American Express Credit Card Options

By Karen Y. Larkin

Are you considering applying for an American Express credit card? Whether your credit needs are for a personal or business account, you have more than 30 options from which to choose!

American Express® Consumer Credit Cards

Green Card

The Green Card, introduced in 1958, is the original American Express card. The company terms it a charge card, rather than a credit card, because it does not allow revolving balances. Instead it offers credit on a month-to-month basis. Its terms include:

Earn one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $95.
Since your balance must be paid in full each month, your account will accrue no interest charges.

Apply for the Green Card on the American Express website.
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Gold Card

The Gold Card functions much like the green card in the sense that it is a charge card, but carries more prestige. If you need to impress clients, the Gold Card is one way to do it. Terms include:

Earn one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases using the Gold card.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $125.
Since your balance must be paid in full each month, your account will accrue no interest charges.

Apply for the Gold Card on the American Express website.

Premier Rewards Gold Card

This card is popular among frequent travelers, because it allows users to earn airline rewards much faster than the Green or Gold Card. Benefits include:

Earn triple points for flights booked with airlines.
Earn double points at U.S. gas stations & U.S. supermarkets.
Earn one point on other purchases.
Receive 25,000 reward points when you use your new card to make $2,000 in purchases, within the first three months.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $175.
Since your balance must be paid in full each month, your account will accrue no interest charges.

Apply for the Premier Rewards Gold Card on the American Express website.

Platinum Card®

When American Express coined its "Membership has its privileges" slogan, this may be the card they were thinking of. The Platinum Card is packed with high-end benefits and is particularly popular among frequent travelers. Some of its advantages include:

Receive complimentary access to the Airport Club, available in 600 locations.
Save up to $200 annually on airline fees.
Enjoy 24-hour concierge services.
Receive 25,000 reward points when you use your new card to make $2,000 in purchases, within the first three months.
The annual fee is $450.
Since your balance must be paid in full each month, your account will accrue no interest charges.

Apply for the Platinum Card on the American Express website.

Blue

Because of its partnerships with Entertainment Access and Ticketmaster, this card is a favorite among those who attend concerts and events or entertain frequently. Benefits include:

Earn one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Earn double points for eligible travel purchases made on the American Express Travel website.
Receive 10,000 points when you use your new card to make $1,000 in purchases, within the first three months.
This card carries no annual fee.
Purchases are interest free for the first 12 months. After that, the rate is variable, ranging between 15.24 and 20.24 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Blue card on the American Express website.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card

Everyone has to buy things like food and gas, and this card allows you to earn rebates on those everyday staples. Its terms include:

Earn three percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
Earn two percent cash back at U.S. gas stations and select department stores.
Earn one percent cash back on other purchases.
Receive 100 Reward Dollars when you spend $1,000 within three months.
This card carries no annual fee.
Purchases are interest free for the first 12 months. After that, the rate is variable, ranging between 12.99 and 21.99 percent, based on creditworthiness.

Apply for the Blue Cash Everyday card on the American Express website.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card

This card works much like the Blue Cash Everyday Card, but has the added benefit of allowing members to accumulate rebates much more quickly. Benefits include:

Earn six percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
Earn three percent cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores.
Earn one percent cash back on other purchases.
Receive 150 Reward Dollars when you spend $1,000 within three months.
The annual fee is $75.
Purchases are interest free for the first 12 months. After that, the rate is variable, ranging between 12.99 and 21.99 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Blue Cash Preferred card on the American Express website.

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card is the official rewards card for Delta Airlines. It is also a favorite among car travelers because of its roadside emergency component. Other benefits include:

Members are allowed to check one bag free on every Delta flight.
Members save time with priority boarding.
Receive a statement credit for a 20 percent discount on eligible in-flight purchases.
Receive 30,000 bonus miles toward future travel when you spend $500 within your first three months of membership.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $95.
The interest rate is variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Gold Delta SkyMiles card on the American Express website.

Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card

This card works much the same as the gold card, but with added benefits like companion travel discounts and baggage insurance. Benefits include:

Members are allowed to check one bag free on every Delta flight.
Members save time with priority boarding.
Receive 20,000 bonus miles after your first purchase.
- 5,000 of the bonus miles are Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs).
Receive 5,000 bonus miles by adding two additional members to your account at the time of application.
The annual fee is $150.
The interest rate is variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Platinum Delta SkyMiles card on the American Express website.

