Best American Express Credit Cards
April 2024
American Express (Amex) offers some of the most generous credit card rewards available. If you're looking for a new American Express credit, you'll want to consider these cards. At first American Express made a name for itself with high-end charge cards. However, they now offer a comprehensive lineup of both charge and credit cards that are packed with with perks and rewards.
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With a lineup of nearly 20 personal credit cards and a dozen business credit cards, choosing the best American Express card can get tricky.
With all those options you may be wondering, "Which Amex card should I get?" If you're not sure which one is best for your situation, read on. Here are the best American Express credit cards currently available.
Find the Best American Express Credit Cards For You
Did you find an American Express card that sounds like a good fit for your lifestyle and purchase patterns? If so, don't forget to compare it to other options out there. While Amex does have some industry-leading offers, you should still shop around to ensure it's the best card you can get. No one wants to sign up and find out they could have been earning a few hundred dollars more per year in rewards.
To compare these cards against many others, head over to SuperMoney's Personal Credit Card Review page.
FAQs on American Express Credit Cards
Is American Express better than Visa or Mastercard?
Not necessarily better, but different. American Express issues its own cards, processes transfers, and finances payments so it makes most of its money from interest charges and fees. Visa and Mastercard don't actually issue cards or finance payments; they process transactions between banks and merchants and make money off each transaction.
American Express sets its own rates and fees, while third parties set the terms for the other two companies. Being so, it's important to shop around and compare offers from a variety of companies to get the best deal.
Is it hard to get an American Express card?
Generally speaking, American Express cards are a lot more difficult to get than your typical student credit cards, secured credit cards, or bad credit credit cards. It is, in fact, part of the reason why the card has gained some prestige. The thought is that if you are able to be accepted as an Amex member, you’ve got good credit.
What does your credit score have to be to get American Express credit cards?
American Express is known to be more exclusive regarding who it will approve for its cards. That being said, the company does not list a minimum credit score requirement. To find out if you may qualify without negatively impacting your credit report, you can visit the Amex site and fill out the prequalification form.
How do I get a "black" American Express card?
The "black" American Express card, also known as the Centurion Card, is invite-only. You can not apply for it but must be invited to get it. Rumor has it that, to be invited, you must have another American Express card for at least one year, must charge a minimum of somewhere between $100,000 to $450,000 per year, earn at least $1 million per year, and have a high net worth.
What is the most exclusive American Express credit card?
The Centurion card by American Express is the most exclusive card the company offers as you can only get it if you are invited. The initiation fee is $7,500, and the annual fee is $2,500.
Which is the best American Express credit card?
The answer to that question depends on your goals, income, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a luxury travel card or a cashback card that offers generous rewards when you buy groceries, there is an Amex card for you. Compare the pros and cons of the American Express cards above to find the card that best fits your needs.
Which American Express card is the easiest to get approved for?
The USAA Secured American Express Card is the easiest American Express card to get. It's issued by USAA, but it's on the Amex card network, which means you can use it anywhere Amex is accepted. It's also available to people with bad credit, unlike anything Amex offers.
Do all American Express cards have to be paid in full each month?
You don't have to pay off all American Express cards every month. Most Amex credit cards allow you to carry a balance from month to month, requiring only a monthly minimum payment to keep your account in good standing. On the other hand, you do have to pay American Express charge cards in full every month.
Do American Express credit cards have a limit?
Charge cards have no preset spending limit, but they require you to pay your balance in full every month. Credit cards have a set credit limit and allow you to carry a balance from month to month (though it's not a good idea!). American Express limits the number of credit and charge cards you can have at one time to 4.
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