The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Credit cards
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.
Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
The best American Express credit cards have earned high marks thanks to their stellar rewards and perks. Amex offers a card for almost every type of spender, including credit cards for beginners, casual travelers, road warriors and always-on-the-go business travelers. Whether you’re looking for a no-annual-fee card, global airport lounge access, generous cash back in specific categories or premium access to events, Amex has a card to fit your needs.
Below, check out TPG’s picks for the best Amex cards from our partners to compare and decide which is right for you.
We included cards that featured solid welcome bonuses with varying minimum spend thresholds to fit different budgets.
Our top picks feature varying annual fees to provide a larger range of benefits for cardholders.
We chose Amex cards that feature popular bonus categories to help you maximize your rewards.
The best cards provide you with different types of redemption options, including cash back.
In addition to earning rates and lucrative welcome bonuses, our top picks also offer travel and insurance perks.
Thanks to the myriad perks of being an Amex cardholder, the issuer has been able to offer a product suitable for every type of spender.
Amex cards are so popular that 39% of TPG readers we surveyed shared that they simultaneously hold both the American Express Platinum Card® and the American Express® Gold Card.
Cardholders who are frequent travelers, prefer staying at a specific hotel chain or are loyal to a specific airline get to choose from several cobranded Amex products while those who prefer to earn straightforward cash back or points also have lots of great options to consider.
Amex card rewards include on-property credits at select hotels, travel credits when you book and pay for a flight with certain Amex cards and even dining credits at specific restaurants and on eligible takeout and delivery orders. Both the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum cards are great for foodies and travelers alike — and make an especially powerful combo for foodies who frequently fly, too!
The best Amex credit card for you depends on what you want your card to do; are you looking to earn cash back? Do you want transferable reward points? At TPG, we recommend choosing a card that matches your spending habits, including earning rewards in your top spending categories.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing an Amex credit card:
Go with an Amex that features a decent Welcome bonus — you can use the reward you earn for future travel plans or to pay down a balance if you opt for a cash-back card. Select an option that has an achievable spend threshold and that you’ll earn the currency most valuable to you — whether it’s points, miles or cash back.
While some of the Amex cards on our list feature high annual fees, they also offer stellar travel and shopping protections in addition to other benefits like credits in certain categories. We also included no annual fee cards for those who don’t want to worry about paying for a card each year.
The best Amex cards on this list feature several bonus categories, ensuring there’s a good fit for every type of consumer. If you want to earn rewards on grocery store purchases or flights booked through the Amex travel portal, it’s likely that one of our top-rated picks is well-suited to your specific needs.
Get the most out of your Amex points by learning how to maximize their value
American Express cards have long held a reputation for lucrative benefits, though the extent of these perks depends on the card you have.
Yes, American Express is a reliable issuer that offers a variety of lucrative cards. This includes a number of great cash-back options as well as many that award Membership Rewards points, which are some of the most valuable transferable points out there.
To start an American Express application, you can click on any of the links in this guide and follow the onscreen prompts. Be prepared with your Social Security number along with all of your contact information.
No, but the issuer has made strides in recent years. In fact, according to the February 2023 Nilson report, Amex is now accepted at 99% of U.S. merchants that take credit cards — putting it nearly even with networks like Visa and Mastercard.
There’s no single threshold to get approved for an American Express card, but most of them require good or excellent credit. However, even that may not be enough for a premium card like the the American Express Platinum Card®.
Amex generally limits the number of personal cards you can have to five, though cards without preset spending limits* — like the American Express Platinum Card® and American Express® Gold Card — are typically excluded from this number, as are small-business Amex cards.
However, that’s not a license to apply for new cards with abandon, since American Express will consider your history of opening and closing accounts when deciding on your approval. You can read more information in the Amex section of our guide to credit card application restrictions.
*No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.
There’s no one “best” American Express card for everyone. If you’re looking for more luxury when traveling, the American Express Platinum Card® could be a great fit. However, if you just want simple cash-back rewards, you may prefer a product like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
Start by identifying the type of rewards you want — Membership Rewards points, airline miles, hotel points or cash back. Next, consider the types of purchases you make on a regular basis along with other benefits you value highly. Then, pick the card that offers your preferred rewards currency along with sufficiently lucrative benefits and earning rates based on your typical spending habits.
