American Express Credit Cards
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Written by
Joseph Hostetler
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
American Express offers many of the best travel credit cards in existence. Some of its cards can work magic, like improving your odds of getting a seat upgrade on the plane, or a room upgrade at the hotel. Others grant you access to fancy airport lounges or get you a free first checked bag.
But Amex has plenty of non-travel credit cards, too (including some powerhouse cash-back earners). The best American Express credit card for you depends entirely on your lifestyle. Let’s compare Amex credit card options to help you find “the one.”
Quick Overview: American Express Credit Cards
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
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Cash Back Card |
Good – Excellent
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$0 |
Earn a welcome offer and 1% – 3% cash back Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
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More Details
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Cash Back on Groceries |
Good – Excellent
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$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
Earn a welcome offer and 1% – 6% cash back 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 at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). Earn 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
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Elevated Rewards |
Good – Excellent
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$325 |
Access to incredible statement credit opportunities
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Premium Perks & Benefits |
Good – Excellent
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$895 |
Massive welcome offer opportunity plus several annual statement credits, lounge access and other premium benefits You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Apply Now
More Details
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Travel |
Good – Excellent
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$150 |
3x rewards on transit (including rideshare), travel and diningEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. Earn 1X Points on Other Eligible Purchases.
Full Review
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Value-Minded Delta Flyers |
Good – Excellent
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$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. |
Free first checked bag on Delta flights
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Frequent Delta Flyers |
Good – Excellent
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$350 |
Annual companion certificate and statement credits
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Premium Perks for Delta flyers |
Good – Excellent
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$650 |
Lounge access, annual companion certificate, statement credits and more
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Extremely High Spend |
Excellent
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$5,000 |
Complimentary elite status at several popular brands
Full Review
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Detailed Overview: American Express Credit Cards
Well-Rounded Cash Back
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Top Feature
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then 19.99%-28.99% Variable APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
If you are looking for a cash back card without an annual fee that rewards you for your spending at U.S. gas stations, grocery stores and on online retail purchases then the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a fantastic option to consider. There’s a generous welcome offer and an intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Round that out with other perks and the card member benefits that American Express is well known for and you have yourself an excellent cash back card.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$0 See Rates & Fees
Cash Back
1% – 3% Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Card Details From Issuer
- 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, 19.99% to 28.99% variable APR.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- 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.
Great For Everyday Spending
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Top Feature
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then 19.99%-28.99% Variable APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
This top-rated cash back card is tailored to families with elevated cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets & gas stations, on streaming services and whole lot more. It also offers a very generous welcome offer and a substantial list of additional perks and statement credit opportunities worth taking advantage of. There is a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. See Rates & Fees
Cash Back
1% – 6% 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 at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.99% – 28.99%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases 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 and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- 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.
Huge Rewards Earnings Plus A Welcome Offer Opportunity
American Express® Gold Card
Top Feature
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Purchase APR
See Pay Over Time APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
If you are looking to level up your credit card rewards, but aren’t quite ready to commit to platinum-level annual fees then the American Express® Gold Card is likely a great fit for you. It is geared toward travelers and foodies with elevated rewards rates and member perks and benefits tied to those categories. It also offers an incredible welcome offer opportunity and the option to choose between a Gold or Rose Gold metal design.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$325 See Rates & Fees
Rewards
1X – 4X 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.
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.
Card Details From Issuer
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- 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 get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $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. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
- Terms Apply.
Huge Premium Rewards and Perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Top Feature
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Purchase APR
See Pay Over Time APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
A large annual fee on a card often means it comes with valuable perks to make it worthwhile and that is most definitely the case for The Platinum Card® from American Express. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. This card also offers a long list of substantial statement credits that will apply to different spending categories or specific merchants. Card members who can take advantage of these credits will get the most out of this card. Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the current offerings.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$895 See Rates & Fees
Rewards
1x – 5x 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel®, on up to $500,000 spent per year.
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
Card Details From Issuer
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
- More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges – more than any other credit card company on the market* – enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
- More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
- More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
- More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
- More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
- New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
- $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
- Whenever you need us, we’re here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- $895 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
**All information about the American Express® Green Card** has been collected independently by CardCritics™
3X Rewards on Travel & Dining
American Express® Green Card**
Top Feature
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Purchase APR
See Pay Over Time APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
As a travel-friendly option with flexible rewards, Amex Green offers valuable points on dining, travel, and transit purchases, which makes it appealing for frequent city and global travelers. However, its annual fee may feel steep for some, given its rewards are competitive but less premium compared to higher-tier Amex cards.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$150
Rewards
1X – 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
Earn 1X Points on Other Eligible Purchases.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
Earn 1X Points on Other Eligible Purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
- $209 CLEAR Plus Credit: Receive up to $209 per calendar year in statement credits when you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the American Express® Green Card.
