Best American Express Credit Cards
Many people are familiar with American Express cards, but sifting through all of the company's options can be challenging. We reviewed the Amex cards offered through our partner to determine which were the best.
Many or all of the companies featured provide compensation to LendEDU. These commissions are how we maintain our free service for consumers. Compensation, along with hours of in-depth editorial research, determines where & how companies appear on our site.
There is a reason people are always talking about American Express credit cards — they have some of the best perks on the market. The company has a solid track record of serving customers around the world and a long history. Founded in 1850, American Express is best known for its array of credit card options.
American Express holds the third-largest market share amongst credit card issuers with a share of 11.3% in 2019. The company can credit this success to its credit card selections, both for individuals and businesses.
Below you will find our picks for the best American Express credit cards for both individuals and businesses offered through our partner. You can use the navigation below to jump to the section that meets your needs.
On this page:
Best American Express credit cards for earning cash back
The cards in the table below are highly rated and offer some of the market’s best cash back opportunities. You can click on the name of the card you want to learn more about, and you’ll be dropped down to its review.
| Card name | Cash back | Annual fee |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card | 1% – 6% | $0 year one; then $95 |
| American Express Cash Magnet | 1.5% | $0 |
| Blue Cash Everyday Card | 1% – 3% | $0 |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
- LendEDU Rating: 4.8/5
- Rewards rate: 1% – 6%
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year; then $95
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its welcome bonus, bonus category rewards, and its added benefits
Terms Apply.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers bonus category rewards and is one of our top-rated cash back cards. New cardmembers have an opportunity to earn $300 as a statement credit if $3,000 in purchases is made on the card in the first six months from account opening.
Rewards & benefits
In addition to a consumer-friendly welcome bonus, cardholders will earn cash back on several bonus categories at rates unmatched by most other cards. Cash back can be accelerated with authorized user cards or by setting up monthly bills to be paid for by the card. Cash back earned is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year
- 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% on transit, such as taxis, ridesharing, parking, tolls, and more
- 3% on gas at U.S. gas stations
- 1% on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Receive access to exclusive ticket presales and cardmember-only events with American Express Experiences
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
Editor’s note
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is best for those who frequently spend on groceries, streaming, transit, and gas. If you can meet the spending requirements for the welcome offer, you’ll have earned more value from the card than spent on the annual fee for four years of card ownership. This value doesn’t even factor in the cash back you’ll receive on everyday purchases during the first four years.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
American Express Cash Magnet
- LendEDU Rating: 4.6/5
- Rewards rate: 1.5%
- Annual fee: $0
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its welcome bonus and no annual fee
Terms Apply.
The American Express Cash Magnet Card does not offer any bonus category rewards; instead, it provides an increased cash back rate for all purchases with your card. New cardmembers can earn $200 as a statement credit after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Rewards & benefits
In addition to the welcome bonus, cardholders will earn cash back at a rate of 1.5% on all purchases made with the card. All cash back earned with your card is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Receive access to exclusive ticket presales and cardmember-only events with American Express Experiences
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
Editor’s note
The American Express Cash Magnet Card is best for those looking to avoid category-specific reward rates and instead earn a higher than average cash back rate for all purchases. With no annual fee, cardholders don’t have to worry about spending a minimum amount on their card to justify its value.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Blue Cash Everyday Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.7/6
- Rewards rate: 1% – 3%
- Annual fee: $0
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its welcome bonus and no annual fee
Terms Apply.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers three bonus category rewards and a rewards rate for all other purchases. If you are a new cardholder, you can earn $200 back after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
In addition to the welcome bonus, cardholders will earn an increased cash back rate on select purchases, as well as a standard rate on all other purchases. Cash back can be accelerated with the help of authorized user cards. All cash back earned with your card is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 3% on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year
- 2% on gas at U.S. gas stations
- 2% at select U.S. department stores
- 1% on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Receive access to exclusive ticket presales and cardmember-only events with American Express Experiences
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
Editor’s note
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card is best for those looking for a no annual fee card that rewards spending on groceries, gas, and department stores. The no annual fee feature makes it easy to use the card on select categories without worrying about spending enough to cover a yearly fee.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Best American Express Credit Cards for Travel
The cards in the table below are highly rated and offer some of the market’s best travel reward opportunities. You can click on the name of the card you want to learn more about, and you’ll be dropped down to its review.
| Card name | Rewards | Annual fee |
| American Express Gold Card | 1x – 4x | $250 |
| Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card | 1x – 2x | $0 for year one; then $99 |
| Delta Platinum Credit Card | 1x – 3x | $250 |
| Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card | 1x – 2x | $0 |
| Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card | 3x – 14x | $450 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card | 3x – 12x | $95 |
| Hilton Honors Credit Card | 3x – 7x | $0 |
American Express Gold Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.8/5
- Rewards rate: 1x – 4x
- Annual fee: $250
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its bonus category rewards, no foreign transaction fee, and added benefits
Terms Apply.
