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I've carried American Express cards for years. It started with the iconic Green American Express many years ago. Since then, I've carried the Gold card, The Platinum Card, TrueEarnings CostCo card (no longer available), and the Blue Cash Preferred. Yes, I'm an Amex fan.
Today, Amex offers a wide variety of cards with excellent rewards. It offers top-notch travel rewards, cash back, and even 0% introductory rate offers on balance transfers and purchases. The list below starts with consumer cards, airline cards, and hotel cards and wraps it up with Amex business credit cards.
Earn $200 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
$150
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Editor's Pick: My favorite consumer Amex card is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. With cash back of up to 6%, the annual fee is well worth the cost. The welcome bonus helps, too. And for those of you who subscribe to the Disney Bundle, you get a $7 statement credit when you spend $12.99 or more a month.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then a variable rate of 19.24% - 29.99%, depending on creditworthiness
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
3% cash back
Gas
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
3% cash back
Transit
3% cash back on transit, such as taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains and buses
6% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
6% cash back on groceries up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%
6% cash back
Streaming services
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
American Express® Gold Card pays up to 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (both subject to a spending cap), and 3x on flights booked through American Express. Once you add your card to your Uber account, you can get a $10 statement credit every month for rides and Uber Eats delivery (up to $120 a year). It's a great card for saving money on food.
Welcome Bonus: 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.
Annual Fee: $250
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on all other eligible purchases
3x points
Airfare
3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
4x points
U.S. supermarkets
4x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.
4x points
Dining
4x points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card with an annual fee that reflects that. However, if you make use of all of the benefits this card offers, it's worth the cost. You get a $200 hotel credit, a $200 airline fee credit, $200 in Uber Cash, a $300 Equinox credit and many other perks. You also get a nice welcome bonus and generous rewards. And of course, you get that Centurion Lounge access.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $695
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x on all other purchases
5x points
Airfare
5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases each calendar year
5x points
Hotels
5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on everything you buy. You also get American Express benefits like I.D. Theft protection, purchase protection, and a 20% discount or a free appetizer at participating restaurants. And there's no annual fee.
Welcome Bonus: None
Annual Fee:$0
Rewards:
2% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 2% unlimited cash back when you use your Bread Cashback Card.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great card with a $0 annual fee. It offers excellent cash back rewards and a nice welcome bonus. Plus, you get 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months. You can pay off higher interest debt and then keep it for the rewards on groceries and gas.
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0
0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months. After that, your rate will be 19.24% - 29.99% variable, depending on creditworthiness.
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
3% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% cash back
Select Categories
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% cash back
Gas
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card is American Express' 1.5% cash back card. There are a ton of 2% cash back cards out there now, so this is only an okay card. The biggest selling point is the 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, which makes it a good option if you're making a major purchase.
Welcome Bonus: Earn $200 back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Annual Fee: $0
0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, your rate will be 18.99% to 29.99% variable, depending on your creditworthiness.
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is one of the few no-annual fee American Express cards. You get a small welcome bonus, plus 2x points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (subject to a cap) and 1x point on all other purchases. If you use your card 20 or more times during a billing period, you get 20% more points on those purchases. There's also a 0% introductory APR offer for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Not bad for no-annual fee card.
Welcome Bonus: Get 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points when you use your new card to make $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $0
0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchase and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After that, your rate will be 18.24% to 29.24% variable, depending on your creditworthiness.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X points on other purchases.
2x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 2X points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1X.
Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
Best for frequent use
With the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, you get a small welcome bonus, 3x points on groceries (up to $6,000 a year), 2x on gas and 1x on all other purchases. If you use your card 30 or more times in a billing cycle, you'll 50% extra points on those purchases. This may seem like a lot, but if you use your card for your daily coffee shop run, you're there.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $95
0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months. After that, your rate will be 17.99% - 27.99% variable, depending on creditworthiness.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on all other eligible purchases
2x points
Travel
2x points at Amextravel.com
2x points
Gas
2x points at U.S. gas stations
3x points
U.S. supermarkets
3x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases
American Express® Green Card
Best for old-school cool
American Express® Green Card–Don't leave home without it. Although it wasn't the first credit card, or even the first “card” American Express issued (there was a Purple card, although it was on paper, in 1958), but it is the iconic American Express card, launched in 1969. There is a decent welcome bonus, plus you get 3x points at restaurants, transit and travel, and 1x on all other purchases. You also get $189 Clear Credit and a $100 lounge buddy credit to sweeten the pot.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Annual Fee: $150
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on other eligible purchases
3x points
Travel
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
3x points
Dining
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
3x points
Transit
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
$0
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best value
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a solid card for those who prefer to fly Delta. You get a generous welcome bonus and 2x points on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases. You also get some Delta-specific benefits such as a $100 flight credit (after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year), a free checked bag, and 15% off when you book travel with miles through American Express.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
2x miles
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 2X Miles at U.S. Supermarkets.
