benefits include an annual up to $189 CLEAR® Plus application fee statement credit, an annual up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, some travel and purchase protections and a strong rewards rate on travel and transit that rivals far pricier options.

Card details

  • Annual fee: $150.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
    Welcome bonus: 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
  • APR: See terms for Pay Over Time eligibility and program details.
  • Perks and benefits: Up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, up to $189 CLEAR® Plus statement credit and additional travel protections.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for general spending cash back

American Express Cash Magnet® Card

*

The information for the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

American Express Cash Magnet® Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.

Earn $200

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24%-29.99% variable

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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • 1.5% cash back on everything you buy.
  • Solid welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending requirements.
  • No annual fee.
Cons
  • Other flat-rate cards offer better rewards.
  • Better rewards are available on other cards.
  • There’s a foreign transaction fee.
Sometimes, you want a simple card you can use anywhere. The American Express Cash Magnet card offers a solid flat rewards rate on every purchase without making you keep track of category bonuses.

Card details

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 1.5% cash back on purchases.
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from the date of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99%. Balance transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening and a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for Membership Rewards with no annual fee

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

*

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

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome bonus

Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership

Earn 10,000 points

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% – 29.24% variable

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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1X); Earn 2X points at American Express Travel; Earn 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • Earn 20% more points when you make 20 purchases a month. Terms apply
  • Decent welcome bonus.
Cons
  • Poor rewards rates compared to other cards.
  • Few travel perks.
  • Spending cap for elevated rewards.
American Express’ rewards program, Membership Rewards, offers a variety of lucrative redemptions and point transfer options. Most cards that are part of this program carry an annual fee, but the EveryDay card provides an opportunity to get started with the program without having to worry about that.

Card details

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1 point), 2 points per $1 on American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Plus, use the card 20 or more times in a billing period and earn 20% extra points.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a regular APR of 18.24% to 29.24% variable.
  • Perks and benefits: Earn 20% bonus points when you use your card 20 times in a month and transfer points to partners.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for Membership Rewards for daily spending

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card

*

The information for the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome bonus

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months

Earn 15,000 points

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

18.24% – 28.24% variable

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.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1X); Earn 2X points at US gas stations; Earn 1 point for every $1 spent elsewhere

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Earn 50% more points when you use the card to make 30 purchases a month.
  • Bonus rewards on gas and groceries.
  • Decent welcome bonus.
Cons
  • No travel perks.
  • Spending cap for elevated rewards.
  • $95 annual fee.
The Amex EveryDay Preferred is a step up from the Amex EveryDay Card while still keeping its annual fee low. The card offers a strong rewards rate on groceries and frequent card users can bump up their rewards rate if they make 30 or more purchases in a billing cycle.

Card details

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point), 2 points per $1 on U.S. gas stations and travel purchases booked through AmexTravel.com and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers requested within 60 days of opening the account for the first 12 months, followed by a regular APR of 18.24% to 28.24% variable. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater applies.
  • Perks and benefits: Earn 50% bonus points when you use your card 30 times in a month and transfer points to partners.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Compare the best credit cards from American Express

Credit Card
Credit score
Best For
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for restaurants and travel rewards
$250
Earn 60,000 points  

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.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for premium travel benefits
$695
Earn 80,000 points  

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for cash back on gas in the U.S. and groceries at U.S. supermarkets
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Earn $250  

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for online shopping cash back in the U.S.
$0
Earn $200  

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for travel perks for a low annual fee
$150
Earn 40,000 points  

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.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for general spending cash back
$0
Earn $200  

Earn $200 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for Membership Rewards with no annual fee
$0
Earn 10,000 points  

Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for Membership Rewards for daily spending
$95
Earn 15,000 points  

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months

All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card, American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best American Express credit cards of April 2024
Best for restaurants and travel rewards: American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, rates & fees) deserves a place in the wallet of foodies who like to travel for its generous rewards on eating and flying. Those who can make use of the card’s Uber Cash and dining credits can nearly break even with the card’s $250 annual fee.

  • Annual fee: $250.
  • Rewards: 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • Perks and benefits: The card offers up to $120 in Uber Cash and dining in the U.S., up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required) (up to $120 statement credit), up to a $100 experience credit applied to eligible charges with a minimum two-night stay at the Hotel Collection with American Express Travel, baggage insurance¹, secondary auto collision damage waiver coverage² and access to Amex Offers.
Best for premium travel benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express

If you want access to as many airport lounges as possible, and upscale perks on a card are important to you, then you might not blink an eye at the hefty annual fee for The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees). It also offers numerous credits that are potentially valuable for those who can use them.

  • Annual fee: $695.
  • Rewards: Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per $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 hotels booked with American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: The card is chock full of credits that could be worth thousands if fully maximized. But, that’s a big if, as not all of the credits are applicable to everyone—and credits may require enrollment to receive the benefit. This is a card that’s best for those who want lounge access at a level no other card currently is offering.
Best for cash back on gas in the U.S. and groceries at U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Given how much the average family spends on groceries and gas, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) can score you serious savings in these areas (in the form of generous cash-back earnings). It also offers some valuable credits in areas some families are likely to find appealing.