Delta Reserve Credit Card

This is the creme de la creme of the Delta cards. It offers added perks like personal concierge services and access to the Delta Sky Club®. Some of its additional benefits are:

Members are allowed to check one bag free on every Delta flight.
Earn annual Miles Boosts, up to 30,000 MQMs and 30,000 bonus miles when you spend $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year.
Receive 10,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after your first card purchase.
The annual fee is $450.
The interest rate is variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Delta Reserve card on the American Express website.

Blue Sky

Since this card isn't linked to a particular airline, members enjoy greater flexibility in where rewards points can be redeemed. In addition to airlines, members can also redeem points on rental cars and hotel rooms. Some of its benefits include:

There are no blackout dates.
Reward travel is possible with only 7,500 points.
Earn one point for every eligible dollar spent.
Receive 7,500 points after you spend $1,000 within your first three months of membership.
This card carries no annual fee.
The interest rate is variable, ranging between 17.24 and 22.24 percent, based on creditworthiness.

Apply for the Blue Sky card on the American Express website.

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card

Whether traveling within the United States or abroad, this rewards cards allows members to accumulate and redeem points at SPG properties, like the Westin and Sheraton. It allows members to:

Redeem points for hotel stays or flights.
Receive five Starpoints® on purchases at participating hotels.
Receive one Starpoint for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Earn 10,000 Starpoints after your first purchase.
Earn an additional 15,000 Starpoints after you make $5,000 in purchases within the first six months of membership.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $65.
Interest rates are variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Starwood Preferred Guest card on the American Express website.

Hilton HHonors Card

This is the official rewards card for Hilton Hotels and is valid across 91 countries. Members earn points for routine purchases and use them to stay in more than 3,900 Hilton Hotels. Terms include:

Receive seven Hilton HHonors Bonus Points on purchases made at with participating locations.
Earn five Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and gas stations.
Earn three Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases.
Receive 40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after you spend $750 within your first three months of membership.
This card carries no annual fee.
Interest rates are variable and range between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on credit worthiness.

Apply for the Hilton HHonors card on the American Express website.

Hilton HHonors Surpass Card

The Surpass Card offers the same benefits as the Hilton HHonors Card, but allows members to accumulate points much faster. Its advantages include:

Receive 12 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points on purchases made at participating locations.
Earn six Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Earn three Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases.
Receive 40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after your first purchase.
Receive an additional 20,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 within your first three months of membership.
The annual fee is $75.
Interest rates are variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on creditworthiness.

Apply for the Hilton HHonors Surpass card on the American Express website.

Mercedes-Benz Credit Card

The Mercedes-Benz Credit Card is the official rewards card for the car company and allows you to accumulate points toward your next purchase. Some of its benefits include:

Receive 10,000 rewards points when you use your new card to make $1,000 in purchases, within the first three months.
Receive five rewards points for every dollar spent on Mercedes-Benz purchases.
Earn triple points at U.S. gas stations on transactions less that $400.
Earn double points at U.S. restaurants.
Earn one point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Charge $5,000 in purchases annually and receive a $500 certificate toward the purchase or lease of a new Mercedes-Benz.
Receive a $50 certificate toward Mercedes-Benz Accessories each year, when you renew your account.
Redeem rewards points to pay for a variety of travel-related expenses.
Mercedes-Benz will waive up to 1,000 excess miles at the end of your lease.
The annual fee is $95.

Apply for the Mercedes-Benz card on the American Express website.

American Express Business Credit Cards

Gold Rewards Card

This charge card is a popular choice among business owners who fly often, pay for advertising, or engage in e-commerce. Benefits include:

Receive 50,000 rewards points when you use your new card to make $5,000 in purchases, within the first three months of membership.
Earn triple points for flights booked directly with airlines.
Earn double points on U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, shipping and at gas stations.
Earn one point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $175.

Apply for a Gold Rewards card on the American Express website.

Plum Card®

Many seasonal business owners particularly enjoy the payment flexibility offered by the Plum Card. This card allows members to:

Carry a balance interest free for 60 days.
Receive a 1.5 percent discount for paying early.
The annual fee is $250.