The American Express Gold Card is our top-rated travel card. Cardmembers can earn points on several bonus categories, including dining, groceries, and flights booked through Amex. The current welcome bonus rewards you with 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months with the card.
Rewards & benefits
With a welcome bonus, multiple rewards rates, and more added benefits, this card is one of the most rewarding on the market. Points accumulation can be accelerated with the help of authorized user cards.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 4x points on restaurants
- 4x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Dining credit of up to $120 per year when you use your card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations
- American Express Preferred Seating offers you the ability to access premium seats for select cultural and sporting events
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The American Express Gold Card is our top-rated travel card. If you take advantage of the annual dining credit, the value you’ll need to earn each year to cover the annual fee would be lowered to $130. The Gold Card is a charge card, so make sure you have a plan for paying off any charges you make each month.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.7/5
- Rewards rate: 1x – 2x
- Annual fee: $0 for the first year; then $99
- Where it excels: This card received out highest ratings for its no foreign transaction fee and added benefits
Terms Apply.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is our top-rated Delta rewards credit card. Cardmembers can earn miles on several bonus categories, including on all Delta purchases. Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months with the card. Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
This card offers plenty of opportunities for earning miles to make flying with Delta easier and cheaper than ever. Points accumulation can be accelerated with the help of authorized user cards.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 2x miles at restaurants
- 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
- 2x miles on Delta purchases
- 1x miles on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Your first checked bag will be free
- If you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, you’ll receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit
- 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
- Priority boarding that allows you to board early
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is our top-rated Delta rewards credit card. If you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card each calendar year, the $100 Delta Flight Credit will provide you with enough value alone to cover the cost of the annual fee.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.7/5
- Rewards rate: 1x – 3x
- Annual fee: $250
- Where it excels: This card received our highest ratings for its bonus category rewards and no foreign transaction fee
Terms Apply.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers various bonus category rewards and many additional benefits. New cardmembers can earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) if $2,000 in purchases are charged to the card within the first three months. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
This card offers a high reward rate for Delta purchases, as well as other everyday spending categories. Points accumulation can be accelerated with the help of authorized user cards.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 3x miles on purchases made directly with hotels
- 2x miles on dining
- 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
- 1x miles on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Your first checked bag will be free
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- $39 Delta Sky Club Access
- Status Boost® can accelerate your path to Medallion Status
- 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
- Priority boarding allows you to board early
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is an excellent card for those who intend to travel multiple times a year with Delta. The card’s value can easily surpass the annual fee so long as you utilize the added benefits listed above and use this card when making purchases in the bonus categories.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.6/5
- Rewards rate: 1x – 2x
- Annual fee: $0
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its no foreign transaction fee and no annual fee
Terms Apply.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is the top-rated no annual fee Delta rewards credit card. New cardmembers have the chance to earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases on their card within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
The rewards and benefits offered on the card are competitive for those who frequently fly with Delta, especially for a no annual fee card.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 2x miles on Delta purchases
- 2x miles at restaurants
- 1x miles on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is an excellent card for those who travel with Delta on occasion, but not enough to take on an annual fee. While the rewards rate is similar and close to other Delta cards, the added benefits see a significant drop off when compared to those cards.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.5/5
- Rewards rate: 3x – 14x
- Annual fee: $450
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its welcome bonus, bonus category rewards, rewards on all other purchases, no foreign transaction fee, and added benefits
Terms Apply.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a top-rated Hilton rewards credit card. The rewards opportunities with this card are immense, though they come at a cost. New cardmembers earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
The rewards rates are some of the highest you’ll find on a credit card, and the list of added benefits is long.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 14x points on Hilton purchases
- 7x points on Select Travel purchases
- 7x points on dining
- 3x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Complimentary Diamond status
- Receive one weekend night reward every year after renewal, plus an additional night if you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year
- If you book a two-night minimum stay at hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com, you’ll get up to $100 in credits for qualifying charges
- Get up to $250 in statement credits for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts
- Receive unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two other guests per stay once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is loaded with rewards opportunities. The costly annual fee can be covered if you frequently stay and spend at Hilton resorts and if you take advantage of the credit opportunities offered through some of the added benefits.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.7/5
- Rewards rate: 3x – 12x
- Annual fee: $95
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its rewards on all other purchases and no foreign transaction fee
Terms Apply.
