American Express Credit Card Reviews, Rules & Opinions

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Updated: July 25, 2024

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American Express offers various different credit cards, including business, rewards, cash back and travel credit cards. The issuer caters to varying types of customers, including first-time cardholders with a good credit score, business owners and travelers. However, AmEx normally only accepts applicants with good to excellent credit scores. That means you will need a 670 or higher credit score to be approved.

What’s more is that Amex offers a large suite of co-branded credit cards, giving cardholders the opportunity to enjoy their favorite brands. These include Delta, Hilton and Marriott. Additionally, American Express credit cards are so appealing, some banks issue credit cards with the Amex logo on them. This includes Bank of America, Charles Schwab and USAA.

ON THIS PAGE:

Featured Credit Cards Offered by American Express

Whether you are looking for a business, travel, cash back or rewards credit card, you will likely find one suitable for you. And when you apply for a card, you can earn a welcome bonus that typically comes in the form of travel rewards or cash back.

Personal Use Cards
Credit CardMoneyGeek RatingRewards SummaryAnnual FeeRecommended Credit
Read review
Earn 1%–3% cash back
$0670–850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1% – 6% cash back
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95670–850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1.5% cash back
$0670–850 (Good to Excellent)
Read review
Earn 1X – 4X Membership Rewards® Points
$250 670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X – 5X points
$695670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Business Cards
Credit CardMoneyGeek RatingRewards SummaryAnnual FeeRecommended Credit
Read review
Earn 1% – 2% cash back
$0670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X – 2X points
$0670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X – 4X Membership Rewards® points
$375670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
N/A
$250‡670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X – 5X points
$695670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Amex Co-Branded Credit Cards
Credit CardMoneyGeek RatingRewards SummaryAnnual FeeRecommended Credit
Read review
Earn 1X – 2X miles
$0670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X – 2X miles
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X - 3X miles
$350670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X - 3X miles
$650670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X – 7X points
$0670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Earn 3X – 14X points
$550Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Read review
Earn 3X – 12X points
$150670-850 (Good to Excellent)
on partners secure website
Read review
Earn 1X - 14X points
$0670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Other Cards Issued by American Express

In addition to the featured cards, here are other cards issued by American Express:

  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire: For luxury travelers staying at Hilton Hotels regularly
  • American Express Green Card: For individuals who want to earn extra rewards for dining and travel expenses
  • Amex EveryDay Credit Card: For beginners looking to earn Membership Rewards on everyday spending without paying for annual fees
  • Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card: For those who want to earn more points on everyday expenses and take control of plan durations
  • Blue from American Express: For beginners who want an entry-level card to earn points
  • Business Green Rewards Card: For business owners looking for a card with flexible spending limit and pay over time option
  • Amazon Business Prime Card: For Amazon Prime or Business Prime Members looking for ways to earn rewards on Amazon-related purchases and enjoy no annual and foreign transaction fees
  • Amazon Business Card: For Amazon loyalists and small business owners looking for flexible payment terms and huge cashback
  • Lowe’s Business Rewards Card: For businesses looking for huge cash back opportunities for purchases at Lowe’s and other expenses without paying for annual fees
>>MORE: The Amex Trifecta: Best 3 Cards for Maximizing Rewards

The Best American Express Credit Cards in 2024

MoneyGeek determined the best American Express credit cards based on rewards, welcome bonuses and other criteria to help you find the right option suitable for your needs.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Credit Card logo for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Rates & Fees

On Partner's Website

Rewards Rate
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday bus...
APR
18.49% - 26.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
More: Read Our Full Review of American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Credit Card logo for Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Rates & Fees

On Partner's Website

Rewards Rate
Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide,...
APR
20.99% - 29.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
More: Read Our Full Review of Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Credit Card logo for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Rates & Fees

On Partner's Website

Rewards Rate
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dolla...
APR
20.99% - 29.99% variable
Annual Fee
$150
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
More: Read Our Full Review of Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
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EXPERT OPINION

“American Express credit cards give consumers an excellent route to earn valuable rewards. As Amex and Chase continue to be the leaders in the credit card space, they are continuously innovating to keep cardholders engaged and motivated to keep their business. As long as you maintain a Good to Excellent credit score and you are able to pay your card in full each month, it is hard to see a situation where someone wouldn’t benefit from an Amex card.

