Best American Express credit cards (2026)

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If you're a credit card rewards-seeker, you might already know just how coveted some American Express benefits and perks can be. (Centurion card? If you know, you know.) There is a range of American Express cards for different financial goals, whether you're looking for cash back, travel rewards, an Amex credit card with an introductory 0% APR, or anything in between.

Welcome offer Earn as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at amazon.com checkout)

Introductory Balance Transfer APR 0% on balance transfers for 15 months

Ongoing Balance Transfer APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable

Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 15 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 19.49%-28.49% Variable

Rewards rate 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%) 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%) 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%) 1% cash back on all other purchases Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout

3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)

3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)

3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout

Benefits Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)

Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)

Why we like it: We like the Blue Cash Everyday for the value it can add to anyone's wallet — whether you're looking for a single catch-all cash-back card or want to round out the rewards you already earn. Not only does it cover everyday expenses at the supermarket and gas station, but the added online retail category can help you maximize purchases that usually aren't included among credit card rewards categories. And with no annual fee, the annual credits can help put money directly back into your pocket each month.

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

Welcome offer Earn as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at amazon.com checkout)

Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 12 months

Introductory Balance Transfer APR 0% on balance transfers for 12 months

Rewards rate 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases annually, then earn 1%) 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions 3% cash back on at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit, including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more 1% cash back on all other purchases *Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases annually, then earn 1%)

6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions

3% cash back on at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit, including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more

*Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout

Benefits Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal) Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee — select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options

Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)

Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee — select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options

Why we like it: With 6% cash back for the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets each year, the Blue Cash Preferred can help you earn up to $360 on your grocery shopping alone. Combined with great returns on other everyday spending, this card carries a lot of potential.

Before you apply, make sure your spending aligns with each of the reward categories so you can guarantee at least more rewards than the annual fee cost.

Welcome offer You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Rewards rate 5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines, on AmexTravel.com, or on the Amex Travel App™ 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 Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases

5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™

4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x)

4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x)

3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines, on AmexTravel.com, or on the Amex Travel App™

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 Membership Rewards points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month when you pay with your American Express Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder (enrollment required) Up to $100 in annual statement credits ($50 semi-annually) when you use your American Express Gold Card on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants on the Resy app or Resy.com Up to $84 per year ($7/month) in statement credits after you enroll and pay with your American Express Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’® locations (enrollment required)

Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month when you pay with your American Express Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder (enrollment required)

Up to $100 in annual statement credits ($50 semi-annually) when you use your American Express Gold Card on eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants on the Resy app or Resy.com

Up to $84 per year ($7/month) in statement credits after you enroll and pay with your American Express Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’® locations (enrollment required)

Why we like it: We like the Amex Gold for travel rewards because it has a lot to offer both occasional and very frequent travelers. With 4x per dollar spent at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, you can rack up plenty of rewards on your regular food expenses at home to put toward future trips. And with valuable annual credits on common expenses, you may even earn back the annual fee cost before even accounting for rewards value.

Just make sure you understand the Membership Rewards program before you apply for an Amex Gold Card. While there are plenty of redemption options, you'll likely get the best value when you redeem points for flights through Amex Travel or transfer to one of American Express' travel partners.

Best Amex credit card for premium rewards

Welcome offer You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $12,000 within the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer); apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact (if you’re approved and choose to accept the card, your score may be impacted)

Rewards rate 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 per calendar year) 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel 1x points on all other purchases

5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 per calendar year)

5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel

Benefits Get up to $600 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel (up to $300 semi-annually; The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay) Get up to $400 in annual statement credits ($100 each quarter; enrollment required) for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining at Resy restaurants Enjoy up to $200 in Uber Cash annually — that's $15 in Uber Cash for rides or Uber Eats orders each month, plus a bonus $20 in December (you must have the latest version of the Uber App downloaded and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account; Amex benefit may only be used in United States)

Get up to $600 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel (up to $300 semi-annually; The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay)

Get up to $400 in annual statement credits ($100 each quarter; enrollment required) for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining at Resy restaurants

Enjoy up to $200 in Uber Cash annually — that's $15 in Uber Cash for rides or Uber Eats orders each month, plus a bonus $20 in December (you must have the latest version of the Uber App downloaded and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account; Amex benefit may only be used in United States)

Why we like it: It might be among the most expensive credit cards available today, but the Platinum Card from Amex can offer major annual savings for the right cardholder. For premium travel cards like this one, it's important to make sure the benefits and rewards offset the steep annual fee cost. If you travel often and value things like airport lounge access, priority security lines, and hotel and airline credits, it can be easy to get your money's worth with the Platinum Card — especially when you earn rewards toward future travel. But if you only travel occasionally or you don't already pay for the subscriptions you can get credits for, you'll probably want to opt for a lower-cost rewards card or cash-back credit card.

