American Express offers a range of credit cards designed to match different lifestyles — from luxury travel to dining rewards to everyday cashback.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear comparison of their top three cards: the Platinum Card®, the Gold Card, and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card.
Use this breakdown to find the one that fits your spending habits and goals.
Key American Express Cards Compared
American Express has three standout cards that serve different purposes — travel, dining, or everyday spending.
The Platinum Card®
- Annual Fee: $695
- Best For: Premium travel perks
- Rewards: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- Perks:
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges
- Up to $200 in entertainment credits per year
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Welcome Bonus: 125,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
This card is ideal if you travel often and want luxury perks like airport lounge access and elite hotel treatment. The annual fee only makes sense if you’ll use the benefits consistently.
American Express® Gold Card
- Annual Fee: $325
- Best For: Dining and grocery rewards
- Rewards:
- 4X at restaurants worldwide
- 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
- 3X on flights booked directly with airlines
- Dining Credit: Up to $120/year in select dining credits
- Welcome Bonus: 90,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months
The Gold Card gives strong returns on food spending. If you cook or eat out frequently, this card gives better value than most mid-tier options.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
- Annual Fee: $0 intro for first year, then $95
- Best For: Everyday cashback
- Cashback Rates:
- 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming
- 3% on transit (bus, train, rideshare)
- Intro Offer: $300 statement credit after $3,000 spend in 6 months
This card is built for families and everyday household budgets. Cashback appears as a statement credit and adds up fast when used strategically.
Membership Rewards® Program
This is the points program you get with Platinum and Gold. Here’s how it works:
- Earn more points in travel, dining, groceries, and more.
- Redeem for flights, hotels, gift cards, and checkout with partners like Amazon.
- Points don’t expire as long as your account remains active.
Maximizing Value
To get the most out of your Membership Rewards points, it’s important to know how and where to redeem them.
- Transferring to airline/hotel partners usually gives the best value.
- Use Amex Travel for exclusive hotel perks and point discounts.
- Avoid using points for merchandise — it returns less value.
Travel Perks That Add Real Value
These benefits make travel more comfortable and cost-effective, especially if you fly or stay in hotels often.
Airport Lounge Access (Platinum only)
With the Platinum Card®, you can unwind before your flight at over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.
- Includes Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass access
- Requires a same-day boarding pass
- Guest access varies by lounge program
Hotel Privileges
Enjoy exclusive hotel perks when you book through Amex Travel.
- Complimentary room upgrades when available
- Daily breakfast for two at select properties
- Guaranteed late checkout for added convenience
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Save on international purchases with the Platinum and Gold Cards.
- 0% foreign transaction fees
- Saves you 2–3% per purchase abroad
Useful for both travel and shopping from overseas retailers
Everyday Spending Benefits
These features reward you for the purchases you make most often — from meals to media.
Dining
The Gold Card is built for food lovers who dine out or order in regularly.
- 4X points at restaurants worldwide
- Up to $10/month in dining credits with select partners
Streaming & Transit
With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, you get strong rewards for entertainment and commuting.
- 6% cashback on select U.S. streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
- 3% cashback on transit — including buses, subways, rideshare, tolls, and parking
Fees and APRs
Understanding the cost of carrying these cards is critical.
| Card | Annual Fee | APR (Variable) |
| Platinum | $695 | Pay Over Time feature |
| Gold | $325 | 21.24% – 29.24% |
| Blue Cash Preferred | $0 first year, then $95 | 19.24% – 29.99% |
What to Watch
Before you apply for an American Express card, it’s important to understand a few key factors that can impact your overall experience and cost.
Late Payments
Late payments can lead to more than just a fee. If you miss a due date, you’ll likely be charged a late fee, and your interest rate could increase to a much higher penalty APR.
Continued missed payments may also hurt your credit score, so it’s essential to stay on top of your due dates to avoid unnecessary charges and protect your credit health.
Pay Over Time (Platinum and Gold)
Pay Over Time is a feature available with the Platinum and Gold Cards. It allows you to carry a balance on eligible purchases rather than paying it all off at once. While it adds flexibility, it also means you’ll start accruing interest.
If you use this feature, be mindful of the variable APR, which can be high depending on your credit profile. It’s best used only when absolutely necessary.
Avoid Carrying Balances
Avoid carrying balances if your goal is to maximize the value of your card. Interest charges quickly eat into any rewards or cashback you earn.
These cards are designed for perks and point-earning—not for long-term debt. Paying your balance in full each month ensures you keep the benefits without paying extra.
How to Apply for a Card
You can apply online in minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Personal Information (Name, Date of Birth, SSN)
- Contact Info (Phone, Email, Address)
- Income & Employment
- Banking Details
Use Amex’s pre-qualification tool first — it won’t affect your credit.
Activation and Account Setup
After approval:
- Expect your card in 7–10 business days
- Activate it online or by phone
- Sign the back for fraud protection
- Set up your online profile for billing, points, and alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to common questions people ask before getting an American Express card.
- How many Amex cards can I have? Most users can hold 4–5 credit cards, not including charge cards.
- Are the annual fees worth it? Yes, but only if you use the perks. A $695 card is not worth it if you don’t travel.
- What credit score is needed? Most cards require a score of 700 or higher
Final Thoughts
Amex credit cards give serious rewards — but only when you use them the right way.
Match your habits to the right card. Whether you spend big on groceries, travel monthly, or want cashback simplicity, there’s an option here that fits.