However, it’s advantageous for anyone to take a look at all of Amex’s card offerings to see which interests you. Additionally, take a look at your own financial situation to see where you could benefit the most from a rewards credit card.”

- Brett Holzhauer, Points and Miles Expert

Rules for Applying, Acceptance & Welcome Bonuses

To apply for an American Express credit card, it is important to understand the process and rules to give you the best chance for an approval and chance to earn a welcome bonus. MoneyGeek answers some commonly asked questions regarding AmEx cards to help you find the right credit card for you.

What is the accepted credit score range for most cards?
How many cards can you own?
How many times can you apply?
How many times can you get approved?
How many times can you claim a welcome bonus?

Other Considerations About American Express

There are several factors to consider when looking for the best credit card. The table below lists some of the criteria you should check when selecting a card.

Feature
Description

Customer Service & Satisfaction

Service accessibility is an important factor to consider when choosing a credit card issuer. American Express’ customer service is available 24/7. The company also has a hotline for the hearing impaired. You can also reach the issuer through mail.

American Express also garnered the highest overall customer satisfaction rating of 874 out of 1,000 in a recent J.D. Power survey.

Mobile Apps & Online Services

American Express has a mobile app available on Google Play and Apple App Store. It allows users to control and plan their accounts. The app also has a chat feature available to answer queries 24/7.

The mobile app also earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in the 2021 J.D. Power Credit Card Mobile App Satisfaction Study.

User ratings on both Google Play and Apple App Store are high at 4.2 and 4.9, respectively.

Security & Credit Monitoring Services

With AmEx’ CreditSecure, account holders can easily monitor their FICO credit scores and reports, get fraud detection and alerts and reach out to customer service.

The issuer has a 24/7 Global Assist Hotline for emergency assistance and coordination in case things go awry when you are more than 100 miles away from home.

Loyalty Programs & Other Issuer Perks

American Express has their Membership Rewards Program. Credit card holders can earn points from purchases with no expiration dates. Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for gift cards, travel rewards, immersive experiences, charity donations, payment in participating merchants and card charges. The issuer has a Membership Rewards Points Calculator showing how you can use your points.

Authorized Users

American Express allows cardholders to add or remove authorized members through their online account or via phone. You can set the credit card limit for additional users as low as $200.

However, it is important to note that annual fees may apply to additional cards. The cost varies depending on the card. The primary cardholder is also responsible for the purchases charged on additional card members’ cards.

Overall Opinion of American Express & Their Credit Card Offerings

Overall, American Express credit cards are good options for individuals or business owners who have good to excellent credit scores. Entrepreneurs looking for business credit cards can also find great choices.

Whether you are looking for your first card or are searching for an additional card, you may find a suitable product for you by comparing American Express credit cards. It is best for:

    teen icon

    An individual or small business looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases

    • Earn points at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants, transit and gas stations
    • Enjoy no-annual-fee credit cards while earning rewards
    • Simple cash back and membership rewards for small businesses
    worldTraveler icon

    A frequent traveler who wants to keep business and personal expenses separate

    • Travel rewards on everyday spending
    • Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
    • Possible free checked bags, priority boarding and airport lounge access with Delta
    • Elite status or other benefits at Hilton or Marriott hotels
    • Earn bonus points on eligible travel purchases
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EXPERT OPINION

"American Express offers rewards cards for every type of consumer and small business, no matter what your budget is. Although some cards have an annual fee, the additional benefits and enhanced rewards may be worth paying the higher rate."

- Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com

Still Not Sure About This Issuer? Consider These Options.

There are various types of American Express credit cards to choose from, but you may want to check out credit cards from other issuers if you have bad credit.

Learn More About Credit Cards in General

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, please click here.

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

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

For rates and fees of the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, please click here.

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

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

sources
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
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