Best Amex credit card for frequent Delta flyers

Welcome offer You may be eligible for as high as 90,000 Bonus Miles and a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply to find out your offer (terms apply; offer ends 11/04/2026).

Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels 2x miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets 1x miles on all other eligible purchases

3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels

2x miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets

1x miles on all other eligible purchases

Benefits Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card (terms apply) Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically

Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card (terms apply)

Earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required

Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically

Why we like it: This is a more premium option among American Express and Delta's co-branded credit cards, but the Delta Platinum carries enough extras to help Delta frequent flyers justify the cost. The annual Companion Certificate alone may save hundreds of dollars in award value, especially now that you can use it to book Caribbean and Central American destinations in addition to domestic flights. And if you're working toward Medallion Status with the airline, you'll get a lot of help with the annual MQD headstart and MQD Boost for your card spending.

Finally, this card is great for earning miles today for award flights tomorrow. Not only can you earn bonus miles on Delta flights, but you'll also get rewarded on everyday spending at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. Combined with the 15% discount on award flights, that's a lot of potential savings on upcoming trips

Best Amex credit card for Marriott loyalists

Welcome offer Earn 125,000 bonus points plus a $150 statement credit after you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. Offer ends 09/30/2026.

Rewards rate 6x Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points) 2x points on all other eligible purchases

6x Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy

4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2x points)

2x points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits Earn up to 18.5x Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy: Earn 6x points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card; earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member; and earn up to 2.5x points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card in a calendar year (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy; certain hotels have resort fees) Each calendar year with your card, you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status (Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.)

Earn up to 18.5x Marriott Bonvoy® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy: Earn 6x points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card; earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member; and earn up to 2.5x points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 25% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Gold Elite status

Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card in a calendar year (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy; certain hotels have resort fees)

Each calendar year with your card, you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status (Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.)

Why we like it: If Marriott is your preferred hotel chain when you travel, this card has a lot to offer toward future stays and the extra perks you can get with status. Of course, we like that you can start with a generous welcome bonus (after meeting the spending requirement) — which can go a long way in reducing the cost of your next vacation.

Longer term, the Bonvoy Bevy card's rewards categories, extra points earned when you stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties, and other benefits offer potential big savings for relatively frequent travelers. Because of its higher fee, consider your upcoming and regular yearly travel schedule to see if there are enough potential savings to make up the annual cost.

Welcome offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first 3 months

Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Ongoing Purchases APR 16.74% - 28.49% Variable

Rewards rate 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year (cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement)

2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year

1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year (cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement)

Why we like it: The Blue Business Cash offers simple — but potentially high-value — rewards for small business owners across any industry. You'll pay no annual fee for this card and earn 2% cash rewards on every purchase up to the first $50,000 you spend per year without having to track spending categories. If you meet that cap, you'll earn $1,000 cash back.

Given the $50,000 spending cap on 2% rewards, this card is best for businesses with an average monthly budget of $4,000 or less. If you have a large business expense coming up, you can also benefit from the card's generous intro APR on new purchases, which gives you some flexibility to pay it down over time before taking on interest.

Best Amex credit card for Hilton loyalists

Welcome offer Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 6 months of card membership

Rewards rate 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases

7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio

5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations

3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases

Benefits $0 annual fee Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad

Spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year

Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad

Why we like it: We like this card for its major rewards potential as a no annual fee card. The wide range of rewards categories, including everyday purchases like dining out at restaurants and filling up at gas stations, can help you quickly rack up points toward award stays with Hilton.

Compared to high-priced hotel cards with premium rewards, the Hilton Honors American Express Card can make a solid choice for travelers who prefer staying with Hilton but don't spend the majority of their budget on travel expenses.

Welcome offer You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 3 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer)

Ongoing Purchases APR 17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Rewards rate 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 (terms apply). 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ 1x points on all other purchases

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 (terms apply).

3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™

Why we like it: The Amex Business Gold Card has a high $375 annual fee, but could make sense if your business expenses align with its spending categories.

