Best Amex Credit Cards for Travel in 2024

Name: Best Amex Travel Credit Cards in 2024
Item: Best Amex Travel Credit Cards in 2024
Author: Rajiv Baniwal

American Express provides many appealing credit cards that serve different travel-related requirements. While some of these cards are co-branded, others are not. All the Amex travel credit cards we've selected offer reward points or miles.

ByRajiv Baniwal

Reviewed byLee Huffman

ByRajiv Baniwal

Reviewed byLee Huffman

Updated: March 14, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.

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.

Travelers have multiple credit card options to choose from when they turn to American Express. If you favor using a particular airline or group of hotels over others, you might benefit by getting a co-branded Amex travel card. Irrespective of the card you choose from our selection, you stand to earn rewards in some form.

While some of the best Amex credit cards for travel come with annual fees, a few do away with them completely. This largely depends on the rewards and perks on offer. For example, while the benefit-laden Amex Hilton Honors Surpass Card charges an annual fee, the simpler Hilton Honors Card does not. However, it earns fewer points on bonus category purchases and includes fewer benefits. It is common for Amex travel cards to come with no foreign transaction fees.

OUR REVIEW AT A GLANCE

Our Top 5 Picks
Summarized List of All Winners
Tips for Comparing Credit Cards

This article is part of our larger series on
Best Travel Credit Cards

MoneyGeek's Take: Top 5 Amex Credit Cards for Travel

Quick Summary

The best Amex credit cards for travel offer a variety of travel-related perks and high points/miles earn rates on category-based spending, although these tend to come at a cost. We’ve selected the top five cards from this category based on factors such as annual fees, APRs, welcome offers and value of points/miles.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
A great miles rewards card with no annual fees
- up to 2 Miles per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We love the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card for more than its no-annual-fee feature. This card lets you earn 2X miles on restaurants worldwide and Delta purchases. All other purchases come with 1X miles.
An welcome offer gives you the ability to earn 10,000 bonus miles. All you need to do is spend at least $1000 on purchases within the first six months.
This card comes with no international transaction fees, which makes it perfect for use when traveling overseas. Other travel benefits include earning 20% as a statement credit when you use your card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance.
Cardholders also stand to benefit through purchase and fraud protection in different scenarios.
Pros
No annual fee
With welcome offer
Gives perks for Delta purchases
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
Good/excellent credit needed
Limited benefits compared to others
No lounge access perks
Less rewarding for non-Delta spend
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. No Annual Fee. 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, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Pay with Miles: 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 after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets. No Foreign Transaction Fees. Terms Apply.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
An excellent credit card for earning Hilton Honors points
- 3–12 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $150Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a fantastic option for travelers, especially those with a penchant for Hilton stays. Imagine walking into a Hilton property and enjoying complimentary upgrades, thanks to the Gold Status that comes with this card. Whether you're dining out stateside or shopping online, you're racking up points at an impressive rate. And for the globetrotters, there's no need to worry about those pesky foreign transaction fees. The card does have an annual fee, and while the perks cater primarily to Hilton enthusiasts, its broad rewards system can offer value to many.
Pros
Generous welcome bonus
Purchases from Hilton get bonus points
Complimentary Hilton upgrades
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
With annual fee
Benefits mostly Hilton-centric
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort 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. Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. $95 annual fee. Terms Apply.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Hilton Honors American Express Card
A rewarding travel card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts
- 3–7 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a traveler's dream come true. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it's a financial no-brainer for those frequenting Hilton properties or just seeking exceptional value. Whether dining out stateside or shopping abroad, you'll accumulate points seamlessly without those pesky foreign transaction fees. And here's the kicker — this card instantly boosts you to Hilton's Silver status! Want more perks? Just up your spending game, and Gold status awaits. This card truly embraces both the occasional and the dedicated traveler.
Pros
No annual fee
Generous welcome bonus
High earning rates with Hilton
No foreign transaction fees
Automatic Hilton Silver status

Cons
Potentially high APR
High credit requirement
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 4/17/24.
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
No Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
An excellent card for earning Delta SkyMiles
- 1–3 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $350Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We recommend the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card to people who fly with Delta frequently. While this card comes with a $350 annual fee, it offers a number of Delta- and SkyMiles-specific benefits.
A welcome offer gives you the ability to earn 50,000 bonus miles by spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months. All purchases made directly with Delta earn 3X miles, as do hotel bookings made directly with hotels. A couple of categories come with 2X miles and all others with 1X miles.
Cardholders may check their first bags on Delta flights for free, and they receive one domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate every year. You also get a fee credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck. Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it comes with no foreign transaction fees.
Cardholders stand to benefit through different travel insurance coverage and purchase protection.
Pros
Generous welcome offer
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
Free first checked bag on Delta flights
Get to the next Medallion membership status faster
Exclusive rate for Delta Sky Club access
20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases
Statement credit toward Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
No foreign transaction fees
Complimentary travel insurance and purchase protection