2x miles
Delta Purchases
Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases.
2x miles
Dining
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is the mid-tier Delta rewards card in the American Express line up. You get elevated rewards on Delta puchases, hotels, groceries, and dining. The biggest benefit, though, is the Annual Companion certificate, which gets your guest a main cabin round trip airfare for free (minus taxes and fees) when they travel with you.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $250
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
2x miles
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 2X Miles at U.S. supermarkets
2x miles
Dining
Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
3x miles
Delta Purchases
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
3x miles
Hotels
Earn 3X Miles on purchases made directly with hotels
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Best for premium Delta benefits
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the premium Delta rewards card in the American Express lineup and the only Delta card to grant access to Centurion lounges. You also get access to Delta Sky Club lounges. Beginning February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on February 1, 2023, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
You get a nice welcome bonus and some Delta-related benefits, but unless you prefer to fly Delta, the The Platinum Card® from American Express is probably a better value.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is the card for you if you prefer to fly Delta but don't want to pay an annual fee. You earn 2x points on dining, 2x points on Delta purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases. You won't get access to any fancy airport lounges, but you can take the money you would have spent on an annual fee, buy yourself a pair of noise-canceling headphones and pretend you're somewhere else.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
2x miles
Delta Purchases
Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases
2x miles
Dining
Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points + a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
$650
Hilton Honors American Express Card
Best no-annual fee Hilton card
Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great choice for those who enjoy Hilton-branded hotels and don't want to pay an annual fee. You get a generous welcome bonus, 7x on Hilton purchases, 5x points on dining, gas, and groceries and 3x points on everything else. The Hilton brand consists of 584 hotels on six continents, so if you enjoy staying at any of them, this card is a no-brainer.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
3x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
5x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets.
5x points
Dining
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants.
5x points
Gas
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations.
7x points
Hotels
Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is the next step up in the Hilton credit lineup. You get a hearty welcome bonus and decent ongoing rewards. You also get complimentary Gold status, which gets you 80% more bonus points on stays, room upgrades when available, and a complimentary food and beverage credit. Since the annual fee is reasonable, this card is a good choice if you like Hilton and stay there a few times a year.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points + a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
3x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 3x for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
6x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 6x at U.S supermarkets.
6x points
Dining
Earn 6x at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
6x points
Gas
Earn 6x points at U.S. gas stations.
12x points
Hotels
Earn 12x points for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Best for premium Hilton benefits
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is the card for you if you love Hilton hotels and prefer to stay there when you travel. There is a lot of value in this card if you use all the benefits. In addition to the welcome bonus and rewards, you also get a $250 Hilton Resort statement credit, an annual free night and complimentary Diamond status. Diamond status gets you everything Gold members get, plus 100% bonus points on stays, premium wifi and executive lounge access.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $450
Rewards:
3x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
7x points
Rental Cars
Earn 7x points on car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.
7x points
Travel
Earn 7x points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com.
7x points
Dining
Earn 7x points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
14x points
Hotels
Earn 14x points for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card is a mid-tier Marriott rewards card. If the perks and rewards sound familiar, it's because this card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ credit card card are eerily similar. This card offers a solid welcome bonus and decent ongoing rewards, plus you get complimentary Gold elite status. To get a free night, however, you'll need to spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $250
Rewards:
2x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
4x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 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).
4x points
Dining
Earn 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).