Welcome offer Limited-time offer: Earn 200,000 Bonus Miles after spending $20,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership (offer ends 11/4/26)

Rewards rate 3x miles on Delta purchases 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases (plus all purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a year) 1x miles on all other purchases

1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and office supply store purchases (plus all purchases after you spend $150,000 on your card in a year)

Benefits Earn an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide – and on domestic Delta flights, your second bag flies free Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad

Earn an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com

Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide – and on domestic Delta flights, your second bag flies free

Why we like it: The Amex Business Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is easily one of our favorite cards for frequent Delta business travelers who want premium benefits. Top card perks include Delta Sky Club access* and an annual companion certificate each year after renewal.

If you need help deciding between multiple American Express credit cards, consider our detailed comparison pages:

Amex Gold vs. Amex Platinum : Which card should you bring on your next trip?

Rewards and benefits: Whether you're seeking cash back or points and miles rewards, Amex cards are some of the top options for maximizing your spending. Just make sure you compare all your options to find the right fit for how you prefer to earn and redeem rewards on the money you spend.

Travel transfer partners: Not only does Amex have a wide selection of co-branded airline and hotel cards, but it also offers transfers to over 21 partners on Membership Rewards-earning cards. These partners range from Delta Air Lines and Marriott Bonvoy to JetBlue TrueBlue, Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges, and many more.

Cardmember exclusives: American Express offers one of the most robust programs for entertainment access among issuers. As a cardholder, you may qualify for access to exclusive dining, entertainment, and sports events, as well as gain early access to ticket sales when available.

Card acceptance: While American Express has made major strides in the number of merchants that accept its cards, you may still find it's less-accepted than some other networks, like Visa and Mastercard. In the U.S., you probably don't have to worry about your card being accepted, though; 99% of merchants that accept credit cards will take Amex payments.

Different rewards types: With its wide range of credit cards also comes a wide range of rewards types — but this feature can also make it somewhat difficult to combine cards. If you have an Amex cash-back card and an American Express travel credit card that earns Membership Rewards, for example, you won't be able to pool your rewards and redeem them together. Along the same lines, you may not be able to upgrade or downgrade a card that earns one type of rewards for another card type.

Not all card types available: In general, you'll likely need good-to-excellent credit to qualify for an American Express credit card. If you're looking for a student credit card or secured credit card to begin building credit, you may want to seek out another issuer.

Opening any new credit card, including an American Express card, is only worth it if the card makes sense for your specific financial goals.

American Express has great options for earning both cash-back and travel rewards on your regular spending — plus cards well-suited for small business owners, paying down debt with a balance transfer, and more.

But before applying for any new card, look back at your regular spending. Make sure you'll get enough value to offset any annual fee cost and that you can maximize purchases you already make. Read the card's terms and conditions to make sure you understand how to avoid fees that could lower your potential value. Evaluate the details of any welcome offer to determine whether the required spending threshold is within your budget.

Most importantly, consider how the card might affect your overall financial plan. If you're worried you might be tempted to overspend so you can score a bonus or make purchases only to take advantage of annual credits, you may want to rethink applying for a new card. Spending more than you can afford to pay off can lead to high-interest debt balances that last for years — and cost you much more over time than you'll earn from any potential rewards.

More details to know about American Express cards

Here are some features and benefits you may come across when you open an American Express card:

Amex Offers give you additional savings and points on specific purchases when you opt in through your American Express account. You may find, for example, an American Express credit card offer for $30 back after spending $100 at Levi's or for 15% back on Bose.com purchases (up to a total $50 back).

The value of each offer varies and the offers available to you may differ depending on your location. Before you can use an offer, you'll need to add the offer to your card — and make sure to use it before the expiration date.

From your Amex account, you can see the total amount of money you've saved with Amex Offers. You can participate in the program with any eligible consumer or business Amex card in the U.S.

If you already have a credit card, you're probably familiar with how the payment process works. At the end of each billing cycle, you'll receive a statement with your total balance and minimum payment due. Then, you must pay at least the minimum to avoid late payment fees and penalties. If you pay at least the minimum but less than the full amount owed by your due date, you'll start accruing interest at your given APR .

But some American Express cards (including the Platinum Card from Amex, Amex Gold, and Amex Green Card) differ from this formula a bit. Amex credit cards with Pay Over Time flexibility don't have a standard preset spending limit. Instead, the limit can vary depending on your spending, credit, and other factors. And unlike a typical credit card, you must pay your balance in full each month — unless you opt into Pay Over Time.

If you choose to activate Pay Over Time, the process looks more like other credit cards. You can make eligible charges up to your assigned Pay Over Time limit (which you can find within the card agreement) and will need to pay at least your minimum amount due by the due date before the remainder accrues interest at your Pay Over Time APR. Of course, you can always still choose to pay your full balance by the due date before the APR kicks in.