Nick Ewen is TPG's editor-in-chief and helps readers leverage credit cards (he has more than 25 of them) and loyalty programs to travel more for less. He's been at TPG for over 11 years.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
Compliance manager Stanley Sanford has years of compliance experience in the credit card industry dating back to 2017. He's reviewed content for several reputable sites, including CreditCards.com, Bankrate, CNET. and even thepointsguy.com before leading the compliance team for The Points Guy full time in early 2022.
| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Express Platinum Card® | premium travel perks and digital entertainment | As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 5X points | $895 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | business owners who prioritize premium travel perks | As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 5X points | $895 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 American Express® Gold Card | U.S. supermarkets and restaurants | As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 5X points | $325 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 American Express® Business Gold Card | flexible earning on business expenses | As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 4X points | $375 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
LIMITED TIME: BEST OFFER RETURNS  Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | maximizing cash back | As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 6% cash-back | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | occasional Delta flyers | As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 2X miles | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | SkyClub access | As High As 125,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 3X miles | $650 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer  Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists | Earn 200,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points | 3 - 14X points | $550 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | welcome offer and elite status | Earn 100,000 Bonus Points | 2 - 21X points | $650 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | small businesses that spend under $50,000 each year | As High As 50,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. | 2X points | No annual fee | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Limited-Time Offer  Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | low annual fee | Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward | 3 - 12X points | $150 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
 Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | beginner cash back | As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. | 1 - 3% cash-back | $0 | at American Express's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5X | 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. |
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Best for premium travel perks and digital entertainment
As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent
The American Express Platinum Card® has a high annual fee but remains one of the best cards on the market for those who prioritize premium travel experiences. A combination of updated and new statement credits makes the refreshed Amex Platinum an ideal card for frequent travelers and digital entertainment enthusiasts alike.
Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers¹, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per Card account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. ¹Effective February 17, 2027, select merchants only. See terms. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases. |
As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$895
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
Best for U.S. supermarkets and restaurants
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Excellent to Good
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit, plus up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit, plus up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Best for U.S. supermarkets and restaurants
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Excellent to Good
This isn’t just a card that’s nice to look at. It packs a real punch, offering 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar). There’s also an up to $120 annual dining statement credit, plus up to $120 annually ($10 per month) in Uber Cash, which can be used on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. The card must be added to your Uber account and you can redeem with any Amex card. All this makes it a very strong contender for all food purchases, which has become a popular spending category. Enrollment required for select benefits. Read our full review of the American Express Gold Card.
Best for flexible earning on business expenses
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.* |
| 1X | Earn 1X on all other eligible purchases. |
As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$375
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
Best for flexible earning on business expenses
As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
$375
17.99% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the American Express Business Gold Card.
Best for maximizing cash back
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 6% | Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%). |
| 6% | Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. |
| 3% | Earn 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases. |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on other purchases. |
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Best for maximizing cash back
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Best for occasional Delta flyers
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 2X | Earn 2X miles on Delta Purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. |
| 1X | Earn 1X miles on all other eligible purchases. |
As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for causal Delta flyers including a first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide, a second checked bag free on U.S. domestic Delta flights and priority boarding. It can easily justify getting and keeping this card. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for causal Delta flyers including a first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide, a second checked bag free on U.S. domestic Delta flights and priority boarding. It can easily justify getting and keeping this card. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
Best for occasional Delta flyers
As High As 80,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for causal Delta flyers including a first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide, a second checked bag free on U.S. domestic Delta flights and priority boarding. It can easily justify getting and keeping this card. Read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card.
Best for SkyClub access
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
As High As 125,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
$650
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
Reserve Card Members receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more each calendar year.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
Reserve Card Members receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more each calendar year.
Best for SkyClub access
As High As 125,000 Bonus Miles. Find Out Your Offer.
$650
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the premier choice for Delta loyalists who value an accelerated path to elite status, Delta SkyClubs lounge access, an annual companion certificate and strong earning rates on Delta purchases. Read our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card.
Reserve Card Members receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more each calendar year.