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a great Hilton rewards credit card with a reasonable annual fee. New cardmembers earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
The rewards rates and benefits provide plenty of opportunities to earn points.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 12x points on hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
- 6x points on dining at U.S. restaurants
- 6x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
- 6x points on gas at U.S. gas stations
- 3x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Complimentary Gold status, plus spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year and earn Diamond status
- Receive one weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year
- Enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, plus get ten free lounge visits each year you are enrolled
- Receive unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two other guests per stay once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a middle of the pack Hilton rewards card. If you plan on staying at a Hilton resort once or twice a year, this card could be a good option.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Hilton Honors Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.6/5
- Rewards rate: 3x – 7x
- Annual fee: $0
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its rewards on all other purchases, no foreign transaction fee, and no annual fee
Terms Apply.
The Hilton Honors Card is a great Hilton rewards credit card with no annual fee. New cardmembers earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
The rewards rates are competitive, while the added benefits are limited.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 7x points on Hilton purchases
- 5x points on dining at U.S. restaurants
- 5x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets
- 5x points on gas at U.S. gas stations
- 3x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Complimentary Silver status, plus spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year and earn Gold status
- Travel at ease knowing whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 for any medical, legal, financial, or other emergency assistance needs
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Hilton Honors Card is a no annual fee credit card that is a good option for those that visit Hilton hotels on occasion, but maybe not every year.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Best American Express Credit Cards for Businesses
The cards in the table below are highly rated and offer some of the market’s best rewards opportunities. You can click on the name of the card you want to learn more about, and you’ll be dropped down to its review.
| Card Name | Rewards | Annual fee |
| Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | 3x – 12x | $95 |
| Blue Business Cash Card | 1% – 2% | $0 |
| Blue Business Plus Credit Card | 1% – 2% | $0 |
| The Business Platinum Card | 1x – 1.5x | $595 |
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- LendEDU Rating: 4.6/5
- Rewards rate: 3x – 12x
- Annual fee: $95
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its welcome bonus
Terms Apply.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card makes earning rewards easy with multiple bonus category rewards rates. New businesses can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
This card comes with multiple bonus category rewards rates and plenty of added benefits.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 12x points on hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio
- 6x points at U.S. gas stations
- 6x points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 6x points on U.S. purchases for shipping
- 6x points at U.S. restaurants
- 6x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel
- 6x points on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
- 3x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status
- Free Weekend Night Reward after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, plus earn a second Weekend Night Reward after you spend $60,000 in a calendar year
- Ten complimentary priority pass visits to a selection of over 1,300 airport lounges each year when enrolled in Priority Pass Select Membership
- Spend $40,000 in purchases in a calendar year and earn Hilton Honors Diamond status
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is our top-rated business credit card for hotel rewards. With seven category-specific rewards rates, getting more out of the card than your spending is easy. Business travel can be changed for you and your employees by taking advantage of the added benefits listed above.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
Blue Business Cash Card from American Express
- LendEDU Rating: 4.4/5
- Rewards rate: 1% – 2%
- Annual fee: $0
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its no annual fee
Terms Apply.
The Blue Business Cash Card from American Express has a straightforward rewards structure that avoids having you keep up with any sort of category-specific spending structure.
Rewards & benefits
This card offers a simple rewards structure, but added benefits are limited.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
- 1x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- No annual fee for additional employee cards
Editor’s note
The Blue Business Cash Card from American Express is a solid cash back card for businesses that anticipate charging anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000 on their card. This is because the 2% cash back rate ends once you charge $50,000 on the card each year.
To learn more about this card and what if offers, click here.
Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
- LendEDU Rating: 4.4/5
- Rewards rate: 1% –2%
- Annual fee: $0
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its no annual fee
Terms Apply.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card is a simple business credit card designed for those who don’t want to keep track of category or bonus points spending without an annual fee.
Rewards & benefits
This card offers a simple rewards structure, but added benefits are limited.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
- 1x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- No annual fee for additional employee cards
Editor’s note
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is a straightforward offering that is best for businesses looking to avoid paying an annual fee.
To learn more about this card and what it offers, click here.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- LendEDU Rating: 4.5/5
- Rewards rate: 1x – 5x
- Annual fee: $595
- Where it excels: This card received our highest rating for its welcome bonus and added benefits
Terms Apply.
The Business Platinum Card comes with rewards rates for both category-specific spending and everyday purchases. New businesses can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first three months.
Rewards & benefits
This card offers a wide range of rewards and benefits.
