American Express manages to fill this space well, given that it offers no-annual-fee cards for individuals and businesses alike. What’s more, it also provides a couple of co-branded no-annual-fee cards. Depending on the card you get, you might be able to earn cash back, points or miles.
This article is part of our larger series on Best No Annual Fee Cards
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American Express gives you multiple no-annual-fee credit cards from which to choose. While some of the features remain the same no matter which of these cards you get, there are some notable differences as well. For instance, while the Amex Cash Magnet Card is a good alternative for earning flat-rate cash back on all purchases, the Blue Cash Everyday Card offers higher cash back rates on category-based spending.
If you hope to find a no-annual-fee Amex credit card that works well for you, paying attention to your spending patterns and individual requirements is essential. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might benefit by looking at what Amex’s no-annual-fee co-branded cards have to offer.
This article is part of our larger series on
Best No Annual Fee Cards
Quick Summary
If you intend to use your card outside of the U.S., take a look at the foreign transaction fee you might need to pay. With many Amex cards that charge this fee, you’ll need to pay 2.7% on each international transaction. We’ve narrowed down on the top no-annual-fee Amex credit cards after accounting for this factor as well as others such as APRs, cash back/reward rates and additional perks. Scrolling further down the page presents even more options.
A great no-annual-fee card that comes with unlimited 1.5% cash back across categories
Great no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spending
A simple cash back rewards card that helps you avoid hassles
A good travel rewards card for people who are casual guests at Hilton hotels and resorts
A great miles rewards card with no annual fees
A simple cash back card that’s best for everyday purchases.
American Express provides multiple no-annual-fee cards, so it’s important that you consider different factors when narrowing down on one that might work best for you.
It's common for no-annual-fee Amex credit cards to come with spending- and time-based welcome offers. These might come in the form of cash back that you get as a statement credit or reward points/miles that go toward a hotel/airline loyalty program.
If you’re a frequent Delta flyer or stay at Hilton properties every so often, you may consider getting the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card or the Hilton Honors Card. If not, there are other options from which to choose.
Take a close look at the APRs on offer if you plan to maintain revolving balances on your card. Co-branded no-annual-fee Amex cards tend to come with higher APRs than ones that are not. You might also want to check if any of the cards currently come with a 0% introductory APR on purchases.
If you wish to use your card outside of the country, getting an Amex no-annual-fee card with no foreign transaction fees might be in your best interest. Cards that fit the bill include the Hilton Honors Card and the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card.
You get the option of choosing from no-annual-fee Amex credit cards that offer cash back, reward points and reward miles. Further, the earn rate depends on the card you get. For example, the Cash Magnet Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Blue Cash Everyday Card, on the other hand, lets you earn 3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on purchases of up to $6,000 per year, 2% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Fraud protection, complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance, and access to Global Assist Hotline are common features with all Amex consumer cards from this category. Some let you get free additional cards. Business cards may also come with purchase and extended warranty protection.
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