American Express offers some of the most exclusive credit cards and luxury benefits available, home to classics such as The Platinum Card from American Express and the Centurion® Card from American Express*, or “black card.” But its high-value perks are more widely available than you might realize. Along with premium travel cards, American Express offers co-branded options from popular brands like Delta and Hilton, and cash-back cards that help you save on everyday purchases. Its also the second largest credit card issuer by purchase volume, second only to Chase.
Since much of Amex’s appeal for loyal cardholders is in its lofty benefits and exclusive access, if you can’t take full advantage of premium lounge access or hotel savings, the cost of those cards may not be worth their rewards.
Before you jump on any new card offer, make sure you consider a card’s rewards categories, cost and other features to fit your spending habits and credit needs. Look back on the categories you tend to spend in the most; then determine whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee, if you’d benefit from an introductory offer and what type of rewards structure you’d prefer.
Below are some of the most popular American Express cards on the market.
See Rates & Fees
Terms apply
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
$250 Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- APR
- 18.74%-29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1% – 6% 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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations; 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.74%-29.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.74%-29.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
$200 Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 18.74%-29.74% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1% – 3% 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%.; 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.74%-29.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 18.74%-29.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
Earn 80,000 points Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Annual fee
- $695
- APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
5x – 5x 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.; Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Check out our full review of The Platinum Card® from American Express.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5x
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.
5x
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Check out our full review of The Platinum Card® from American Express.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
5x
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.
5x
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
60,000 points 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.
- Annual fee
- $250
- APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
3x – 4x Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.; 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.
Check out our full review of the American Express® Gold Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
4x
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4x
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3x
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Check out our full review of the American Express® Gold Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
4x
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4x
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3x
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
90,000 miles Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $250
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1x – 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.; Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.; Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Check out our full review of Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3x
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2x
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1x
Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Check out our full review of Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3x
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2x
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1x
Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
70,000 miles Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1x – 2x Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.; Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Check out our full review of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1x
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Check out our full review of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1x
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
90,000 miles Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $550
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1x – 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. ; Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
See our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3x
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
1x
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
See our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
3x
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
1x
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
10,000 miles Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
1x – 2x Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.; Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases. ; Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2x
Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
1x
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
2x
Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2x
Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
1x
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
85,000 Points Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you make $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Annual fee
- $250
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
2x – 6 points Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points).; Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.; Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
6 points
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
4x
Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points).
2x
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
6 points
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
4x
Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points).
2x
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
See Rates & Fees
Terms apply
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
95,000 points Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 3 months.
- Annual fee
- $650
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
2x – 6x Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.; 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.; 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
6x
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
3x
3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
2x
2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
6x
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
3x
3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
2x
2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
Earn 100,000 Points Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023.
- Annual fee
- $0
- APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
3x – 7x Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.; Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.; Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
For more information, see our full review of the Hilton Honors Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
7x
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
5x
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
3x
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
For more information, see our full review of the Hilton Honors Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49%-29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
7x
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
5x
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
3x
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
Earn 150,000 Points Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 04/05/2023.
- Annual fee
- $95
- APR
- 20.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
3x – 12x Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.; Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.; Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
12x
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
6x
Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
3x
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
12x
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
6x
Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
3x
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Quick Look
- Intro Offer
-
150,000 Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you use your new Card to make $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Annual fee
- $450
- APR
- 20.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
-
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
- Rewards rate
-
3x – 14x Earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.; Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants.; Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
14x
Earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
7x
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants.
3x
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
14x
Earn 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your Card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio.
7x
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies & at U.S. restaurants.
3x
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Credit score requirements for American Express cards
The credit score requirement will depend on which card you’re applying for. However, Amex tends to offer more cards recommended for good to excellent credit than other issuers, with few credit cards for people with a limited credit history.
For good credit, you’ll generally need a credit score of 670 or higher. If your credit score is lower, you can improve your credit score with responsible use on your current accounts.
As a tradeoff for the high credit requirements, many Amex credit cards offer premium perks above and beyond rewards, like annual statement credits and travel benefits.
Amex compared to other issuers
American Express -- like Discover -- operates as both a credit card issuer and credit card payment processor. Visa and Mastercard on the other hand are only processors, which means the two companies facilitate payments rather than issue credit cards.
Instead, Visa and Mastercard team with banks like Bank of America or Capital One to issue credit cards. Visa and Mastercard will approve transactions, while the issuing bank will decide whether or not you qualify for a credit card.
The main difference between card processors like American Express, Visa and Mastercard are where the cards are accepted. The main difference between issuers like Capital One or Bank of America are qualification requirements.
Comparatively, American Express has the lowest acceptance rate due to higher merchant transaction fees and also tends to have the highest credit requirements.
How many American Express cards can you have?
You can have a total of up to five American Express consumer and business credit cards at once.
Is Amex the right choice for you?
American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards for rewards, travel and business. Some charge an annual fee while some don’t. With such a strong catalog, there’s likely a credit card that’ll fit your needs.
Look at your spending habits and goals to choose the right card.
How to Apply for an American Express card
Follow these steps to apply for an American Express card:
- Find the best fit for your wallet
- Follow the links above to be taken to an application
- Fill out an application with all of the required financial information
- Use your card responsibly and pay your bill on time
FAQs
American Express credit card annual fees range from $0 to upwards of $695 annually. A higher annual fee usually yields better card perks, but is only worth it if you use the card enough.
No, some Amex cards don’t have an annual fee, like the Blue Cash Everyday, Hilton Honors Card and Delta SkyMiles Blue.
Which card is easiest to get will depend on your credit. The better your credit, the more likely you are to be approved for a credit card.
You can cancel an American Express card by contacting the issuer. However, canceling a credit card is often not the best move as it will have repercussions for your credit.
*All information about the Centurion Card from American Express and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
