Best American Express Cards of February 2023
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American Express made its name with cards that were as much status symbols as payment methods. In the 21st century, the issuer offers a complete line of cards with generous rewards and valuable benefits, and many of them do not charge annual fees.
Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits. Many AmEx cards also come with a variety of useful side perks.
Regardless of your goals, there's likely an American Express card that fits your priorities, habits and lifestyle.
American Express made its name with cards that were as much status symbols as payment methods. In the 21st century, the issuer offers a complete line of cards with generous rewards and valuable benefits, and many of them do not charge annual fees.
Some American Express cards earn simple cash back, while others offer rewards points and travel benefits. Many AmEx cards also come with a variety of useful side perks.
Regardless of your goals, there's likely an American Express card that fits your priorities, habits and lifestyle.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best American Express Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Family spending: Groceries, gas, transit, streaming | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%- Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express' website |
The Platinum Card® from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Luxury travel perks | $695 | 1x- Points | 80,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
American Express® Gold Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Travel rewards on everyday spending | $250 | 1x- Points | 60,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for No-annual-fee grocery and gas rewards | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on American Express' website |
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Luxury perks for business travelers | $695 | 1x- Points | 120,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Simple rewards for small business | $0 | 1x- Points | 15,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Simple cash rewards for small business | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express' website |
American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Customized rewards for business | $295 | 1x- Points | 70,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website |
The Plum Card® from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Flexible financing for businesses | $250 | 1.5% Cashback | $0 | Apply now on American Express' website |
Our pick for
Family spending: Groceries, gas, transit, streaming
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
Cashback
$250
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers top-notch rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, as well as on transit expenses and select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers top-notch rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, as well as on transit expenses and select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Pros
You'll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Terms Apply. There's a great welcome offer for new cardholders and a nice 0% intro APR period, too. Terms apply.
Cons
There's a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. It's steep for a cash-back credit card, but you'll make up for it with rewards by spending just $31 a week at U.S. supermarkets.
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% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% to 29.49%
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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Luxury travel perks
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$695
1x-5x
Points
80,000
Points
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual fee as heavy as the stainless steel it's made of. But for big spenders who enjoy traveling in luxury, the generous perks and rewards can defray the cost and add more value to a vacation.
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an annual fee as heavy as the stainless steel it's made of. But for big spenders who enjoy traveling in luxury, the generous perks and rewards can defray the cost and add more value to a vacation.
Pros
The card offers 5X points per $1 spent on airfare purchased directly from airlines or booked through American Express Travel; 5 points per $1 spent on hotels booked on amextravel.com; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. New cardholders get a solid welcome offer. And that's just to start. The lengthy list of ongoing perks — from airport lounge access and travel credits to automatic elite loyalty status at participating hotels — can easily be enough to offset the annual fee.
Cons
The $695 annual fee is one of the steepest around, so you'll need to be certain that you can make up the cost of it. The $200 annual airline credit can help, but it's limited to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline. Bonus rewards are targeted at travel spending, which might not fit your spending patterns. Finally, unlike with traditional credit cards, you can carry a balance only for certain charges; others must be paid in full monthly.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 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.
Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership 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 Ups are excluded.
American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
$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.
Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Travel rewards on everyday spending
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$250
1x-4x
Points
60,000
Points
The American Express® Gold Card gives foodies and travelers a large side of Membership Rewards with their bites and flights. The rewards you earn are ideal for redeeming toward travel.
The American Express® Gold Card gives foodies and travelers a large side of Membership Rewards with their bites and flights. The rewards you earn are ideal for redeeming toward travel.
Pros
The card offers 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at restaurants; 4 points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 spent annually; 3 points per $1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; and 1 point per $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases. Other benefits include up to $120 a year in dining credit (available only in monthly increments on qualifying purchases). Plus, you start with welcome bonus offer.
Cons
The $250 annual fee may be a dealbreaker for some. The perks can defray the cost, but only if you make full use of them.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 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.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $250.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
No-annual-fee grocery and gas rewards
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great option if you spend regularly on groceries and gas but can't stomach the fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (described above).
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great option if you spend regularly on groceries and gas but can't stomach the fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (described above).
Pros
This card earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in spending in each category). Other purchases earn 1% back. Terms apply. There's a good 0% period and a solid bonus offer for new cardholders, too.
Cons
If you spend at least $61 per week at the supermarket, you may be better off paying the annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because of its higher rewards rate. This card also lacks the bonus streaming and transit rewards of the "Preferred" version.
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, 18.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Luxury perks for business travelers
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$695
1x-5x
Points
120,000
Points
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can add value and luxury to your travel experience, if you don’t mind the sizable cost of card ownership.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can add value and luxury to your travel experience, if you don’t mind the sizable cost of card ownership.
Pros
This card is a match for business owners who spend big and prefer to travel in comfort. If that’s you, the card’s long list of perks can elevate your travel experience and offer more value for your money. You’ll start off with a nice welcome offer, then enjoy airport lounge access, a credit of up to $200 for incidental fees (like checked bags) on one airline, and a raft of other perks. As for rewards, you get 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com; 1.5 points per dollar on certain business categories (such as electronics and software) and purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million annually); and 1 point per dollar on eligible purchases. Terms apply.
Cons
The sky-high $695 annual fee is worth it only if you travel frequently enough to make full use of the card's perks. (The fee is a deductible business expense, though.) You’ll get the VIP treatment with this card, but only at places that accept it.
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
$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 Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
$189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
$695 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Simple rewards for small business
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1x-2x
Points
15,000
Points
Come for the 0% intro APR offer; stay for the ongoing rewards. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a good fit for entrepreneurs looking for a $0-annual-fee, no-fuss card.