Here is a breakdown of the rewards you’ll receive:
- 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
- 1.5x points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, up to 1 million additional points per calendar year
- 1x points on all other purchases
Here is a breakdown of some of the benefits that come with your card:
- Get up to $100 in additional statement credits for U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies, get up to $20 in statement credits per month on U.S. purchases for shipping, and get up to $20 per month on wireless telephone services purchases directly from U.S. service providers
- $200 annual airline fee credit with one qualifying airline for baggage fees or other incidental charges
- Access to American Express Global Lounge Collection
- Use Membership Rewards Pay with points on a fare and get 35% of those points back, up to 500,000 points per calendar year
- Receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Receive Hilton Honors Gold status
- Access to Business Platinum Card Concierge
- No foreign transaction fees
Editor’s note
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has vast rewards and benefits that can cover the $595 annual cost. Make sure to see how the benefits offered fit with your business to determine whether you’ll receive more value each year than you’ll pay.
To learn more about this card and what if offers, click here.
Recap of the Best American Express Credit Cards
| Card name | What it’s for | LendEDU Rating |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card | Cash back on groceries, streaming, transit, and gas | 4.8/5 |
| American Express Cash Magnet | Cash back on all purchases | 4.6/5 |
| Blue Cash Everyday Card | Cash back on groceries, gas, and department stores | 4.7/5 |
| American Express Gold Card | Travel points on restaurants, groceries, and flights | 4.8/5 |
| Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card | Miles back at restaurants, supermarkets, and Delta | 4.7/5 |
| Delta Platinum Credit Card | Miles back on Delta, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets | 4.7/5 |
| Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card | Miles back at restaurants and Delta | 4.6/5 |
| Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card | Points on Hilton, travel, and dining | 4.5/5 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card | Points on Hilton, dining, supermarkets, and gas | 4.7/5 |
| Hilton Honors Credit Card | Points on Hilton, groceries, dining, and gas | 4.6/5 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | Points on Hilton, gas, wireless phone, shipping, restaurants, flights, and car rentals | 4.6/5 |
| Blue Business Cash Card | Cash back on all purchases | 4.4/5 |
| Blue Business Plus Credit Card | Cash back on all purchases | 4.4/5 |
| The Business Platinum Card | Cash back on flights and hotels | 4.5/5 |
How did we choose the best American Express credit cards?
To determine which American Express credit cards were the best, we reviewed credit cards offered through our partner and rated them against each other. We then selected the top Amex cards in the cash back category, the travel category, and the business category. This means that not only are these cards rated against each other; they are also rated highly amongst all credit cards on the market.
Factors used to determine our Editorial Ratings included introductory APR offers, welcome bonuses, rewards rates, redemption options, added benefits, annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and whether an issuer was nationally recognized.
What do current cardholders think about their American Express credit cards?
According to J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, American Express ranked as the number one national issuer for customer satisfaction with a score of 838 out of 1,000. The study is in its 14th year and included responses from 29,106 credit card customers. The factors that were considered within the study include interaction, credit card terms, communication, benefits and services, rewards, and key moments.
Working with an issuer that is viewed positively by its current customers is an excellent sign for prospective cardholders. This likely means that customer complaints or issues are resolved promptly, and rewards and benefits meet cardholder expectations.
What is the American Express Membership Rewards program?
The Membership Rewards program is American Express’s way of offering a wide variety of redemption options for the points you earn with your credit card. This program includes the most point transfer partners of any major U.S. credit card loyalty program.
There are no limits to the number of points you can earn with your card, and there are no expiration dates either. Once you are ready to redeem your points, simply login to your account and choose from one of the following redemption options:
- Book travel: Use your points at amextravel.com where you have the chance to earn a discount on flights, prepaid hotels, and more
- Transfer points: You can transfer points to one of Amex’s hotel or airline partners
- Pay with points at checkout: Points can be used to save on purchases at the places you shop
- Statement credit: Cover your everyday charges by selecting which purchases you want to cover with your points
- Gift cards: Select from over 80 brands or choose an American Express Gift Card
- Shopping: Visit membershiprewards.com to browse items that you can purchase with your points
- Charity: Choose from over 1.5 million non-profit organizations to support a cause
What are some common benefits of having an Amex Card?
There are no two credit cards that offer the same rewards to consumers. However, some benefits are shared across most credit cards from select issuers. With American Express, these are the benefits that can be found on almost all of their credit cards:
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: When you use your card to reserve and pay for a rental and decline the collision damage waiver with the company, you can be covered for damage or theft in a covered territory
- Fraud protection: If you see a charge that you think is fraudulent, call the number on the back of your card to have it taken care of
- 24/7 Global Assist Hotline: This hotline helps with coordination and assistance services when you travel 100 or more miles away from home
- Purchase protection: If you use your card for covered purchases, you’ll have protection from accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days
- Extended warranty: If you use your card to make a covered purchase, you can get up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty
LendEDU has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. LendEDU and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
