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Credit Cards

8 best American Express cards of June 2026

There's an Amex card for every kind of shopper.

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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Founded as a freight company in 1850, American Express issued its first credit card in 1958. Today, the company offers an array of cards to address the different ways we spend, from earnings rewards and getting top travel benefits to streamlining business expenses.

CNBC Select named the best American Express cards in a variety of categories, including premium perks, cash back, no fees and business benefits. To learn how we made our selections, check out our methodology.

Best American Express cards of June 2026

Best for cash back

Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is a strong cash back card for earning rewards on groceries and streaming subscriptions.

Standout benefits: The Amex Blue Cash Preferred earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit. You also get access to a generous intro APR offer (see rates and fees) and streaming-related statement credits (enrollment required). Terms apply.

Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at checkout on Amazon.com.

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
4.8

On the American Express site

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Annual fee

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

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)

  • High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
  • Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee for the first year
  • It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
  • Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Enjoy 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 19.49%-28.49%.
  • 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 Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars

Pro tip: You can pair this card with an Amex bank account

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.

Best for premium perks

Who's this for? The American Express Platinum Card® is one of the best premium cards on the market. It's a great fit if you're looking for luxury perks, from airport lounge access to travel and shopping statement credits.

Standout benefits: Each year, you can earn over $3,500 in statement credits and other benefits with your Amex Platinum Card. This includes benefits for rideshares, airline fees (enrollment required), digital entertainment, hotels, shopping, CLEAR+ (subject to auto‑renewal) and Walmart+ (*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible. Subject to auto-renewal).

American Express Platinum Card®

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On the American Express site

Spotlight

The Amex Platinum Card provides access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs® , Lufthansa Lounges, Escape Lounges and more. (Enrollment required)

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual fee

$895

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points

See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our Amex Platinum Card review. The American Express Platinum Card® Welcome Offer: To view your personalized offer, you must first submit an application. If approved, you will: (1) receive your Welcome Offer details, (2) have the option to accept the Card with that offer, (3) be required to spend $12,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership, and (4) earn Membership Rewards® points. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score. Terms apply.

The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)

  • Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass™ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
  • Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
  • Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
  • High annual fee
  • Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 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. 
  • 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. 
  • $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. 
  • $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required. 
  • $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. 
  • $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. 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.
  • $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your 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, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out. 
  • $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. 
  • 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.
  • See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer fee

N/A

Foreign transaction fee

None

Best for no annual fee

Who's this for? The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a rewarding no-annual-fee cash back card for gas, groceries and online purchases (see rates and fees).

Standout benefits: The Amex Blue Cash Everyday earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases and U.S. gas stations (on eligible purchases for each category; up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). You also receive a valuable intro APR period on new purchases and balance transfers (see rates and fees) and over $260 in streaming and meal delivery credits each year (enrollment required). Terms apply.

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
5

On the American Express site

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

19.49% to 28.49% Variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee and you may be eligible for bonus rewards on a wide range of common expenditures.

  • Up to $264 in streaming service and meal kit credits every year (subject to auto renewal)
  • High cash-back rates in popular spending categories
  • No annual fee
  • The best bonus cash-back categories are capped
  • Has a foreign transaction fee

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. 
  • No Annual Fee. 
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
  • 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 Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal. 
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars

Best for dining

Who's this for? The American Express Gold Card is a powerhouse when it comes to earning flexible travel rewards. It earns an exceptionally high return on popular spending categories, including dining out worldwide.

Standout benefits: Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points). Plus, the Amex Gold offers access to over $400 in annual statement credits and benefits for dining (enrollment required) and rideshare/food delivery. Taking full advantage of these perks will more than offset the annual fee (see rates and fees).

American Express® Gold Card

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On the American Express site

Spotlight

The Amex Gold Card offers over $400 in statement credits every year.

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual fee

$325

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points

See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our American Express® Gold Card review. The American Express Gold® Card Welcome Offer: To view your personalized offer, you must first submit an application. If approved, you will: (1) receive your Welcome Offer details, (2) have the option to accept the Card with that offer, (3) be required to spend $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership, and (4) earn Membership Rewards® points. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score. Terms apply.

The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.

  • You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
  • Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Larger annual fee
  • Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 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. 
  • 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.
  • New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. 
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. 
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. 
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay. 
  • Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. 
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required. 
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. 
  • New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
  • Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
  • 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.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Foreign transaction fee

None

Best for Delta Air Lines

Who's this for? The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great fit if you fly Delta occasionally and are looking for perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding.

Standout benefits: The free first checked bag perk is available to everyone under the qualifying reservation, up to nine people total. The Delta SkyMiles Gold also grants 20% back on eligible in-flight purchases, and you can unlock up to $300 in travel credits every year.

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
4.8

On the American Express site

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Annual fee

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

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles

See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our Amex Delta Gold review. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Welcome Offer: To view your personalized offer, you must first submit an application. If approved, you will: (1) receive your Welcome Offer details, (2) have the option to accept the Card with that offer, (3) be required to spend $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership, and (4) earn Membership Rewards® points. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score. Terms apply.