- Payment Flexibility: When it comes to paying your bill, you have options. You can always pay in full. You also have the flexibility to carry a balance with interest or use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly payments with a fixed fee, up to your Pay Over Time Limit. You may be able to keep spending beyond your limit – you’ll just need to pay for any new purchases in full when your bill is due.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 12 hours, Trip Delay Insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses purchased on the same Eligible Card, up to $300 per trip, maximum 2 claims per eligible account per 12 consecutive month period. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: No matter where you’re traveling, when you use your American Express® Green Card there are no foreign transaction fees.
- $150 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Generous Bonus Miles + Free Checked Bag On Delta Flights
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Top Feature
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
Purchase APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
The Amex Delta Gold Card is an affordable choice for occasional and regular Delta flyers alike. It offers a generous range of perks, including a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights and a manageable $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. Big spenders can even unlock a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. However, if you’re looking for lounge access or a companion certificate, you’ll want to check out premium Delta credit cards.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. See Rates & Fees
Rewards
1X – 2X Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
- When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can earn: 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. Every mile you earn brings you closer to the places you want to go. Turn them into your next trip, use them for seat upgrades, and more.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
- 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.
Huge Bonus Miles + Free Checked Bag On Delta Flights
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Top Feature
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
Purchase APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Frequent travelers who prefer Delta or its partner airlines may enjoy the perks of the Delta Platinum. It’s a good mid-tier option amongst Delta’s Amex cards, providing benefits such as a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights, and an annual companion certificate after renewal. Cardholders who don’t want to pay an annual fee should consider other cards. On the other hand, those who prefer a luxurious travel experience may want to consider the Delta Reserve.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$350 See Rates & Fees
Rewards
1X – 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
Earn 2x miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Earn 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets.
Earn 1x miles on other purchases.
Earn 2x miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Earn 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets.
Earn 1x miles on other purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
- 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 Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $350 Annual Fee.
- 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.
Massive Bonus Miles + Airport Lounge Access
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Top Feature
Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
Purchase APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent
Annual Fee
$650 See Rates & Fees
Rewards
1X – 3X Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- 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.
**All information about the Centurion® Card from American Express** has been collected independently by CardCritics™
Invite Only Offer
Centurion® Card from American Express**
Top Feature
Complimentary Delta Platinum Medallion status and access to the Global Lounge Collection
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
See Terms
CardCritics™ Opinion
The Centurion® Card from American Express**, often called the “Black Card,” is a luxury credit card that stands out for its exclusivity and exceptional benefits, catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals. While the card offers unmatched perks like elite status with airlines and hotels, its high initiation fee and stringent requirements make it a better fit for those who can fully utilize its premium offerings.
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
Annual Fee
$5,000
Rewards
1x Points 1 point per dollar on all eligible purchases
Card Details From Issuer
- Complimentary elevation to elite status levels at several of the world’s largest travel brands, including IHG Platinum Elite, Hilton Honors Diamond, Melia Rewards Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold.
- Earn 1 Membership Rewards point on all eligible purchases
- Exclusive retail benefits, including up to $250 per quarter in Saks Fifth Avenue credits.
- Complimentary Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion status, which includes priority waitlisting, enhanced mileage earnings, priority check-in and boarding, courtesy upgrades and more
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world, including guest access at Centurion Lounges
- Invitation to the Hertz Platinum status and Avis President’s Club
How To Choose the Best Amex Credit Card for You
American Express issues over two dozen cards. That’s an intimidatingly large pool of options to wade through, which is why we’ve created a simple roadmap to quickly find your optimum card.
Check Your Credit Score
American Express cards are targeted at those with a good credit score or higher. Check your credit score before you apply.
Decide What You Want From Your New Card
American Express cards come in all shapes and sizes (metaphorically — they’re all rectangles). Whether you want a card that earns cash back or a card that can make your travels cheaper and more enjoyable, there’s an Amex card for that. Keep the main reason you decided to open a new card in the first place at the front of your mind.
What Are Your Spending Habits?
Bonus spending categories should be a big factor when deciding on the perfect credit card. Some American Express cards earn up to 6% back in everyday spending categories, so try to find a card that complements your swipes.
Are You Willing To Pay an Annual Fee?
American Express is notorious for charging high annual fees. But here’s the thing: The ongoing card benefits often justify the cost.
If an American Express card will save you more than the annual fee each year, try not to preoccupy yourself too much with the price point. It’s a net positive.
Which Welcome Bonus Is the Most Valuable?
If you’ve kicked the tires on all Amex cards and are still undecided, choose the card with the biggest welcome offer. American Express routinely offers six-figure intro offers worth potentially thousands of dollars. Just be sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement to unlock the bonus.
Pros and Cons of American Express Cards
If you’re not sure whether American Express is the best issuer for you, consider the following benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Hyper-premium cards with many hundreds of dollars in potential yearly savings
- Partners with popular travel brands to issue valuable credit cards
- Large selection of credit cards to choose from
Cons
- No credit cards for those with fair credit or below
- The best cards have significant annual fees
- Many statement credits are doled out incrementally, making them difficult to redeem
American Express Card Benefits
American Express offers a few common benefits across most of its cards. You can expect perks like:
- Fraud protection: If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges thanks to zero liability protection.