Despite how these card terms may offer some added flexibility, it doesn't change anything about avoiding interest. If you don't pay your balance in full by the due date each month, you can still take on interest at your card's high APR. The best way to avoid interest charges — Pay Over Time or otherwise — is to spend only what you can afford to pay in full each month.

Many American Express cards earn points under the issuer's Membership Rewards program. You can redeem your Membership Rewards points for travel, statement credits, shopping, and more. But like many rewards programs, different redemptions carry different values.

With Membership Rewards, you'll generally get top value for your points when you redeem them for travel. This includes booking travel through American Express Travel. Airfare, specifically, is typically worth a maximum 1 cent per point — while hotels and rental cars, for example, may offer lower redemptions.

The other potentially lucrative travel redemption is transferring points to one of American Express's travel credit card partners. Though redemption values vary depending on your travel plans, the specific partner program, and other factors, this is often one of the most valuable ways to redeem.

If you're comparing different card options, use the Membership Rewards calculator on Amex's site to see exactly how much value you'll get with different credit cards and redemption options.

American Express travel rewards credit cards range in rewards categories, annual fee, and other benefits, but they all earn Membership Rewards points.

If you're looking for American Express credit card options you can use to earn rewards on your spending toward future travel (and you're not tied to any one specific travel brand), these are the cards to consider. These American Express credit card options are also the most likely to have annual fees in exchange for very high welcome offers and annual credits.

American Express has co-branded travel credit cards with Delta Air Lines, Hilton Honors, and Marriott Bonvoy. If you always prefer to fly Delta or stay with Hilton or Marriott when you travel, you may want to consider these co-branded cards — which cover a range of different annual fees and rewards structures.

Unlike other American Express travel rewards credit cards, these cards do not earn Membership Rewards. Instead, you'll redeem the points and miles you earn on your spending with the airline or hotel rewards program — Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors points, or Marriott Bonvoy points.

American Express' cash-back credit cards are a great way to maximize your regular spending for cash rewards. You'll find competitive rewards rates compared to other cash-back credit cards and some even have annual credits to give you more money back on specific expenses.

An Amex credit card with an introductory 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers are also common among Amex's cash-back credit cards. If you want to earn rewards after paying down existing debt or you have a large upcoming purchase, this is another valuable benefit.

Small business owners have plenty of options when it comes to making the most of business expenses with Amex. American Express business cards range from cash-back to travel rewards and co-branded travel cards. You can even find business cards with no annual fee and 0% APR offers.

Amex business cards generally come with the ability to add employee cards to your account as well as expense management tools that can help you track business spending and stay prepared come tax season.

Amex credit cards frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Amex Black Card, is the most prestigious American Express card available and one of the most exclusive cards in the world. It's an invite-only card reserved for some of the highest-spending Amex clients who meet the criteria for the Centurion's secret formula.

The Amex Gold card is much better for earning rewards on everyday spending, including making grocery purchases and dining out. But if you're a frequent traveler who loves having luxury travel perks, such as airport lounge access, the Amex Platinum is the clear winner.

American Express doesn't publish an official number of how many Amex cards you can have at a given time, but you should generally avoid having too many cards if you have multiple cards with overlapping benefits and you don't want to manage a large number of cards.

Which is better: Visa or American Express?

Visa cards are more accepted worldwide and there are more options to choose from. However, Visa isn't a credit card issuer, so your actual card account could be with one of dozens of different financial institutions. American Express issues its own cards, so all of your Amex credit cards can be accessed from the same account.

Our list of the best American Express credit cards is made up of cards that we already rank among the best in their specific categories — cash-back credit cards, rewards credit cards, travel credit cards, and more.

To compile this list, we determined the categories we wanted to divide American Express credit cards into, based on what types of cards the issuer offers and common card types sought out by cardholders. These became the superlatives we aimed to fulfill, from the best Amex card for business or the best American Express credit card for cash back to the best no annual fee Amex credit card and best premium Amex card.

From there, we looked to our existing card ratings and "best cards" lists to find the cards that both fit within the chosen categories and have high ratings. These ratings consider both details specific to the card type (welcome offers for rewards cards, 0% APR for balance transfer cards, etc.) as well as more general card details (annual fee, ongoing APR, transparency, app ratings, etc.).

The final list above is made up of the American Express cards we rate highly within their given categories and that fit within the list of superlatives we created for American Express cards specifically. Through this combination of decisions, we believe we can help the widest variety of potential Amex cardholders find the card options that best fit their wallets — or navigate them to valuable options they may not have considered otherwise.

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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