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Best American Express credit cards for December 2024

Updated November 25, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure: The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for and how we rate our cards.

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Showing 11 results

Best overall

American Express® Gold Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.9
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

60,000 points

Rewards rate

1X - 4X

Annual fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: It combines generous rewards rates on everyday spending with valuable perks that can offset its annual fee.

Best for large welcome bonus

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Bankrate score

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4.8
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 points

Rewards rate

5X - 5X

Annual fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: It offers a slew of valuable perks and credits, plus one of the top rewards rates you can get on travel.

Best for everyday spending

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.6
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn $200

Rewards rate

1% - 3%

Annual fee

$0

APR

18.49%-29.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: You’ll enjoy a solid rewards rate on everyday spending and valuable perks like its Disney Bundle streaming credit, all at no annual fee.

Best cash back card for families

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.4
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn $250

Rewards rate

1% - 6%

Annual fee

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

APR

18.49%-29.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: Since it offers the best rewards rate you can get at grocery stores, it should fit with nearly any cash back card stack.

Best general business card

American Express® Business Gold Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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5.0
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 100,000 points

Rewards Rate

1X - 4X

Annual fee

$375

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable

Why you'll like this: It seamlessly adapts to your business spending, offering a great rewards rate in your top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle.

Best business card for travel

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.8
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 150,000 points

Rewards Rate

1X - 5X

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable

Why you'll like this: You’ll enjoy a solid rewards rate in a variety of popular business spending categories, earning flexible, high-value Amex points.

Best Delta card for value travelers

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles

Rewards rate

1X - 2X

Annual fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: You’ll earn rewards at a boosted rate on Delta purchases and in a mix of everyday spending categories, making it a solid standalone option.

Best Hilton card with no annual fee

Hilton Honors American Express Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
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4.3
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 100,000 points

Rewards rate

3X - 7X

Annual fee

$0

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: Its mix of rewards on Hilton stays and everyday spending makes it a great choice for Hilton regulars who want to stick with a single travel card.

Best for luxury Marriott stays

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.6
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points

Rewards rate

2X - 6X

Annual fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: You’ll unlock several valuable credits and perks that make the annual fee well worth it, without even factoring in the generous rewards rate.

Best for free Hilton nights

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.7
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 165,000 points

Rewards rate

3X - 12X

Annual fee

$150

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: It offers a boosted rewards rate on both everyday spending and Hilton purchases, making it a versatile pick for Hilton regulars.

Best for Delta Medallion members

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.1
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles

Rewards rate

1X - 3X

Annual fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: Its MQD Headstart and MQD Boost make it easier to qualify for Medallion Status, which offers the best Delta perks and a higher Delta rewards rate.

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All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Compare Bankrate’s top picks for best American Express credit cards

Card Name Best For Annual Fee Bankrate Review Score

Dining + Best overall

$325

4.9 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Large welcome bonus

$695

4.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Everyday spending

$0

4.6 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Cash back for families

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

4.4 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

General business rewards

$375

5.0 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Business card for travel

$695

4.8 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Delta card for value travelers

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

4.4 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Hilton card with no annual fee

$0

4.3 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Luxury Marriott stays

$650

4.6 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Free Hilton nights

$150

4.7 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Delta Medallion members

$650

4.1 / 5

Info Icon
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock Icon
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

What is an American Express credit card?

American Express, also known as Amex, is both a payment processing network and a credit card issuer, meaning that Amex issues credit cards to consumers and facilitates transactions with merchants through its network. 

Amex offers several personal and business credit cards, covering luxury travel, cash back, rewards and co-branded credit cards with Delta, Hilton and Marriott. It has some of the most rewarding credit cards you’ll find and Amex points are some of the most valuable rewards currencies available, according to our latest points and miles valuations.

If you’re looking to earn rewards, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding an Amex card that fits your needs, as many of them earn generous rates in everyday spending categories and carry practical practical perks. That said, Amex cards are not the best fit for credit-builders or people new to credit (you’ll typically need at least a good credit score to qualify for Amex cards). 

Why this Bankrate writer loves his Amex credit cards

Here’s what Bankrate writer Ryan Flanigan had to say about his experience with Amex cards:

"Amex is my favorite issuer and I like having multiple Amex cards.

Its hotel co-branded cards offer great perks like free night certificates that I can use to get outsized value when I travel to luxury properties. All of my Membership Rewards cards work together like a finely tuned machine that covers all the major bonus categories and earns tons of points every year. And the flexibility to either book travel through its portal or transfer to a very generous list of transfer partners gives me a ton of options when planning where to go.

Lastly, Amex gives me a lot of useful credits on all sorts of things like travel, shopping and business expenses, which helps me offset annual fees. I'll always have as many Amex cards as I'm allowed to have since these cards reward me the most overall."

— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Credit Cards
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Bankrate’s take: Through AmexTravel.com, cardholders can book travel with points earned through the Amex Membership Rewards program and even take advantage of some added benefits. You can earn a percentage of your points back when redeeming on the website or earn at boosted rates when using the Amex travel portal with select cards.