- Purchase protection: Many Amex cards have some form of purchase insurance, from extended warranty protection to return protection.
- Free FICO credit score: American Express cards offer a peek at your FICO credit score and Experian credit report via your online account. This helps you sniff out any fraudulent activity and gives you updates as to how your score is improving with responsible credit usage.
- Amex Offers: American Express cards come with a powerful program that helps you save money or earn bonus rewards on purchases you’d probably make anyway. You can find these electronic offers in your online account and add them to your card with a single click.
American Express also offers a slew of notable benefits exclusive to certain cards. For example:
- Airport lounge access: Amex issues some of the best credit cards for lounge access. Cards like the Amex Platinum card give you entry into over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges when you enroll (with guest privileges) as well as to Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when holding an eligible same-day boarding pass), Plaza Premium lounges and many more. Airport lounges are a fun and fancy way to wait for your gate while you enjoy complimentary food and drinks.
- Statement credits: Many American Express cards offer statement credits for common expenses like dining and travel. For example, the Amex Gold card comes with up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, up to $120 in annual dining credits, up to $100 in annual credits to be used with Resy restaurants and up to $84 in annual Dunkin’ credit (enrollment required).
- Excellent travel insurance: The best Amex travel cards come with top-notch travel insurance, including trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and premium rental car insurance (though you must opt in and pay a small fee per rental).
- Free checked bags: Amex issues several Delta SkyMiles credit cards, most of which come with the first checked bag free on Delta flights for you and up to eight travelers on your itinerary. Considering a checked bag costs $35 one-way, that’s potentially a huge money-saving perk.
- Automatic elite status: A long list of American Express cards confer either hotel elite status, rental car elite status or both. For example, you’ll get automatic Hilton Gold status when you hold the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. This comes with bonus points, breakfast privileges, complimentary room upgrades (when available) and other goodies.
- Annual free hotel nights: A couple of Amex hotel credit cards, such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, come with a free night award after each account anniversary (in this case, worth up to 85,000 points, and keep in mind some hotels have resort fees).
- No preset spending limit: Some Amex cards, like the Amex Platinum, don’t have a preset spending limit. This gives you the ability to make larger transactions than with a traditional credit card.
Alternatives To Consider
Again, American Express cards are typically for consumers with good credit or better (670 or above, per FICO). If your credit profile isn’t in the range to be approved for Amex cards (or if its cards simply don’t interest you), direct your attention to these issuers, instead:
- Chase credit cards: In terms of valuable travel credit cards, Chase competes with Amex for the heavyweight title. It also offers the Chase Freedom Rise® for those who don’t have a credit history (the demographic that Amex doesn’t touch).
- Capital One credit cards: Capital One offers a variety of cards for students or those with low credit scores. It also issues its fair share of quality travel credit cards.
- Citi credit cards: Citi offers a variety of rewards credit cards, but its specialty is 0% intro APR cards. It’s got some of the most generous interest-free windows in the business.
How To Apply for an Amex Card
If you’ve ever opened a credit card, applying for an American Express card will be familiar. Here’s what to expect:
- Head to the application page on the American Express website for the card you want.
- Input personal info such as your Social Security number, annual income, date of birth and mailing address.
- Submit your application. American Express offers an “Apply With Confidence” feature on many cards that will let you see if you qualify, without a hard credit pull, before you accept a card offer.
- If you’re instantly approved, Amex may show you a virtual card number to use until your actual card arrives in your mailbox.
- If your application is declined or becomes pending, consider calling American Express to ask them if you can provide further details that will push your application through.
For Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty, Return Protection and Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance with American Express Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the Trip Delay Insurance benefit and Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
All information about the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and Chase Freedom Rise® have been collected independently by CardCritics™.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amex Cards
What American Express card is the best?
In terms of annual value, the Amex Platinum is considered the best publicly available American Express card. It offers a litany of monthly and yearly statement credits, several day-of travel benefits and elite status perks.
What is the hardest Amex card to get?
The Amex Centurion Card is the hardest Amex card to get. Also known as the “Black Card,” it’s invitation-only, meaning you can’t apply for it. The exact qualifying activity is kept a secret, but data points suggest you must spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for American Express to consider you for the card.
Is Amex Gold or Green better?
There’s some subjectivity here, but the Amex Gold can be considered better than the Amex Green card because it’s got more credits and elevated benefits. That doesn’t mean the Amex Green isn’t the right fit for your wallet; it has a lower annual fee and different bonus categories that may be a closer fit to your spending habits.
Does Amex Gold have a limit?
The Amex Gold is a No Preset Spending Limit (NPSL) card, meaning it doesn’t have a firm credit line. Your spending power is still capped, but that limit may increase or decrease depending on your usage
How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?
All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.