Cons
$350 annual fee
Cannot transfer miles to other airline loyalty programs
Penalty APR may apply in case of late/returned payments
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
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 and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
$120 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
$120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive $100 back for Global Entry or up to $85 back for TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$350 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
A great credit card for individuals looking for basic travel perks and more opportunities to earn miles
- 1–2 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- 0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
We like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card because it comes with a sizable welcome bonus and multiple bonus categories for earning Delta SkyMiles. As a part of its welcome offer, you earn 40,000 Bonus miles if you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first six months.
This card offers 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
This card offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, after which it becomes $150. Additionally, it does not charge any foreign transaction fees. You receive a $200 Delta flight credit if you spend $10,000 on purchases each year. You save 20% when you use this card to pay for Delta in-flight purchases. All cardholders get access to priority boarding on Delta flights.
Pros
No foreign transaction fee
$200 Delta flight credit
Free first checked bag
Priority boarding
Up to 20% savings on in-flight purchases

Cons
Annual fee of $150 after the first year
No luxury travel benefits
Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
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 in a year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $240 per round-trip flight.
Receive Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
$100 Delta Stays Credit: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Members can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
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.
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 and fees)
Terms, rates and fees apply

Summary of the Best Amex Cards for Travel

Check this brief Amex travel card comparison table that’s based on aspects such as APRs, annual fees and welcome offers.

Credit Card
Best For
Avg. Reward Rate
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
A great miles rewards card with no annual fees
up to 2 Miles per $1*
$0
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
An excellent credit card for earning Hilton Honors points
3–12 Points per $1*
$150
Hilton Honors American Express Card
A rewarding travel card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts
3–7 Points per $1*
$0
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
An excellent card for earning Delta SkyMiles
1–3 Miles per $1
$350
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
A great credit card for individuals looking for basic travel perks and more opportunities to earn miles
1–2 Miles per $1
0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
A good travel card with a great rewards program for frequent Delta flyers.
1–3 Miles per $1*
$650
American Express® Gold Card
Best rewards card for frequent fliers and diners
1–4 Points per $1
$250
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
A great card for frequent travelers who are Marriott Bonvoy members
2–6 Points per $1*
$650
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Great rewards card for air travel with premium benefits
1–5 Points per $1*
$695

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

While many travelers gravitate towards cards with no annual fees, you are often better off choosing a card with a fee. The included perks, like a free checked bag or annual free night, often outweigh any annual fee that you pay. -- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.

How to Compare Amex Credit Cards & Intro Offers

Features and benefits that you may find in one Amex travel card might be specific to the card in question. This requires that you pay attention to different aspects before arriving at a decision.

Co-branded or not

American Express offers co-branded cards in the form of Delta SkyMiles cards, Hilton Honors cards and Marriott Bonvoy cards. These cards might work well for you if you’re a frequent user of any of these brands. Otherwise, you can choose a card that earns Amex Membership Rewards points, which offer numerous redemption options.

APR

Travel cards tend to come with higher APRs than cards that don’t offer any rewards/cash back. If you plan to carry balances from one month to the next, consider looking at what the top low-interest credit cards have to offer.

Annual fees

The annual fee you might need to pay depends on the features and benefits you’re after. For example, the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card comes with up to 2x miles on category-based spending. While the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card charges a $250 annual fee, it offers up to 3x miles on category-based spending. Besides, it comes with a more rewarding welcome offer as well as other perks such as an annual companion certificate, first checked bag free and credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.

Welcome offer

All the top Amex travel credit cards give you the opportunity to earn bonus points or miles through different welcome offers. If you get the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, you earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles by spending $500 on eligible purchases in the first three months. The Hilton Honors Card, on the other hand, offers 100,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months, and an additional 50,000 bonus points if you spend a total of $5,000 in the first six months.

Points/miles earn rate

The annual fee that you might or might not need to pay typically has a bearing on this aspect, so you need to weigh your options after accounting for your spending patterns. For instance, the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors Card lets you earn up to 7x points on category-based spending. This increases to 12x points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, which charges a $95 annual fee.

Value of points/miles

If you get a card that offers American Express Membership Rewards Points, their value may vary from 0.5 cents to 1 cent per point or higher based on how to choose to redeem them. If you get a co-branded card that offers miles or points linked to an airline or a hotel loyalty program, you typically get the best value when you use them to pay for flight or prepaid hotel bookings. In such cases, aspects such as dates, routes and specific properties may also affect the value of your miles/points.

Additional features

You may expect various card-specific features and perks from our selection of the best Amex credit cards for travel. These include no foreign transaction fees, no preset spending limits, complimentary travel insurance coverage, status upgrades in loyalty membership programs, weekend night rewards, Priority Pass lounge access, annual companion certificates and additional savings on in-flight purchases.