Best American Express credit cards for March 2023

Written by
Joey Robinson
Edited by
Courtney Mihocik
Reviewed by
Stephanie Zito
Edited by
Courtney Mihocik
Reviewed by
Stephanie Zito
Updated March 23, 2023

American Express credit cards offer high-value rewards programs and some of the most generous perks in the industry. The Amex lineup has options for everyday shoppers, luxury travelers, small business owners and more. Check out the best cards offered by our partner American Express to see which Amex credit card is the best for you.

Info
Image of American Express® Gold Card

Best for restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending

American Express® Gold Card
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
5.0 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds

Intro offer

60,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$250

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Best for restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending

American Express® Gold Card
Image of American Express® Gold Card
5.0
Bankrate score
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer 60,000 points
Info
Annual fee $250
Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds
  • 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.

The American Express Gold Card is a top-flight travel card that offers high rewards rates on key spending categories like U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. These facets make it a great option to use for everyday spending. It also comes with unique features, like a dining credit (terms apply), and the now available option of fashion rose gold, which adds to its already considerable value.

Read our full American Express Gold Card review.

Pros

  • This card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
  • The points you earn with this card do not expire for the life of the account.

Cons

  • There is a $250 annual fee to hold this card.
  • There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
  • 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.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and 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.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Info
Image of The Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for large welcome bonus

The Platinum Card® from American Express
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.8 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds

Intro offer

Earn 80,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Best for large welcome bonus

The Platinum Card® from American Express
Image of The Platinum Card® from American Express
4.8
Bankrate score
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer Earn 80,000 points
Info
Annual fee $695
Regular APR See Pay Over Time APR
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds
  • 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.

Traveling in style gets a whole lot easier with this luxury travel card. Stocked with top-tier travel benefits, bountiful yearly credits and some of the best airport lounge access available, the Platinum Card from American Express will check most boxes for the frequent traveler who lives for luxury.

Read our full Platinum Card from American Express review.

Pros

  • The wealth of annual credits alone have a value that could almost recoup the annual fee if used to their full potential.
  • The card has over 19 travel partners that further expand the value of your travel rewards.

Cons

  • These luxury benefits come at a hefty price with an annual fee of $695.
  • You're limited on where you get your top bonuses, as travel must be booked through Amex directly for the highest returns.
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • 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 and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, The New York Times, and other participating providers. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • $189 CLEAR® Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Info
Image of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Best for cash back and no annual fee

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.6 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds

Intro offer

$200
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.74%-29.74% Variable

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Best for cash back and no annual fee

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Image of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
4.6
Bankrate score
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer $200
Info
Annual fee $0
Regular APR 18.74%-29.74% Variable
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds
  • 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.

If you're looking for maximum rewards for no annual fee the Blue Cash Everyday card should be on your list. The card offers the best cash back returns rates on categories you're probably already spending highly in like U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. A flat-rate 1 percent back on other purchases means that you always know you're getting rewarded for your purchases. Read our full Blue Cash Everyday Card review.

Pros

  • This card offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (0 percent intro APR for 15 months then 18.74 percent to 29.74 percent variable).
  • This card does not charge an annual fee.

Cons

  • There is a 2.7 percent foreign transaction fee.
  • There is a cap on the 3 percent cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1 percent).
  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.74% to 29.74% variable APR.
  • 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%.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% on balance transfers for 15 months
Info
Image of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best cash back card for families

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.4 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds

Intro offer

$250
Info

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Regular APR

18.74%-29.74% Variable

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Best cash back card for families

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Image of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
4.4
Bankrate score
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer $250
Info
Annual fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Regular APR 18.74%-29.74% Variable
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with Approval Odds
  • 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

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express now offers one of the best cash back rewards structures on the market. With high rewards rates on popular spending categories like U.S supermarkets and select U.S. streaming subscriptions, families will really be able to maximize cash back rewards with this card. 
 

Read our full Blue Cash Preferred Card review.

