In this article, we’ll explore the best American Express credit cards' perks, how their rewards work, and what to know before applying.
From luxury travel benefits to everyday cashback and robust business services, Amex offers something for nearly every type of spender.
We’ll also cover interest rates, fees, the application process, and some recent developments, like eBay dropping support for Amex.
Why Choose American Express?
If you’re wondering, “Are American Express credit cards good?” — the answer largely depends on how you plan to use them.
They are especially beneficial for those who travel often, want exclusive perks like lounge access, and spend heavily in categories like dining, groceries, or flights.
Laso, if you want to accumulate Membership Rewards® points, or run a business and need financial tools and employee card options.
Amex also provides some of the best credit card perks in the market, but many cards carry annual fees and require good to excellent credit.
Best American Express Credit Cards for 2025
American Express credit cards' rewards, travel, and business services highlights are highlighted in the following:
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best For: Premium travel perks
- Rewards: 5X points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel, 5X on hotels through Amex Travel
- Perks: Access to 1,300+ airport lounges, concierge, hotel status upgrades
- Annual Fee: $695
- APR: Pay Over Time feature applies; rates vary based on credit
- Welcome Offer: Up to 100,000 points after qualifying purchases (subject to change)
2. American Express® Gold Card
- Best For: Dining & groceries
- Rewards: 4X points at restaurants, 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3X on flights
- Perks: Up to $120 in dining credits, travel protections
- Annual Fee: $250
- APR: Variable 21.24%–29.24%
- Welcome Offer: Typically 60,000 points after spending threshold
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card
- Best For: Everyday cashback
- Rewards: 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000), 6% on streaming, 3% on gas/transit
- Annual Fee: $95 (waived first year in some offers)
- APR: 19.24%–29.99% Variable
- Intro Offer: $250 statement credit after minimum spend
4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Best For: Frequent Delta flyers
- Rewards: 3X miles on Delta, 1X on other purchases
- Perks: Sky Club access, companion certificate, first checked bag free
- Annual Fee: $550
- APR: 20.99%–29.99% Variable
- Bonus Offer: Up to 100,000 miles (terms apply)
American Express Credit Cards' Perks: Membership Rewards
The Membership Rewards® program is one of the most versatile American Express credit cards' perks.
Points can be redeemed for travel bookings through Amex Travel, transfers to airline and hotel partners, gift cards, or shopping via Amazon or PayPal
Business users can benefit from cards like The Business Platinum Card®, which offers similar reward structures.
They may add expense tracking, employee cards, and integration with QuickBooks and other platforms.
How to Apply for an American Express Card
Applying for an Amex card is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to americanexpress.com and browse the available cards.
- Choose a Card: Compare features, fees, rewards, and welcome bonuses.
- Click ‘Apply Now’: Fill in the application form with accurate information.
- Provide These Details:
- Full legal name and contact info
- Date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN)
- Total annual income
- Housing status and monthly rent/mortgage
- Employment status
- Review & Submit: Confirm all information and submit your application.
- Instant Decision or Email Notification: Many applicants receive a decision within minutes.
Tip: Pre-approval tools are available on Amex’s website and won't affect your credit score.
What’s Happening with American Express and eBay?
In 2024, eBay announced it would drop support for American Express credit cards, citing high transaction fees.
This raised questions about merchant acceptance, but it's important to note that Amex is still widely accepted by major retailers, airlines, hotels, and restaurants.
Smaller businesses may still prefer Visa/Mastercard due to lower processing fees.
Before applying, check if your favorite merchants accept Amex, especially if you live in a smaller town or shop primarily with local businesses.
Interest Rates & Fees
Amex cards come with variable APRs, which are based on your creditworthiness:
- Typical APR range: 19.24% – 29.99% variable
- Some cards (like the Platinum) use a Pay Over Time feature, meaning not all purchases accrue interest.
- Penalty APRs may apply for late payments.
- Annual fees range from $0 (Blue Cash Everyday®) to $695 (Platinum).
American Express Customer Support
If you have questions or issues, you can contact Amex via:
- Phone (U.S.): 1-800-528-4800
- Mailing Address: American Express Customer Service
P.O. Box 981535
El Paso, TX 79998-1535 - Website:americanexpress.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
American Express (Amex) stands out in the credit card industry for its prestigious reputation and strong customer service.
Besides that, you must want to know:
- How many American Express credit cards can I have?
There’s no official limit, but most people can have up to 4–5 Amex credit cards (excluding charge cards) at once.
- Can I use Membership Rewards for Amazon purchases?
Yes. You can link your Amex card to Amazon and use points at checkout, though the value is usually lower than using points for travel.
- What credit score is needed?
Most premium Amex cards require a good to excellent credit score (typically 700+).
- Is Amex worth the annual fee?
If you travel frequently or spend heavily in bonus categories like dining, the rewards and perks can more than offset the fee.
Conclusion
American Express credit cards' perks offer a mix of luxury, flexibility, and practical value for both personal and business use.
Compare your options, review the application requirements, and choose a card that matches your financial goals.
With the right usage, Amex cards can offer more than just spending power—they offer a gateway to a premium experience.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit card terms, rewards, and rates are subject to change. Always review the latest information on the official American Express website or consult a financial advisor before applying.
