American Express
By updated on May 24, 2012

The American Express company has long been synonymous with quality and trustworthiness. The world's largest credit card company in terms of purchase volume, American Express has grown from offering just one charge card that had to be paid in full each month to an array of credit cards to meet varying financial needs. American Express offers credit cards with flexible payment options as well as those that require payment in full at each statement. There are AmEx credit cards for individuals, small businesses and corporations.

Who is American Express?

Known for top-notch customer service and generous rewards for loyal customers, American Express has an excellent reputation among credit card companies. American Express offers cards for personal, business, and corporate use, as well as prepaid cards. The company also offers cards meant for those who want to earn airline miles, hotel stays, and other perks that come from using their card on a regular basis.

Get the best of the best with American Express. American Express offers credit cards for those with excellent credit. The world's largest card issuer by purchase volume, American Express has a reputation for quality service and loyal customers.

Who can obtain an American Express card?

American Express requires an excellent credit or very good history and high credit score in order to qualify for any of their cards. American Express is one of the few credit card companies that limits its offerings to credit cards for excellent credit. If you are not sure of your credit score, be sure to check your credit report before you apply. You may have to work to improve your credit score before you are eligible for an American Express card. 

Though some American Express cards require the balance to be paid in full each month, there are cards available that offer flexible payment schedules, such as the Blue series. American Express offers a wide variety of cards and customer service representatives who can help you choose the right one for your needs.

What cards does American Express offer?

American Express offers a wide variety of credit cards, which allow you to carry a revolving balance, and charge cards, which must be repaid in full each month, to suit any lifestyle.  Typically you can get a high credit limit on a charge card, but you must be able to pay off any charges within about 30 days. Think about how you will use your credit card before you decide which type of card is right for you.

Personal credit cards are available with a variety of credit limits and rewards programs. Business cards with flexible credit terms can make life easier for small business owners, while corporate card programs can handle the credit needs of even the largest companies. Prepaid cards through American Express are an excellent option for teens who want a jumpstart learning to manage finances.

Which American Express card is right for me?

Take your time in examining each card available to you before making a final choice. Since American Express requires excellent credit, check your credit report before applying.

To determine which American Express card is perfect for your wallet, consider what you need most in a credit card. Are you looking for flexible payments? Do you need a very low interest rate? Are you looking for a card that offers a high credit limit, so you never have to wonder what your balance is? American Express partners with choice airlines and hotels in order to bring you even more perks while traveling.  Think about your priorities.

  • Travel credit card. If you are interested most in a travel credit card, you may want to consider the American Express Premium Rewards Gold Card. If you spend $1,000 in the first three months, you can earn 15,000 bonus points. You also earn triple points for airline ticket purchases, double points for gas and groceries and one point per dollar for all other purchases. For the first year, this credit card has no annual fee. After the first year, the fee is $175 annually.
  • Instant approval card. If you are eager to get started with an American Express card, the Blue Sky from American Express is an instant approval credit card. While you are not guaranteed acceptance for this credit card, you may be approved in as little as one minute. The Blue Sky credit card is a rewards credit card with no annual fee, a choice of payment plans and the ability to use your rewards with any airline, any hotel and any car rental company.
  • Co-branded credit cards. Some American Express credit cards are co-branded with hotel chains and airlines such as Delta, JetBlue and Starwood. If you typically use one particular company for travel, you may want to explore the rewards programs of these cards to see if you can accumulate rewards more quickly.
  • Cash back credit cards. If you are not a frequent traveler, you may be more interested in the Blue Cash Everyday credit card from American Express. This credit card allows flexible repayments and has no spending minimum or enrollment fee to participate in the rewards program. You can earn 3 percent cash back on groceries, 2 percent cash back on gas and department store purchases and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases made with the credit card. The rewards with this cash back card do not change, so you will always know what you are earning.
  • Business credit cards. American Express also offers a business credit card to help manage cash flow and earn cash back rewards. The TrueEarnings business card from Costco and American Express earns rewards for gas, restaurant and travel purchases as well as Costco purchases.

If you think you are ready for an American Express credit card, browse the offers on this page to see if one meets your needs.

