The Best American Express Cards
After analyzing the rewards, benefits, and value propositions of premium credit cards, we've identified the best American Express cards for different lifestyles and spending patterns.
The American Express Gold and Platinum cards offer exceptional rewards and benefits. Photo: Atlass Collective
Limited Time Elevated Welcome Offers
American Express Gold Card
100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Regular offer: 60,000 points
American Express Platinum Card
175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months
Regular offer: 80,000 points
Offers end soon. Terms apply.
Our Picks
- Best for dining & groceries: American Express Gold Card
- Best for travel & luxury: American Express Platinum Card
American Express premium cards are known for their exceptional rewards programs, exclusive benefits, and high-end perks. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a frequent traveler, there's an Amex card that can maximize your rewards and enhance your lifestyle.
We've thoroughly analyzed the rewards structures, annual fees, and benefits of both the Gold and Platinum cards to help you choose the one that best fits your spending habits and lifestyle preferences.
Why you should trust us
Our team has extensively researched credit card rewards programs and benefits. We've analyzed spending patterns, calculated potential rewards earnings, and evaluated the real-world value of various card benefits.
For this guide, our team:
- • Analyzed rewards rates across different spending categories
- • Calculated potential rewards earnings for different spending patterns
- • Evaluated the value of travel and dining benefits
- • Compared welcome offers and ongoing benefits
Quick Navigation
Key Findings
What to Look For
- ✓ Rewards rates in your top spending categories
- ✓ Annual fee vs. benefits value
- ✓ Welcome bonus value
- ✓ Travel and dining perks
Common Pitfalls
- ⚠️ High annual fees
- ⚠️ Complex rewards structures
- ⚠️ Limited acceptance at some merchants
- ⚠️ Foreign transaction fees
Our Recommendations
American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card offers exceptional rewards for dining and groceries. Photo: Atlass Collective
The American Express Gold Card is perfect for food enthusiasts who want to maximize their rewards on dining and groceries. With its high rewards rates in these categories and valuable dining credits, it's an excellent choice for those who frequently eat out or cook at home.
Limited time offer: 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
Why we like it
- 4X points on dining and groceries
- $120 Uber Cash annually
- $120 dining credit
- 3X points on flights
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rose Gold design option
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- $250 annual fee
- Limited acceptance at some merchants
- Monthly dining credit caps
The American Express Gold Card stands out for its exceptional rewards on dining and groceries. The 4X points on these categories can quickly add up, especially for food enthusiasts who frequently dine out or cook at home. The card also offers valuable credits that can help offset the annual fee.
The $120 Uber Cash benefit provides $10 monthly credits for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, while the $120 dining credit can be used at select restaurants and food delivery services. The 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com adds extra value for occasional travelers.
While the $250 annual fee may seem high, the combination of rewards rates and statement credits can make the card worthwhile for those who maximize its benefits. The card's rose gold design option adds a stylish touch, and the lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a good choice for international travel.
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits and luxury perks. Photo: Atlass Collective
The American Express Platinum Card is the ultimate travel companion, offering extensive airport lounge access, elite hotel status, and premium travel benefits. While it has a high annual fee, the value of its benefits can easily exceed the cost for frequent travelers.
Limited time offer: 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
Why we like it
- Centurion Lounge access
- 5X points on flights and hotels
- $200 hotel credit
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit
- Elite hotel status
- Premium concierge service
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- High annual fee
- Limited acceptance at some merchants
- Complex benefits structure
The American Express Platinum Card is designed for those who value premium travel experiences and luxury benefits. The card's most valuable perk is access to the exclusive Centurion Lounges, which offer high-end dining, spa services, and comfortable workspaces at major airports.
The card's rewards structure is optimized for travel, offering 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. The $200 hotel credit, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, and elite status with major hotel chains add significant value for frequent travelers.
While the $695 annual fee is steep, the combination of travel benefits, lounge access, and rewards can make the card worthwhile for those who travel frequently and take advantage of its premium perks. The card's concierge service can also help with travel arrangements and other lifestyle needs.
How We Evaluated
Our evaluation process focused on several key factors to determine the best American Express cards for different needs:
- • Rewards rates and earning potential in key spending categories
- • Value of welcome bonuses and ongoing benefits
- • Travel and dining perks and their practical value
- • Annual fee justification through benefits
- • Card acceptance and usability
What to Look For
When choosing between premium credit cards, consider these important factors:
- • Your primary spending categories and the card's rewards rates in those areas
- • The value of statement credits and how easily you can use them
- • Travel benefits and their relevance to your lifestyle
- • Annual fee and whether the benefits justify the cost
- • Card acceptance at your preferred merchants