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has the right mix of benefits if you occasionally fly with Delta, such as free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts.

  • Earn up to $300 in travel credit every year
  • First checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on eligible flights
  • Discounts on eligible in-flight purchases and on Delta award flights (Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees).
  • Annual fee after the first year
  • Delta flight credit benefit has a high spending requirement to earn

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • You may be eligible for as high as 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees.

Best for average credit

Who's this for? For a $95 annual fee, the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards is available to applicants with fair or average credit (or a FICO Score of 580 and higher).

Standout benefits: The Credit One Bank Wander earns 10% cash back rewards on eligible hotel and car rental purchases booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner and a solid 5% back on eligible general travel, dining and gas purchases.

Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card with Dining, Gas & Travel Rewards

On Credit One's site
  • Rewards

    10% cash back rewards on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner, 5% cash back rewards on eligible dining, gas, & travel purchases. 1% cash back rewards on all other purchases, terms apply

  • Welcome bonus

    No current offer

  • Annual fee

    $95

  • Intro APR

    N/A

  • Regular APR

    29.74%* Variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    N/A

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Fair to Good credit

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

Pros

  • Great return on travel purchases
  • Available to those with average credit

Cons

  • High APR
  • No welcome bonus

Best no annual fee business card

Who's this for? The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is one of the top no-annual-fee business cards (see rates and fees) due to its generous rewards structure.

Standout benefits: The Amex Blue Business Plus lets you finance business expenses over time without interest, thanks to its generous intro APR on new purchases (see rates and fees). It also comes with business expense management tools.

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
4.8

On the American Express site

Credit score

Excellent

Regular APR

16.74% - 28.49% Variable; APRs will not exceed 29.99%

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option if you're starting a business because it's affordable, earns flexible travel rewards and offers an intro-APR on purchases for a year.

  • Valuable intro-APR offer for purchases for 12 months
  • Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • No annual fee
  • Bonus rewards for purchases are capped
  • Few useful travel insurance benefits

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • 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.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
  • You've got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer fee

N/A

Foreign transaction fee

2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Best premium business card

Who's this for? If you're a business owner, the Business Platinum Card from American Express can help you level up your work trips with luxury benefits, including airport lounge access.

Standout benefits: On top of offering an unusually valuable welcome bonus, you can receive thousands in statement credits every year. These credits apply to a variety of travel and business purchases, including airline fees, hotel stays, CLEAR+ (enrollment required; subject to auto‑renewal), Dell (enrollment required) and more.

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On the American Express site

Spotlight

The Business Platinum Card from American Express' welcome bonus is one of the most valuable offers available right now.

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Annual fee

$895

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points

See rates and fees, terms apply. Read our Amex Business Platinum review. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express Welcome Offer: To view your personalized offer, you must first submit an application. If approved, you will: (1) receive your Welcome Offer details, (2) have the option to accept the Card with that offer, (3) be required to spend $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership, and (4) earn Membership Rewards® points. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score. Terms apply.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a premium business card loaded with statement credit offers for business services and travel that help justify its steep annual fee.

  • Access to 1,550 airport lounges, including Priority Pass (Enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
  • Hotel and rental car elite status perks
  • Earns flexible rewards you can transfer to 20+ airline and hotel loyalty programs (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned; Benefits may be subject to auto-renewal)
  • High annual fee
  • Limited bonus spending categories
  • Some statement credit offers are earned in small increments or only apply to purchases from a single brand

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. 
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025. 
  • See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply. 
  • Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. 
  • No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history. 
  • Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required. 
  • Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals. 
  • Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal). 
  • Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™. 
  • Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year. 
  • Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal. 
  • Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card. 
  • Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required. 
  • Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required. 
  • 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. 
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com 
  • 1X points on other eligible purchases 
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.

How the top American Express cards compare

Amex card comparison

Rewards Annual fee Credit needed
Amex Blue Cash Preferred6% 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 U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95*Good to Excellent
Amex Platinum5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 per calendar year 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel$895*Good to Excellent
Amex Blue Cash Everyday3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%.$0*Good to Excellent
Amex Gold 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X); 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X); 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App; 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines; 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com; 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases$325*Good to Excellent
Delta SkyMiles Gold 2X miles on Delta Purchases, 2X miles at restaurants, 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, 1X miles on all other eligible purchases$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150Good to Excellent
Credit One Bank Wander10% cash back on eligible hotel and car rentals booked using the Credit One Bank travel partner, 5% back on eligible dining, gas & travel purchases, 1% back on all other purchases$95Fair to Good
Amex Blue Business Plus 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners, up to $50,000 per year, then 1X$0*Excellent
Amex Business Platinum5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus, 1X points on other eligible purchases $895*Good to Excellent

  • For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
  • For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
  • For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.
  • For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
  • For rates and fees of The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.
  • For rates and fees of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
  • For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Who are American Express cards best for?

American Express offers nearly any type of card you could want or need, including cash back cards, business cards, airline cards, hotel cards and more. However, Amex travel cards stand out above the rest; the welcome bonuses, benefits and luxury perks match or exceed what most other card issuers offer.