Blue Sky From American Express(R) - Earn 7,500 Points With $1,000 in Spend within First 3 Months

Editor's Rating


  • Earn 7,500 extra points when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months - redeemable for a $100 statement credit
  • No annual fee
  • Travel rewards with no blackout dates or travel restrictions. Redeem with any airline, any car rental, any hotel -- anytime
  • Pay your bill all at once, or over time. It's up to you.
  • Blue Savings Program(R): big deals on big brands, all the time
  • Rated "Best Airline Credit Card" by Card Ratings Consumer's Choice Awards in 2010
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds

The Business Platinum Card(R) from American Express OPEN

Editor's Rating


  • FOR A LIMITED TIME: Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards(R) points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
  • Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in-flight refreshments, and change fees.*
  • 20% Travel Bonus when redeeming with Membership Rewards(R) Pay with Points
  • Take advantage of 40 premium benefits and rewards, including 24/7 concierge service and dedicated business consultants
  • Complimentary airport club access to 600+ partner lounges, a $950/yr value
  • By Invitation Only: Receive exclusive access to events, ideal for entertaining clients or treating staff, worldwide that aren't available to the general public
  • No pre-set spending limit*

Blue Cash EverydaySM Card From American Express - Earn Cash Back Right Away - with No Annual Fee

Editor's Rating


  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time

American Express(R) Gold Card - $0 Introductory Annual Fee for the First Year

Editor's Rating


  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events - select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards(R) points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds

The Business Gold Rewards Card(R) from American Express OPEN

Editor's Rating


  • Earn points even faster to get more rewards for your business
  • 3X points on airfare, 2X points on advertising, gas, and shipping, 1X points on everything else*
  • One million rewards from over 500 brands
  • 24/7 support for everything from identity theft to travel emergencies
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175
  • Get unlimited Additional Gold Cards for an additional annual fee of $50 and this fee is waived for the first year
  • Terms & Restrictions Apply.

Delta Reserve Credit Card - Earn Up To 10K MQMs with First Purchase

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  • Earn up to 40K MQMs
  • Get a free checked bag for up to nine people in your reservation
  • Receive a 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases of food, beverages, movies, television shows, video games and audio headsets

Starwood Preferred Guest(R) Business Credit Card from American Express OPEN

Editor's Rating


  • Earn up to 25,000 Starpoints(R)- Receive 10,000 Starpoints after your first purchase, and another 15,000 bonus Starpoints when you spend $5,000 in 6 months - enough for up to 6 free nights at a Category 1 or 2 hotel
  • Redeem Starpoints at over 1,000 hotels and resorts in nearly 100 countries, and for flights on more than 350 airlines through SPG Flights. No blackout dates.
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65

Platinum Delta SkyMiles(R) Credit Card - Earn up to 25K Miles & Check Your First Bag Free

Editor's Rating


  • Earn 20,000 bonus miles with your first purchase and an additional 5,000 bonus miles when you add two cards to your account
  • No mileage earning limit, and miles don't expire
  • Check your first bag free on every Delta flight
  • Priority Boarding and 20% In-Flight Savings

Blue Sky Preferred(R) from American Express - 15K Extra Points After $1K Spend in First 3 Months

Editor's Rating


  • Earn 15,000 extra points when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months
  • Earn free travel fast at a low annual fee of $75
  • You decide if you want to pay charges overtime or pay in full
  • 2X points on dining, hotels, and car rentals
  • $100 Annual Airline Allowance to cover baggage fees and many in-flight purchases
  • Offers a wide range of discounts and extras at hotels, restaurants, retailers, and more

Hilton HHonors(R) Card from American Express - 40,000 Bonus Points After $750 Spend in First 90 Days

Editor's Rating


  • Earn 40,000 bonus points when you spend $750 in the first 90 days
  • Covers eligible purchases from theft, damage, and loss, up to $1,000 per occurrence, for up to 90 days
  • Enjoy complimentary Silver status for the life of your membership
  • You won't find blackout dates with Hilton HHonors. If a standard room is available, you can redeem points for it
  • Earn 6 HHonors Bonus Points for every eligible dollar you spend at Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands
  • Earn 3 HHonors Bonus Points for every eligible dollar charged everywhere else

TrueEarnings(R) Business Card from Costco and American Express OPEN

Editor's Rating


  • Get cash back-4% for annual gasoline purchases of up to $6,000 (1% thereafter), 2% for restaurants, 2% for travel, 1% everywhere else, including Costco
  • 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 6 months
  • No introductory annual fee with your paid Costco Membership
  • Flexible payments-pay in full or over time

Hilton HHonors(R) SurpassSM Card - Get Rewarded from Day One & Earn HHonors Bonus Points

Editor's Rating


  • Earn Up To 60,000 bonus points
  • Earn 40,000 bonus with first purchase; Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
  • Rely on 24/7 emergency assistance worldwide
  • Earn 9 HHonors Bonus Points for every eligible dollar spent at participating Hilton Worldwide portfolio of brands
  • Earn 6 HHonors Bonus Points per dollar on everyday purchases at gas stations, drugstores, and more
  • Earn 3 HHonors Bonus Points for every eligible dollar charged everywhere else

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