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Rewards: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars..
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: In addition to the rewards rates the card offers, cardholders can enjoy $7 in monthly credits for the Disney streaming bundle after spending $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto-renewal), up to $120 back in statement credits towards an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com annually, secondary car rental loss and damage coverage² and return protection¹. But this is not a great card for international travel as it carries foreign transaction fees. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Best for online shopping cash back in the U.S.: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) offers elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, but the secret sauce is that the card also earns high rewards on online spending, too. This makes it an ideal choice for households who spend in these areas, but don’t want to be saddled with an annual fee.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. (on up to $6,000 in each category per year, then 1%), and 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 for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: Perks like $7 in monthly statement credits after spending $9.99 or more each month on an eligible Disney Bundle subscription (subject to auto-renewal), up to $180 in annual statement credits for a Home Chef meal kit subscription (up to $15 per month in statement credits; subject to auto-renewal), secondary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage² and purchase protection¹. Enrollment is required for select benefits. However, consumers who routinely spend more than $3,000 a year on groceries at U.S. supermarkets may wish to instead consider the Blue Cash Preferred for its higher earning rate in that category, despite the Preferred Card’s annual fee.
Best for travel perks for a low annual fee: American Express® Green Card *

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

The American Express® Green Card * The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) charges $150 per year, but you can offset that fee with statement credits toward CLEAR® Plus membership (enrollment required) and LoungeBuddy, letting you get several upscale travel perks at a low cost. The Amex® Green Card also offers better rewards rates on several everyday expenses over the Platinum Card, making it useful for people who want to earn rewards through spending.

  • Annual fee: $150.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 3 points per $1 on travel including flights, hotels, transit, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: The card comes with an up to $100 LoungeBuddy statement credit, up to $189 CLEAR statement credit (enrollment required), secondary car loss and rental damage coverage², trip delay insurance³, baggage insurance¹, purchase protection¹ and extended warranty coverage¹, but frequent travelers or those seeking higher-end perks will likely find that a more premium card will suit them better.

All information about American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for general spending cash back: American Express Cash Magnet® Card *

The information for the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you’re set on owning an Amex card and you want simple cash back, the American Express Cash Magnet® Card * The information for the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) earns 1.5% cash back on purchases.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 1.5% cash back on purchases.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars..
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: Although this card grants access to Amex Offers and comes with secondary rental car coverage² and access to a Global Assist hotline⁴, there are other cards on the market with better rewards.

All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for Membership Rewards with no annual fee: Amex EveryDay® Credit Card *

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

Charging no annual fee, the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) offers the opportunity to earn valuable Membership Rewards Points and get a rewards bump when you use your card at least 20 times in a month.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1 point), 2 points per $1 on American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Plus, use the card 20 or more times in a billing period and earn 20% extra points.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: Getting something for nothing is always nice and the Amex EveryDay can certainly offer value for those who are interested in transferable points. However, know that there are cards with higher earning rates for spending at supermarkets.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for Membership Rewards for daily spending: Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card *

The information for the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Those who rarely carry cash and use their card to pay for everything big or small may find exceptional value in the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply). The card offers 50% extra bonus points when you use your card 30 times in a month, giving your earnings a nice boost.

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1 point), 2 points per $1 on U.S. gas stations and travel purchases booked through AmexTravel.com and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • Other benefits and drawbacks: The potential to earn a 50% increase on your points is a major highlight of the card, especially for those who spend frequently at U.S. supermarkets. However, for the same annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred earns at a much higher rate on groceries at U.S. supermarkets and may provide better value overall.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We looked at the various American Express credit card options and weighed the various attributes of each card to determine the rankings in this list. Factors we considered include:

  • Annual fees.
  • Rewards rates on areas of typical business spending.
  • 0% APR periods.
  • Any money-saving features like cellphone insurance or credits for Uber Cash or streaming subscriptions.

Should you get an American Express credit card?

“American Express is known for a wide selection of excellent credit card options that all come with high-quality customer service. There’s something for everyone regarding cash back or travel rewards. An underestimated strength of American Express is its online portal, which is best-in-class when navigating your expenses, payments, benefits, and rewards. The ability to live chat with a representative can also be helpful. Lastly, some American Express cards do not come with a credit limit, which can be beneficial if you need that flexibility,” says Zac Hood, travel rewards educator and founder of TravelFreely.com.

American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards, ranging from high-end premium travel cards to basic cash-back options. There’s a good chance you can find one that fits your needs.
If you’re looking to earn Membership Rewards, owning an American Express card is the only way to do it. If you’re looking for a cash-back card, Amex is just one of many issuers offering cash-back rewards, so be sure to compare our best cards for cash back to see if an American Express card—or a card from a different issuer—is right for you.

In general, American Express cards require at least good credit to qualify, which is something to keep in mind. They are also slightly less commonly accepted than other cards abroad. However, the company is known for strong customer support, ranking highest in customer satisfaction for the past three years in a row, according to a 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study.

And, if it’s high-end perks you’re looking for, the American Express Platinum Card essentially invented the premium card category. 

