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The 8 Best American Express Credit Cards to Use in 2019
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    The 8 Best American Express Credit Cards to Use in 2019

    It's about time you get some perks for your spending

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    By LaToya Irby
    Updated February 13, 2019

    We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. Learn more about our review process.

    American Express, one of the country’s oldest credit card issuers, offers a range of credit cards and charge cards with a variety of perks. They consistently rank among the top of credit card issuers on J.D. Power’s U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. You’ll typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for an American Express credit card. And if you do, you'll be glad to know that there’s an Amex for every type of credit card user. Whether you’re looking for a credit card with rewards, travel perks, or a great balance transfer deal, you’ll find great options on our list of the best American Express Credit Cards.

  • 01
    Best Flat-Rate Rewards: American Express Magnet

    American Express Magnet

    Courtesy of American Express 

    New cardholders can earn $150 back after spending $1,000 or more on purchases with within the first three months. Earn unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on purchases. Cash back rewards are received in the form of Reward Dollars that you can redeem for a statement credit, gift card, or merchandise. The American Express Magnet comes with the Plan It feature that allows you to pay off large purchases with a fix monthly fee and no interest charges.

    Enjoy a zero percent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.

    Important Pricing: After the promotional rate expires, the regular APR is 15.24 to 26.24 percent. There’s no annual fee.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 02
    Best for Groceries: Blue Cash Preferred

    Blue Cash Preferred

    Courtesy of American Express

    Earn a $200 bonus statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

    Ongoing, you’ll earn six percent at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 in purchases each year; three percent cash rewards on purchases at U.S. gas stations; and one percent on everything else including grocery purchases past the annual $6,000 threshold.

    Enjoy zero percent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR after the promotional period ends is 15.24 to 26.24 percent.  The annual fee is $95.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 03
    Best for Balance Transfers: Blue Cash Everyday

    Blue Cash Everyday

    Courtesy of American Express

    Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases on your new card in within the first three months. Ongoing, you’ll earn three percent cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases made at U.S. supermarkets; two percent back on purchases at U.S. gas stations and select department stores; and one percent on all other purchases. Cash rewards are paid in the form of Reward Dollars that you can redeem as a statement credit.

    Enjoy zero percent introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR after the promotional period is 15.24 to 26.24 percent. There’s no annual fee.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 04
    Best Charge Card: American Express Gold Card

    Premier Rewards Gold Card

    Courtesy of American Express

    Earn 35,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in your first three months of having your new Gold Card.

    Ongoing, you’ll earn three points for every dollar you spend on flights booked directly with airlines; four points for every dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (up to 25,000, then it goes down to one point per dollar); and one point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases. Get a $100 airline fee credit for incidentals like upgrades and baggage fees.

    This is a charge card, which means you’ll have to pay your balance in full each month. Because of this, you won’t receive any interest charges on your balance.

    Important Pricing: The annual fee is $250. There’s no foreign transaction fee.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 05
    Best for Premium Rewards: The Platinum Card from American Express

    The Platinum Card from American Express

    Courtesy of American Express

    Earn 60,000 points as a welcome offer after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your new account.

    Ongoing, you’ll earn five points for every dollar you spend on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel; five points for every dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com; and one point for every dollar spent on everything else.

    On top of the rewards you earn, enjoy $15 in Uber credits for U.S. rides each month and a $20 bonus in December. Get access to the Centurion Lounge, a $200 airline fee credit, fee credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, travel accident insurance, and several other premium perks.

    This is a charge card which means you’ll pay your balance in full each month and pay no interest on your purchases.

    Important Pricing: The annual fee is $550. There are no foreign transaction fees.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 06
    Best for Airline Rewards: Gold Delta Skymiles

    Gold Delta Skymiles

    Courtesy of American Express

    Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months. Ongoing, you’ll earn two miles for every dollar you spend on purchases made directly with Delta and one mile for every dollar you spend on credit card purchases. There’s no limit to the miles you can earn and you can redeem miles for travel on Delta and more than 30 airline partners. Plus, there's no limit to how much you can earn.  

    The Gold Delta Skymiles Credit Card comes with several other perks. You’ll have the flexibility to pay your balance in full each month or over time. Get your first checked bag free on flight purchases with your credit card and enjoy Main Cabin 1 priority boarding.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR is 17.99 to 26.99 percent variable APR on purchases. The $95 annual fee is waived in the first year.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 07
    Best Welcome Offer: The Hilton Honors American Express Ascend

    The Hilton Honors American Express Ascend

    Courtesy of American Express

    Earn 125,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first three months of opening your credit card. You’ll earn 12 Hilton Honors Bonus Points for every dollar you spend with a participating hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio; six points for each dollar you spend at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; and three points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR for purchases is 17.99 to 26.99 percent variable APR on purchases. The annual fee is $95.

    View details about this credit card. 

  • 08
    Best Bank: Wells Fargo Propel American Express

    Courtesy of Getty Images

    Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your credit card. Ongoing, you’ll earn three points for every dollar you spend on dining, gas, rideshares, flights, hotels, homestays, and car rentals, and popular streaming services. All other purchases will earn one point per dollar. There’s no limit to the rewards you can flights and you points don’t expire.

    Enjoy a zero percent promotional rate for the first 12 months.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR after the promotional period is 14.74 to 27.24 percent. There’s no annual fee.

    View details about this credit card.

  • Our Process

    Our writers spent 4 hours researching the most popular American Express credit cards on the market. Before making their final recommendations, they considered 22 different credit cards overall. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.
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