American Express Cards Guide: Cash Back, Airline, and Hotel Cards Explained

Written By Pierluigi D'Amore

American Express, known for its premium Membership Rewards program, also offers a variety of cash back, airline, hotel, and business cards that cater to different spending habits and travel preferences. Whether you’re looking to earn straightforward cash back on daily purchases, save on flights with your favorite airline, or enjoy perks with a hotel loyalty program, Amex has a card that can meet your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore all of the cash back, airline, hotel, and business cards American Express has to offer, so you can find the best fit for your lifestyle.

Why Choose American Express Cash Back, Airline, Hotel, and Business Cards?

American Express has earned a reputation for providing excellent customer service and a variety of rewards options. Here’s why you might consider one of their cash back, airline, hotel, or business cards:

  • Straightforward Cash Back Rewards: Amex’s cash back cards offer easy ways to earn money back on everyday purchases, with no complicated point systems to manage.

  • Travel Loyalty Benefits: Co-branded airline and hotel cards offer perks like free checked bags, room upgrades, and accelerated earning rates for travelers loyal to specific brands.

  • Customizable Options for Businesses: Business cards from Amex help companies earn rewards on everyday expenses and include tools to manage spending and maximize points.

Let’s take a closer look at the best Amex cards in each category.

American Express Cash Back Cards

Amex’s cash back cards are ideal for those who prefer a simple and consistent way to earn rewards. Here are some popular options:

1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn $250 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first six months. (Elevated offers sometimes include more cash back or additional perks.)

  • Earning Rates: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations, and 1% on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Why It’s Great: This card offers one of the highest cash back rates for groceries and streaming, making it perfect for families or anyone who spends heavily in these categories.

2. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in the first six months. (Sometimes, there are elevated offers with more cash back or special earning rates.)

  • Earning Rates: 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% on U.S. online retail purchases and gas stations, and 1% on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $0

  • Why It’s Great: With no annual fee, this card is a great starter option for earning cash back on everyday purchases without any added cost.

3. American Express Cash Magnet® Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

  • Earning Rates: 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limit.

  • Annual Fee: $0

  • Why It’s Great: A simple and straightforward card that gives consistent cash back on every purchase. Ideal for those who want to earn without keeping track of categories.

4. American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn $250 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months. (Sometimes, elevated offers may include more cash back or added benefits.)

  • Earning Rates: 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, up to $50,000 per year, then 1% on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $0

  • Why It’s Great: This card is perfect for small business owners who want straightforward cash back on every purchase, with no need to track categories.

American Express Co-Branded Airline Cards

For travelers loyal to specific airlines, Amex offers co-branded cards that help you earn frequent flyer miles and enjoy additional travel perks. Here are some of the best options:

1. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 40,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months. (Occasionally, offers are elevated to 70,000 miles or more.)

  • Earning Rates: 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets; 1x miles on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $99.

  • Why It’s Great: With perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and earning miles on everyday spending, this card is a great way to save on Delta flights.

2. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first three months. (Sometimes, elevated offers reach 80,000 miles or more.)

  • Earning Rates: 3x miles on Delta purchases, 2x miles on restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 1x miles on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $250

  • Why It’s Great: In addition to higher earning rates, this card provides a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal, making it ideal for frequent Delta flyers.

3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. (Elevated offers sometimes include even more miles or extra perks.)

  • Earning Rates: 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $550

  • Why It’s Great: This premium card offers access to Delta Sky Clubs, complimentary upgrades, and a companion certificate, making it ideal for frequent Delta travelers who want to travel in comfort and style.

4. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months. (Sometimes, elevated offers go up to 70,000 miles or more.)

  • Earning Rates: 2x miles on Delta purchases, U.S. advertising, restaurants, and shipping; 1x on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $99

  • Why It’s Great: This card is perfect for business owners who frequently travel with Delta, offering rewards on business-related expenses and travel perks.

American Express Co-Branded Hotel Cards

If you prefer hotel stays, Amex’s co-branded cards with popular hotel chains can help you earn points toward free nights, enjoy room upgrades, and access other valuable perks. Here are the top picks:

1. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first three months. (Sometimes, offers go up to 150,000 points or more.)

  • Earning Rates: 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x on U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Why It’s Great: Includes benefits like complimentary Gold status, which gives you free breakfast and room upgrades when available, plus the chance to earn points quickly on everyday spending.

2. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. (Occasionally, elevated offers are available for 100,000 points or more.)

  • Earning Rates: 6x points on Marriott purchases, 3x on U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines, 2x on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $650

  • Why It’s Great: This premium card comes with automatic Platinum Elite status, a $300 annual Marriott credit, and Priority Pass Select membership, making it ideal for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties.

3. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $3,000 in the first three months. (Sometimes, elevated offers include more points or benefits.)

  • Earning Rates: 12x points on Hilton purchases, 6x points on select business categories (including gas stations, wireless services, and U.S. restaurants), and 3x on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $95

  • Why It’s Great: This business card offers similar benefits to the Surpass card, with extra earning categories for business expenses and benefits like complimentary Gold status and access to Hilton resorts worldwide.

4. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

  • Most Common Bonus Offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. (Elevated offers sometimes include even more points.)

  • Earning Rates: 14x points on Hilton purchases, 7x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants, 3x on everything else.

  • Annual Fee: $450

  • Why It’s Great: With Diamond status, a free weekend night each year, and a $250 Hilton resort credit, this card offers tremendous value for Hilton loyalists.

Final Thoughts

American Express provides a robust selection of cash back, airline, hotel, and business cards to suit various spending habits and travel preferences. Whether you’re looking to earn cash back on groceries, save on your next flight, or enjoy complimentary hotel perks, there’s an Amex card that can help you achieve your goals.

These cards can complement a larger rewards strategy or stand alone as valuable tools for earning cash back or travel rewards. By understanding how to maximize your benefits, you can get the most out of your American Express experience.

Pierluigi D'Amore
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