Come for the 0% intro APR offer; stay for the ongoing rewards. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a good fit for entrepreneurs looking for a $0-annual-fee, no-fuss card.
Pros
The card gives you 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on everything, on up to the first $50,000 in purchases made every year, and 1 point per dollar after that. (Terms apply.) The 0% introductory APR offer is outstanding for a business credit card, and the annual fee is $0
Cons
The $50,000 spending cap on double points reduces this card's value for businesses with high operating expenses. Prefer cash to points? See the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Simple cash rewards for small business
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1%-2%
Cashback
$250
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a solid cash-back rate on purchases (up to a point) and gives you a good 0% introductory APR period for an annual fee of $0.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a solid cash-back rate on purchases (up to a point) and gives you a good 0% introductory APR period for an annual fee of $0.
Pros
This card offers 2% cash back on the first $50,000 a year in eligible purchases, then 1% back. Terms apply. Cash back is automatically credited to your statement. Business owners also can get a break on interest payments with an 0% introductory APR offer.
Cons
The $50,000 annual cap on spending that earns 2% cash back will be a serious limitation for some businesses. If you're willing to pay an annual fee, there are other cards that offer unlimited 2% rewards.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Customized rewards for business
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$295
1x-4x
Points
70,000
Points
The unique rewards structure on the American Express® Business Gold Card automatically changes with your spending. It can mean big rewards — if your purchases match its 4X categories.
The unique rewards structure on the American Express® Business Gold Card automatically changes with your spending. It can mean big rewards — if your purchases match its 4X categories.
Pros
You earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most each month. All other spending earns 1 point per dollar. The categories: airfare purchased directly from airlines; U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio); U.S. purchases made directly from select technology providers of computer hardware, software and cloud solutions; U.S. gas stations; U.S. restaurants; and U.S. purchases for shipping. Terms apply. There's a welcome offer for new cardholders, too.
Cons
The $295 annual fee is steep. If your business doesn't spend much in the 4X categories, you'll have an uphill climb to break even.
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
**4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
*Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Flexible financing for businesses
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$250
1.5%
Cashback
$0
Businesses with high working capital needs but sometimes inconsistent cash flow might find The Plum Card® from American Express a perfect fit. Pay early and get a discount, or enjoy up to 60 days interest-free.
Businesses with high working capital needs but sometimes inconsistent cash flow might find The Plum Card® from American Express a perfect fit. Pay early and get a discount, or enjoy up to 60 days interest-free.
Pros
Pay your bill within 10 days of your statement closing date, and you get an automatic 1.5% discount. If you need more time, pay the minimum due, and you can get up to 60 days interest-free to pay the rest. The card also has no preset spending limit. Terms apply.
Cons
With a hefty annual fee, this card is designed for businesses that spend big. And while it offers flexible terms, it's still a charge card, meaning your balance will be due in full — you can't spread out the cost of a purchase over several months.
Paying early pays off: get a 1.5% Early Pay Discount on your statement on the amount paid within 10 days of your statement closing date and no cap on what you can earn back. Just pay the Minimum Due by the Payment Due Date.
Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
Use the power of the Plum Card to buy big for your business.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Terms & Restrictions Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
BEST AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
CONSUMER CARDS
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Family spending: Groceries, gas, transit, streaming
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our pick for: No-annual-fee grocery and gas rewards
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Our pick for: Simple, flat-rate cash back
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Luxury travel perks
American Express® Gold Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards on everyday spending
American Express® Green Card
Our pick for: Travel and dining rewards
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
Our pick for: AmEx points for no annual fee
SMALL BUSINESS CARDS
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Luxury perks for business travelers
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Our pick for: Simple cash rewards for small business
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Our pick for: Simple rewards for small business
American Express® Business Gold Card
Our pick for: Customized rewards for business
The Plum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Flexible financing for businesses
Other cards issued by American Express
American Express issues branded credit cards in partnership with airlines, hotels and others. Learn more about these cards by reading the reviews linked below:
Delta Air Lines credit cards
Hilton Hotels credit cards
Other credit cards
'American Express' cards not issued by American Express
Several banks offer credit cards that operate on the American Express payment network, but these cards are not issued by American Express itself. You can use them anywhere that accepts AmEx, but their rewards, perks, fees and rates are dictated by the card issuer, not American Express. Those cards are not included on this page.
Examples include the U.S. Bank Cash 365™ American Express® Card and the USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card
• • •
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Last updated on February 2, 2023
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
Which American Express card is right for you depends largely on your credit scores. American Express cards tend to require at least good credit (FICO scores of 690 or higher). If you clear that hurdle, then the right American Express card for you will hinge on your goals, spending habits and lifestyle.
Are you interested in cash back, or are you looking for travel rewards? Do you spend more on groceries, or is dining out a bigger line item in your budget? Are annual fees a nonstarter for you, or are you willing to pay one in exchange for more value? Are you a small-business owner?
AmEx has options to fit many different kinds of profiles and budgets.
No. There are several American Express cards with no annual fee, including cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, co-branded cards (offered in partnership with a brand or merchant), and small-business cards.
Depending on the American Express card in question, it may earn rewards in the form of:
Cash back (generally as a statement credit).
American Express Membership Rewards (flexible points that can be redeemed for a variety of different things, including travel).*
Airline miles (if the card is offered in partnership with an airline).
Hotel points (if the card is offered in partnership with a hotel chain).
*It's possible to earn Membership Rewards points in other ways aside from direct spending on an AmEx card.
American Express cards — especially travel rewards cards — may also come with a variety of benefits, credits and perks, depending on the card.