6x points
Hotels
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is the premium Marriott card offered by American Express. It does come with some nice benefits, which might make it a good value, if you use them. In addition to the welcome bonus and the rewards, you get a $300 dining statement credit ($25 a month), a $100 property credit when you stay at the Ritz Carlton or the St. Regis, and a free night award each year. You also get Priority Pass access for you and up to two guests when traveling through airports.
Welcome Bonus: Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
Annual Fee: $650
Rewards:
2x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
3x points
Airfare
Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines.
3x points
Dining
Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide.
6x points
Hotels
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
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.*
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 5,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
American Express® Business Gold Card is a great card for small business owners. You get 4x points per $1 on whatever two categories your business spends the most money on each month (up to $150,000 each year). You also get a solid welcome bonus and the Pay over Time feature, so this card can act like a credit card.
Welcome Bonus: 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.*
Annual Fee: $295
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1X is earned for other eligible purchases.
4x points
Select Categories
Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year. 1X is earned for other eligible purchases.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a great card for small business owners who frequently travel for work. You get a suite of travel benefits, including Centurion Lounge access. You also get a number of business credits, such as a $400 Dell credit, a $360 Indeed credit, a $150 Adobe credit, and a $120 wireless credit.
Welcome Bonus: 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.
Annual Fee: $695
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
1.5x points
Select Categories
Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at U.S. 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.
5x points
Airfare
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights on AmexTravel.com.
5x points
Hotels
5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is for small business owners who think they'll put $50,000 or less on this card. You get 2% cash back up to that amount, and 1% on all purchases thereafter. There is a 0% APR offer on purchases, so if you need to equip an office or make another large purchase, this card might be a good fit.
Welcome Bonus: N/A
Annual Fee: No annual fee
0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months from date of account opening. After that, your rate will be 18.49% - 26.49% variable, depending on creditworthiness.
Rewards:
1% cash back
All eligible purchases
1% cash back after spending $50,000.
2% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best for Membership Rewards® points
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is startlingly similar to the above mentioned The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card. The main difference is that the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns cash back and this card earns Membership Rewards® Points. You can redeem them for travel or transfer them to an American Express travel partner. It all depends on how you want to earn rewards.
Welcome Bonus: N/A
Annual Fee: No annual fee
0% APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months from date of account opening. After that, your rate will be 18.49% - 26.49% variable, depending on creditworthiness.
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
2x points
All eligible purchases
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners.
The Plum Card® from American Express is a charge card, or what you think of when you think of American Express. In other words, you must pay your balance every month. You do get a 1.5% early pay discount, and if you're having cash flow problems, you can pay the minimum and take another 30 days to pay the rest.
Welcome Bonus: N/A
Annual Fee: $250‡
Rewards:
1.5% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible charges when you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date. There's no cap on how much you can earn and no purchase categories, just savings applied to your next statement.
Business Green Rewards Card from American Express is also a charge card, although eligible purchases can be paid off over time. You earn rewards such as 2x points on flights and prepaid hotels, and 1x on everything else. The bonus is paid in Membership Rewards® points, which can be transferred to airline or hotel partners for more value.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $3,000 in eligible purchase in the first 3 months of card membership
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
1x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1x point on all other eligible purchases
2x points
Travel
Earn 2x on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
Best for Amazon Prime members
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is a great card for business owners who frequently shop on Amazon. Technically, there is no annual fee, but you'll need a Prime membership to get the best tier of rewards. You get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases with a Prime membership, but just 3% if you don't have one.
Welcome Bonus: Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
Annual Fee: No annual fee
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% Back on other purchases.
2% cash back
Cell phone service
2% Back on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.
2% cash back
Dining
2% Back at U.S. restaurants.
2% cash back
Gas
2% Back at U.S. gas stations.
5% cash back
Select Categories
5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter.
Best for business owners without a Prime membership
Amazon Business American Express Card is perfect for small business owners who shop on Amazon but don't want to pay for a Prime membership (currently $139 a year). You'll get 3% on all Amazon purchases, and 2% cash back on gas, restaurants and wireless phone services.
Welcome Bonus: Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business American Express Card.