Pros

  • The base reward program is uber-lucrative, making this card a good choice for people looking for long-term value.
  • There is a 0 percent intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers with this card for 12 months (then 18.74 percent to 29.74 percent variable APR).

Cons

  • Purchases at wholesale clubs, superstores (like Walmart), and specialty stores (bakeries, farmers markets, etc.) are excluded from the card’s U.S. supermarket bonus category and only earn 1 percent back.
  • You cannot redeem your cash back earnings as a direct deposit or check.
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.74% to 29.74%
  • 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 at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% on purchases for 12 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% on balance transfers for 12 months
Image of American Express® Business Gold Card

Best general business card

American Express® Business Gold Card
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.4 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

70,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$295

Regular APR

18.99% - 26.99% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best general business card

American Express® Business Gold Card
Image of American Express® Business Gold Card
4.4
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer 70,000 points
Info
Annual fee $295
Regular APR 18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 4X Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month.
  • 1X 1X is earned for other purchases. **
  • 25% Airline Bonus: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*

The Amex Business Gold automatically adjusts to the cardholder’s top-earning categories each billing cycle, giving the card more flexibility than competing Amex cards. While it has an almost $300 annual fee, this can easily be recouped with spending $300 a month in the elevated rewards rate categories.
Read our full American Express Business Gold Card review.

Pros

  • It boasts a recurring hotel credit that can help recoup the annual fee.
  • The current welcome offer is worth $700 in travel on Amex’s travel portal.

Cons

  • The high rewards rate categories have a $150,000-a-year spending cap before the rate drops to 1X points.
  • The high annual fee could be a deal-breaker for businesses and freelancers on a budget.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • More Rewards: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
  • **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
  • Airline Bonus: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
  • Pay Over Time Option: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month-or pay over time with interest.*
  • *Terms Apply
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Image of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Best business card for travel

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.8 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

120,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

18.99% - 26.99% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best business card for travel

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Image of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
4.8
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer 120,000 points
Info
Annual fee $695
Regular APR 18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended credit Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
  • 5X Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
  • 1.5X Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
  • 1X 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.

Frequent business travelers can score premium travel benefits with this popular, though pricey American Express business card. Recent enhancements, including bonus rewards on key business categories and a business-centric annual statement credit (terms apply), also help owners maximize their spending.

Read our full Business Platinum Card from American Express review.

Pros

  • This card boasts what is arguably the best airport lounge access on the market.
  • Cardholders enjoy an exceptional rewards return rate on travel booked through AmexTravel.com and for purchases of $5,000 or more.

Cons

  • The card touts one of the highest annual fees on the market ($695 each year).
  • Some of the credits and ancillary perks, including the private jet program, can be tricky to leverage.
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless with the Business Platinum Card.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card or any of the Additional Cards on your Platinum Card account.
  • $189 CLEAR® Credit: CLEAR® uses biometrics to assign you a touchless ID, allowing you to move faster through security at select airports and stadiums across the U.S. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR membership with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR with your Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Info
Image of Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Best Delta card for value travelers

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.1 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

70,000 Miles
Info

Annual fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
Info
Best Delta card for value travelers

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Image of Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
4.1
Bankrate score
Info
chance of approval
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer 70,000 Miles
Info
Annual fee $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Regular APR 20.49%-29.49% Variable
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
chance of approval
Info
Info
  • 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.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card gets you bonus miles in a number of everyday spending categories, and you shouldn’t have much trouble earning the first-year welcome bonus.

Read our full Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card review.

Pros

  • There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $99).
  • You can have your first checked bag free on Delta flights with this card.

Cons

  • There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
  • The barrier of entry to be approved for this card is high (recommended credit score of 670 to 850).
  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • New: 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 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your ticket 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 purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
  • Terms Apply.
Additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Image of Hilton Honors American Express Card

Best Hilton card with no annual fee

Hilton Honors American Express Card
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
4.6 Bankrate review
Info
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Intro offer

Earn 100,000 points
Info

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Info
Best Hilton card with no annual fee

Hilton Honors American Express Card
Image of Hilton Honors American Express Card
4.6
Bankrate score
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Intro offer Earn 100,000 points