Amex's travel rewards program, Membership Rewards®, offers the ideal rewards structure if you want to maximize your points' value and unlock exceptional deals. You can transfer Amex points to 17 airlines and 3 hotel loyalty programs.

Premium benefits are worth paying attention to: If you value airport lounge access, Amex Platinum and Business Platinum unlock numerous lounges beyond the standard Priority Pass:

  • Delta Sky Club lounges (10 visits per year when flying eligible Delta flights, unless additional qualifications are met)
  • Plaza Premium Lounges
  • Lufthansa lounges
  • Centurion Lounges
  • Escape Lounges

Types of Amex cards

Amex issues cards for everyone, from small business owners to travelers seeking luxury experiences. It also partners with several brands to issue co-branded cards loaded with perks specific to each company.

Cash back cards

Cash back cards earn straightforward rewards that are easy to value and redeem. The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a great example of this. Instead of points, it earns cash back in the form of Rewards Dollars that you can redeem for statement credits.

Travel cards

Several of the top travel cards are issued by Amex, including the American Express Platinum and American Express Gold. Aside from each card's individual perks, what makes Amex travel cards so valuable is the Amex Membership Rewards® program. Membership Rewards® points can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including transfers to a myriad of travel loyalty programs.

Co-branded cards

American Express partners with a long list of brands, including retailers, hotels and airlines. Some of the top co-branded Amex cards include the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. These cards have benefits that can both save you money and enhance your experience when traveling with a specific airline or hotel.

Business cards

Amex offers all types of business cards, including cash back business cards, travel business cards and co-branded business cards. The Business Platinum is ideal for business owners who travel frequently and want to unlock luxury benefits, like airport lounge access. The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a better fit if you want a simple, low-cost business card that earns cash back.

How to choose an American Express card

Amex offers a wide range of cards with different rewards and costs. When you're deciding which Amex card is right for you, here are a few helpful considerations:

Check your credit score

If you're considering an American Express card, one of the first things you should take into consideration is your own credit score. Many Amex cards require good-to-excellent credit for the best chance of approval, but some are available to those with lower credit scores. Amex doesn't directly state the required credit scores, but you can check its website to see which cards you prequalify for with no negative impact on your credit.

Pick your rewards

It's important to consider which types of rewards you'd prefer to earn. Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards® points can provide amazing travel value, but they typically require a little more hunting to find and book the best travel deals. Cash back cards might offer slightly less overall value than a travel card, but you may find them easier to use and redeem.

Consider the annual fee

Some Amex cards can have incredibly high annual fees, which should also factor into your decision. While Amex offers both Delta and Hilton-branded cards that excel with those brands, it also offers more flexible cards that earn elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets or select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Evaluate where you've spent the most over the past six months or year to help give you a better idea of where your money is going.

What makes Amex cards attractive?

American Express is a well-known name in the credit card space, and its Membership Rewards® points are among the most valuable. These points can be transferred to 20 different hotel and airline partners, or for travel spending, gift cards, statement credits or even Amazon purchases.

American Express ranked number one across all major issuers in the 2025 J.D. Power Credit Card Satisfaction Study, which considers account management, benefits, customer service and other factors.

Through American Express Experiences, cardholders can get exclusive access and perks to a number of events, from sports, music, Broadway and more. Many Amex cards also offer rewards in popular spending categories, from travel purchases to U.S. supermarkets, so there's likely a card that fits your spending habits.

American Express cards pros and cons

Pros
  • Many Amex cards earn Membership Rewards® points, which are highly valuable due to the number of hotels and airlines they transfer to.
  • Amex offers some of the industry's most generous welcome bonuses.
  • Cards are eligible for Amex Offers, deals you activate to automatically earn statement credits or additional rewards on eligible purchases.
Cons
  • Amex's premium consumer cards require annual fees as high as $895*.
  • The best Amex cards have eye-popping perks, but you may need to jump through hoops to maximize them — enrolling, activating and tracking monthly, quarterly or semi-annual statement credits allotments.
  • Overseas, merchant acceptance lags behind Visa, Mastercard and other payment types.

FAQs

American Express issues some of the most valuable rewards cards thanks to top-tier rewards rates and benefits, like airport lounge access. However, the cards with the best perks typically have the highest annual fees. While the benefits generally offset the cost, it may only be worth it if you maximize the perks.

One of the easiest American Express cards to be approved for is the Credit One Bank American Express® Card. You can get approved with less-than-perfect credit.

There is no undisputed best American Express card, but there is a card that best fits your needs. Once you understand your credit score and what you want to get out of a card, you can hone in on the Amex card that's right for you.

American Express doesn't have a single standard credit limit; credit limits vary by card and your own financial background. Some American Express cards feature no preset spending limit, meaning your credit limit adjusts based on your payment history, spending patterns and other factors.

American Express doesn't publish official credit score requirements. However, for the most valuable Amex cards, you'll typically need at least good credit, or a FICO Score of 670 or higher.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best American Express cards.

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Our methodology

To determine which Amex cards offer the best value for various categories, CNBC Select analyzed Amex cards available in the U.S.

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back). Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash back.
 
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.

For rates and fees of The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.