Annual Fee: No annual fee
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% Back on other purchases
2% cash back
Cell phone service
2% cash back on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
2% cash back
Dining
2% cash back at U.S. restaurants
2% cash back
Gas
2% back at U.S. gas stations
3% cash back
Select Categories
3% Back or 60 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market. You will earn 3% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Best for business travelers who prefer Delta
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is the card for you if you often travel for business and prefer Delta airlines. In addition to the welcome offer, you also score a domestic round-trip companion ticket when you renew your card. You also save 15% when booking award travel with American Express.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
Annual Fee: $250
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases
1.5x miles
All eligible purchases
Earn more miles on big purchases with 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (that's an extra half mile per dollar), up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels instead of 1.5X).
3x miles
Delta Purchases
3 miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
3x miles
Hotels
3 miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with hotels.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Best for a few perks on Delta
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a good choice if you fly Delta occasionally and want a few perks when you do. You'll get priority boarding, and your first checked bag is free. Depending on how often you travel, that could make up for the annual fee and then some, especially since the annual fee is waived for the first year. You also get a $100 Delta flight credit if you spend $10,000 in a calendar year.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 5,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
2x miles
All eligible purchases
Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases at U.S. shipping providers and eligible U.S. advertising purchases in select media. Effective 1/1/2024, this benefit will have a cap of $50,000 in eligible purchases per category, per year.
2x miles
Delta Purchases
Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
2x miles
Dining
Earn 2 Miles on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Best for premium Delta rewards
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is for the jet-setting business traveler who is loyal to Delta airlines. You get a long list of benefits and credits with this card, such as a domestic first-class or main cabin companion ticket each year when you renew.
You also get complimentary access to the Centurion lounge. Beginning February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on February 1, 2025, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.
If you're only a casual Delta fan, a more general travel card could suit you better.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
Annual Fee: $550
Rewards:
1x miles
On all other eligible purchases
1X miles on other purchases made using the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card.
1.5x miles
All eligible purchases
1.5X miles per dollar after you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year.
3x miles
Delta Purchases
3X miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is perfect for the person who spends a lot of time on the road and prefers Hilton hotels when they stop for the night. Not only do you earn 12x points per dollar spent at Hilton-branded hotels, but you also earn 6x points on business purchases such as shipping providers and wireless services.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first three months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
3x points
On all other eligible purchases
3X on all other eligible purchases.
6x points
Cell phone service
6X on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.
6x points
Select Categories
Earn 6X on U.S. purchases for shipping.
6x points
Airfare
6X on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel.
6x points
Rental Cars
6X on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies.
6x points
Dining
6X at U.S. restaurants.
6x points
Gas
6X at U.S. gas stations.
12x points
Hotels
12X directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a good choice for people who travel frequently and have a strong preference for Marriott-branded hotels. As you might expect, the Marriott-related benefits are great. Other benefits include 4x points at restaurants, wireless telephone services, and shipping. You can also get a 7% discount on Marriott hotels.
Welcome Bonus: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 11/1/23.
Annual Fee: $125
Rewards:
2x points
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
4x points
Cell phone service
Earn 4x points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.
4x points
Select Categories
Earn 4x points on U.S. purchases for shipping.
4x points
Dining
Earn 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide.
4x points
Gas
Earn 4x points for purchases made at U.S. gas stations.
6x points
Hotels
Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
Lowe's Business Rewards Card is a solid card for those who shop at Lowe's. You get 5% cash back on Lowe's purchases, but only for the first 6 months–after that, it's 2%. There are a lot of 2% cash back cards these days, so after the first six months this card loses a lot of value.
Welcome Bonus: Get $100 statement credit upon approval
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
2% cash back
Cell phone service
2% cash back on wireless telephone services purchases directly through U.S. service providers
2% cash back
Office Supplies
2% cash back at U.S. office supply stores
2% cash back
Select Categories
2% cash back on Lowe's purchases after the first six months
2% cash back
Dining
2% cash back at U.S. restaurants
5% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 5% cash back on Lowe's purchases for the first six months; after that, earn 2% cash back
Final Thoughts
There's an American Express card for every situation, whether you're a business owner or just trying to maximize your travel rewards. Evaluate how you spend money, and what you need for rewards, and apply away.
Rob Berger is the founder of allCards.com. He's written about personal finance and investing since 2007 and is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Retire Before Mom and Dad. He is a former litigation attorney in the securities field and the Founding Editor of Forbes Advisor.