Apply for the Plum card on the American Express website.

Business Platinum Card®

Personalized concierge services and access to the Airport Club are among the favorite benefits enjoyed by Business Platinum Card holders. Other benefits include:

Receive 25,000 reward points when you spend $5,000 within your first three months of membership.
Earn one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Earn double points of purchases made at American Express Travel.
Receive an annual airline fee credit of up to $200.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $250.

Apply for the Business Platinum card on the American Express website.

Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card

In-flight discounts and priority boarding are among the perks afforded to Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card holders. Members also enjoy the ability to:

Earn double miles on Delta purchases.
Earn one mile for every dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.
Interest rates are variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on creditworthiness.
Receive 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 within your first three months of membership.
Receive a statement credit for $50 by making a Delta purchase using your card within your first three months of membership.

Apply for the Gold Delta SkyMiles Business card on the American Express website.

Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card

Holders of the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card enjoy the same privileges as Gold Delta business members, and their reward miles accumulate more quickly. Some of the benefits include:

Save time with priority boarding on Delta Flights.
Receive in-flight discounts.
Earn double reward points on Delta purchases.
Earn one reward point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Interest rates are variable and range between 15.24 and 19.24 percent.
Earn 5,000 MQMs and 35,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on your card during the first three 3 months.
Earn a statement credit of $100 by making a Delta purchase during your first three months of membership.
The annual fee is $150.

Apply for the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business card on the American Express website.

Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card

This is Delta's top-of-the-line business rewards credit card. Holders enjoy the same privileges as Platinum Delta business members, plus the ability to earn Medallion® Qualification Miles. Some of the benefits are:

Receive complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club.
Enjoy concierge services.
Members save time with priority boarding.
Receive in-flight discounts.
Earn double miles on Delta purchases.
Earn one mile for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
The interest rate is variable, ranging between 15.24 and 19.24 percent, based on creditworthiness.
Receive 10,000 MQMs after your first purchase.
The annual fee is $450.

Apply for the Delta Reserve for Business card on the American Express website.

Business Green Rewards Card

Because the Business Green Rewards Card has no pre-set spending limits, business owners enjoy greater purchasing power. Additional benefits include:

Receive free cards for employees.
Earn one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Earn double points for each dollar spent on American Express Travel purchases.
Since your balance must be paid in full each month, your account will accrue no interest charges.
Receive 5,000 reward points after your first purchase.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $95.

Apply for the Business Green Rewards card on the American Express website.

Blue for Business Credit Card

The Blue for Business Credit Card provides payment flexibility and solid expense tracking to business owners. Benefits include:

Earn one reward point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Earn double points for every dollar spent on American Express Travel purchases.
Purchases are interest free for the first six or 12 months. After that the rate is variable, ranging between 11.24 and 19.24 percent.
Receive 10,000 reward points after your first purchase.
This card carries no annual fee.

Apply for the Blue for Business card on the American Express website.

Lowe's Business Rewards Card

The Lowe's Business Rewards Card is a favorite among construction companies, home improvement contractors and property management companies.

Earn triple reward points at U.S. restaurants, office supply stores, and wireless telephone services from U.S. providers.
Earn double points on Lowe's purchases.
Earn one point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases.
Redeem reward points for Lowe's or American Express gift cards
Interest rates are variable and range from 13.24 to 18.24 percent.
This card carries no annual fee.

Apply for the Lowe's Business Rewards card on the American Express website.

Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card

Free flights and award nights are among the benefits enjoyed by Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card holders. Details include:

Earn two Starpoints for every dollar spent on eligible hotel and resort purchases.
Earn one Starpoint for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Interest rates are variable and range between 15.24 and 19.24 percent.
Receive 10,000 Starpoints after making your first purchase on your new card.
Receive 15,000 additional Starpoints after spending $5,000 during your first six months of membership.
Pay no annual fee for your first year of membership. In successive years the fee is $65.

Apply for the Starwood Preferred Guest Business card on the American Express website.

Your Needs

Whether you are a frequent traveler, looking for high-end rewards, or someone who just wants to track your expenses more carefully, American Express has a credit card for you. As offers are subject to frequent change, please carefully read the terms and conditions of your account.