American Express
By Curtis Arnold 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.