So, if you qualify and find one that fits your needs, it’s likely you can benefit from having an American Express card in your wallet.

Guide to American Express credit cards

If you are considering getting an American Express credit card, here’s what you should know to simplify the process.

How to get an American Express card

You can get an American Express credit card by applying on the company’s website. The application asks for basic information, including your identity, location, current debts, and income. Remember that you’ll likely need good credit or better to qualify for an Amex card.

What credit score do I need to qualify for American Express?

American Express does not publish a list of the minimum credit scores for its credit cards. 

In general, you need to have excellent credit to qualify for its premium offerings, like the Platinum Card. If you’re going for a lower-tier card like the Blue Cash Everyday or the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , you might be able to qualify with solid, but not excellent, credit.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Typically, good credit means a FICO Score of 670 or higher, while excellent credit will generally be a FICO Score in the range of 740 to 850. But, even with excellent credit, your application could be denied based on other factors — such as too many accounts opened recently. 

Pros of American Express cards

  • Substantial rewards and perks. Although some American Express cards have high annual fees those cards tend to come with substantial rewards or incredibly valuable perks. For example, the Platinum Card offsets its nearly $700 annual fee with more than $1,500 in potential credits. It also includes access to a vast network of airport lounges. Paying out-of-pocket for entry to some airport lounges even a few times a year could cost you several hundred dollars, meaning the card saves you money on luxury travel experiences.
  • Points-pooling ability. You can pool your Membership Rewards to save up for a large redemption or transfer. This also means it might make sense to pair different American Express cards to earn maximum rewards on every purchase.
  • No preset spending limits on some cards. Some AmEx cards don’t have a hard credit limit, allowing you to occasionally stretch to accommodate a bigger-than-average purchase.

Cons of American Express cards

  • Complicated earning structures. The reward structures on many American Express cards are often complicated—with many bonus categories and spending caps to track. For someone who wants simplicity when it comes to earning rewards, this could be cumbersome.
  • Limited acceptance abroad. Although AmEx is increasingly accepted at more locations internationally, there are still plenty of places that may only accept Mastercard or Visa and not an American Express card.
  • High annual fees. Some of American Express’ most perk-laden cards also carry some of the highest annual fees on the market.

Pre-qualification vs. preapproval

American Express allows you to access personalized welcome offers for its credit cards by providing basic information about yourself. When you fill out the form, the company will try to pre-qualify you for its cards and give you a list of offers.

This pre-qualification differs from preapproval in that it doesn’t closely examine your credit or financial details. You may receive final approval only if you get prequalified first.

Also note that neither pre-qualification nor preapproval guarantees final approval for a financial product, just that you have a strong likelihood of approval if you choose to apply.

Who is Amex best for?

American Express products can work well for many people thanks to the issuer’s numerous card options. However, frequent travelers who want luxury benefits, such as airport lounge access, will most likely benefit from an American Express card.

American Express membership rewards and benefits

The American Express rewards program is called Membership Rewards. You can use the points you earn on Membership Rewards cards for various redemption choices.

The best redemption options are usually for premium travel rewards through an airline transfer partner or the American Express travel redemption portal. Amex transfer partners include British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Redeeming points for cash back may be tempting, but it’s usually a lower-value redemption option than travel. You’ll often get a much better return if you use the points toward travel, such as booking flights and hotels through American Express or transferring to a travel partner. It’s almost never a good deal to turn in points for merchandise.

Also, be sure to determine before you apply what type of rewards the Amex card you’re considering offers. Not all Amex cards earn Membership Rewards — some earn straight cash back, which can be redeemed as a statement credit, for example.

Is an Amex Card worth the fee?

Many American Express cards are known for their high fees, but these are often worth paying. The cards that charge annual fees typically offer credits and rewards that can easily offset the cost.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Many American Express cards are known for their high fees, but these are often worth paying. The cards that charge annual fees typically offer credits and rewards that can easily offset the cost.

There is no single best American Express card. The best card for you depends on your spending habits and goals.

For example, the Blue Cash Preferred is likely the best cash-back card from our list for someone who spends a lot on groceries, but it’s not a good choice for someone who rarely cooks and travels frequently.

American Express cards usually require good credit, so it will be hard to qualify if you don’t have a strong credit score.

There are a few American Express cards that don’t charge annual fees including the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, the American Express Cash Magnet® Card * The information for the American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and the Hilton Honors American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees).

All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card and Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Some merchants don’t accept Amex cards because the company charges higher fees for payment processing than other card issuers.

For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.

For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express please visit this page.

For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please visit this page.

For rates and fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Card please visit this page.

¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

²Eligibility 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.

³Eligibility 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.

⁴Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

*The information for the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, American Express® Green Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit 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.

Eric Rosenberg is a financial writer, speaker, and consultant based in Ventura, California. He is an expert in topics including banking, credit cards, investing, cryptocurrency, insurance, real estate, and business finance. He has professional experience as a bank manager and nearly a decade in corporate finance and accounting. His work has appeared in many online publications, including Business Insider, Nerdwallet, Investopedia, and U.S. News & World Report.

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.