American Express customer experience

American Express boasts the highest customer satisfaction ratings among all credit card issuers, according to J.D Power’s 2024 customer satisfaction study. The issuer leads the pack with a score of of 634, with Discover coming in second with a score of 629.

Amex has ranked in the top spot for the last five years, giving cardholders peace of mind that their service concerns are in the best hands. J.D. Power ranks cards based on category and cost, and several American Express cards rank at the top of each specific card list. The study, conducted annually, scores issuers and their products based on account management, benefits, customer service, new accounts, rewards earning, rewards redeeming and terms.

You can reach American Express customer service any time of day by calling 1-800-528-4800. You can also contact Amex customer service using the issuer’s mobile app. Chat and phone services are available 24/7.

Pros and cons of American Express credit cards

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    Wide consumer base: American Express offers a variety of card options for nearly any type of consumer or business, whether you prefer cash back or rewards.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Loyalty perks: American Express has connections with some of the top hotel and airline brands in the world, giving cardholders access to unique, valuable perks and an opportunity to squeeze more value out of their rewards.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Affordable options available: American Express offers multiple no-annual-fee cards that still carry generous rewards and welcome offers.

Cons

  • High annual fees: Some of Amex’s best credit cards come with steep annual fees. Although the rewards available with these cards can make these fees worthwhile, sticker shock may turn away.

  • Limited acceptance internationally: Amex cards aren’t as widely accepted worldwide as cards issued by Visa or Mastercard.

  • High approval threshold: The majority of Amex’s options require a good-to-excellent credit score to be approved.

Choosing the best American Express card

American Express cards are worth it as long as you pick cards that fit your lifestyle and take advantage of additional perks. Some cards are better for people who want simple rewards and others are great for those who make the most of every perk, feature, boosted rewards rate and bonus.

The most important factor is that your Amex card is useful to you rather than hindering you from reaching your goals. Annual fees can sometimes be more of a burden than they’re worth. Ensuring that you earn more value in rewards than you pay to hold the card is a great way to determine if the annual fee is worth it. It’s a good idea to research all of the cards Amex offers to determine which particular card aligns with your financial goals. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Our data: How high does your credit score need to be for an Amex card?

Considering American Express is known for its flashy perks and high annual fees, it's no surprise that its credit score requirements reflect luxury. We looked at approval rates for top American Express credit cards that readers applied for on our site in 2023. Based on our data, we’ve found that Bankrate users with excellent credit were more likely to get approved for premium cards than users with lower credit scores.

According to Bankrate’s proprietary data, users with excellent credit (740 FICO scores and higher) were 61 percent more likely to get approved for mid-tier cards and 76 percent more likely to get approved for premium cards than users with good credit (670 to 739 FICO scores).

Keep in mind that issuers consider more than just your credit score when reviewing credit card applications. Applications commonly ask for your income, housing payment and homeownership status. And your credit report — which includes your other credit accounts and applications — may also affect your approval odds.

If you want a better understanding of your approval odds for an American Express card, check the Bankrate CardMatch™ tool.

Expert advice for American Express cards

If you find an Amex card that matches your credit card needs, you’ll want to make the most of it, especially if it has a hefty annual fee. Here are some ways to maximize a new American Express card:

  • Earn your welcome offer: Amex welcome offers can be very generous. Since Membership Rewards points are so flexible, a welcome offer can be worth much more than its base value when you make strategic transfers to Amex travel partners.
  • Decide if you want to earn Membership Rewards or cash back: Not all American Express cards earn Membership Rewards, and though they offer great redemption value, they aren’t the best fit for everyone. Unless you plan to use rewards for travel, you may be better served with an Amex cash back card (redeeming Membership Rewards for cash back offers less than 1 cent per point in value). For frequent travelers, though, Membership Rewards are typically the better choice.
  • Use perks and credits: Several Amex cards have valuable perks that can offset their annual fees, ranging from dining and streaming service credits to travel and shopping credits and airport lounge access. Make sure to lean into these perks to get the full value of your Amex card. Be mindful about evaluating the ongoing value to make sure you’re justifying the annual fee long-term.

Frequently asked questions about American Express credit cards

How we assess the best American Express credit cards

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150+
cards rated
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50+
rewards programs valued
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1800
data points analyzed
Credit Card Reviews Icon
40+
perks evaluated

When evaluating the best credit cards from American Express, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to scoring a large welcome bonus to saving on interest. 

Our rating database covers over 250 of the most popular credit cards, allowing us to compare the quality of various Amex cards to each other and to cards in the same category from other issuers. We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period, ongoing APR, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup. 

Here’s a look at how our card ratings are distributed as of August 2024, as well as some of the key factors that we considered in selecting this month’s best American Express cards.

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • 5 stars 2%
  • 4 - 4.9 stars 35%
  • 3 - 3.9 stars 39%
  • 2 - 2.9 stars 22%
  • 1 - 1.9 stars 2%

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.