Best for Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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 | Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants. |
| 3X | Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases. |
Earn 200,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
$550
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unparalleled value for frequent Hilton loyalists. It offers automatic Diamond status, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually) and a Free Night Reward every year. Its rich suite of benefits easily offsets the annual fee for those who stay at Hilton properties even a few times per year.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unparalleled value for frequent Hilton loyalists. It offers automatic Diamond status, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually) and a Free Night Reward every year. Its rich suite of benefits easily offsets the annual fee for those who stay at Hilton properties even a few times per year.
Best for Best hotel card for Hilton loyalists
Earn 200,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points
$550
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers unparalleled value for frequent Hilton loyalists. It offers automatic Diamond status, up to $400 in annual Hilton resort statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually) and a Free Night Reward every year. Its rich suite of benefits easily offsets the annual fee for those who stay at Hilton properties even a few times per year.
Best for welcome offer and elite status
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| Up to 21X | Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status. |
| 6X | Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. |
| 3X | Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases. |
Earn 100,000 Bonus Points
$650
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Bonvoy Brilliant is ideal for travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand. You’ll get a solid return on Marriott stays and a number of premium perks that can help you upgrade your trips. However, with high-end perks comes a high annual fee.
The Bonvoy Brilliant is ideal for travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand. You’ll get a solid return on Marriott stays and a number of premium perks that can help you upgrade your trips. However, with high-end perks comes a high annual fee.
Best for welcome offer and elite status
Earn 100,000 Bonus Points
$650
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Bonvoy Brilliant is ideal for travelers who are loyal to the Marriott brand. You’ll get a solid return on Marriott stays and a number of premium perks that can help you upgrade your trips. However, with high-end perks comes a high annual fee.
Best for small businesses that spend under $50,000 each year
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 2X | 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. |
As High As 50,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
No annual fee
16.99% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
This credit card is good for two groups of consumers. First, small business owners who have under $50,000 in purchases and wants to minimize any extra costs will find tremendous value from this card’s straightforward point-earning approach. Or, if you already own other Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards points and want a card with an everyday rewards rate, the 2x is helpful for all purchases (given that you spend less than $50,000 per calendar year). Read our full review of the Blue Business Plus card.
This credit card is good for two groups of consumers. First, small business owners who have under $50,000 in purchases and wants to minimize any extra costs will find tremendous value from this card’s straightforward point-earning approach. Or, if you already own other Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards points and want a card with an everyday rewards rate, the 2x is helpful for all purchases (given that you spend less than $50,000 per calendar year). Read our full review of the Blue Business Plus card.
Best for small businesses that spend under $50,000 each year
As High As 50,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
No annual fee
16.99% - 28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
This credit card is good for two groups of consumers. First, small business owners who have under $50,000 in purchases and wants to minimize any extra costs will find tremendous value from this card’s straightforward point-earning approach. Or, if you already own other Amex cards that earn Membership Rewards points and want a card with an everyday rewards rate, the 2x is helpful for all purchases (given that you spend less than $50,000 per calendar year). Read our full review of the Blue Business Plus card.
Best for low annual fee
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 12X | 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. |
| 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. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of U.S. Online Retail purchases. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. |
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward
$150
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
Best for low annual fee
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Points + a Free Night Reward
$150
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Good to Excellent
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card stands out in the crowded mid-tier category of cobranded hotel credit cards. It comes with elite-like perks at a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
Best for beginner cash back
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 3% | Earn 3% Cash Back on Groceries 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 in purchases (then 1%) 3% Cash Back on Gas at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). |
| 1% | Earn 1% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases. |
As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You'll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card.
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You'll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card.
Best for beginner cash back
As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You'll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card.
What's your favorite Amex card — and why?
“As a business owner who spends a lot on internet advertising, the Business Gold card is the top point-earning card in my arsenal. $150,000 in spending nets me 600,000 valuable Amex points a year. This card is a no-brainer for anyone who spends on advertising and the other categories.”
“As part of my points and miles strategy, I purchase premium-cabin cash fares from time to time. Earning 5 points per dollar on airfare (up to $500k per year) is an outstanding way to rack up Amex Membership Rewards points when booking directly with an airline.”
“I’ve had the Amex Blue Cash Preferred in my wallet for over a decade because it earns me hundreds of dollars in cash back each year for a modest annual fee. Plus, the offers I receive on this card often align with my spending in various categories, making it a no-brainer for me.”
