Top 6 Best American Express Credit Cards | 2017 Ranking & Reviews | Top AMEX Credit Cards

2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP-RANKING BEST AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CARDS

Qualifying the Best American Express Cards

Consumers are inundated with advertisement after advertisement for credit cards that claim to be the very best. Among the most heavily advertised and well-known credit cards are those offered by American Express. What qualifies their American Express credit card choices as some of the top-rated cards for consumers?

Award Emblem: Top 6 Best American Express Credit Cards

You’ll need to consider all of the possible aspects of those that are considered the best American Express cards.

• What costs are associated with each choice, in terms of annual fees and interest rates?
• Do they offer a rewards program to help to offset those costs?
• What perks do you receive when you have one of the best American Express credit cards at your disposal?

To help you navigate the infinite possibilities for the best American Express credit card, AdvisoryHQ has stepped up to provide this American Express card ranking. We’ve compiled the top six best American Express credit cards to give you the basic details and program features that you want to know, all in one convenient location.

If you’ve been on the fence regarding which American Express credit card is the right fit for you, we think you’ll find the answer in our breakdown below.

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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best American Express Credit Cards

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):

• Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card
• Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express
• Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card

Top 6 Best American Express Credit Cards | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Credit Card Names	APR	Annual Fee
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card	13.24%–23.24%	None
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express	13.24%–23.24%	None
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express	13.24%–23.24%	$95
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card	15.99%–24.99%	First year waived, then $95
Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express	15.49%–19.49%	None
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card	15.99%–24.99%	$195

Why Get an American Express Credit Card?

Most consumers have already considered the fact that there is an inherent risk to having even the best American Express card. The reality is that continuously missing payments and spending more than you can reasonably repay could be a recipe for disaster. With the potential risk clearly established, why should you consider applying for any of the best American Express credit cards listed in our American Express card ranking?

Keeping one of the best American Express cards tucked safely into your wallet can do your finances a lot of good—if you can manage it responsibly. For each time that you are able to make monthly purchases using your Amex credit card and then make the payment on time, you’re showing the credit bureaus that you are a trustworthy borrower.

As the pattern continues over time, you could see a significant rise in your credit score. How does having an American Express credit card boost your credit score benefit other areas of your life?

Perhaps most importantly, a well-polished credit score demonstrates to lenders that you are trustworthy enough as a borrower for more of their programs and offers. Qualifying for additional loans, such as auto loans or mortgages, is likely to be easier when your credit score is in the good to excellent range.

Not only will you qualify for more products, but the improved credit score through having the best American Express card can also help you to score lower interest rates and more favorable terms and conditions.

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Tips for Improving Credit with an American Express Credit Card

If you can see the clear payoff for having one of the best American Express credit cards at your disposal, then the next question is only logical: how can you use your American Express credit card responsibly?

Consider a few of these steps to increase your responsible spending with any of the American Express credit cards that you apply for:

• Don’t overspend. This doesn’t just apply to spending more than you have. Experts recommend reining in your spending so that you never utilize more than 30% of your available credit line. Higher rates of borrowing on your American Express credit card make it more difficult to repay and demonstrate a reliance on the open line of credit.

• Pay on time. Do whatever you need to do in order to make sure that your payments arrive at the bank on time. Set an alarm on your phone, put a sticker on the calendar, or set up some sort of automatic payment plan for your Amex credit card to avoid late payment fees and penalty APRs.

• Look for low fees. While this suggestion doesn’t directly affect your credit, it does relate to your ability to make your payments. Consider the overall cost of the card and whether you can afford it monthly or yearly, in addition to making the payments for what you’ve spent on the card.

These are just a few tips and tricks to get you thinking about the best ways to build up your credit score using the best American Express credit card for your needs. Take a closer look at the sections below for more detailed accounts in our American Express card ranking.

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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?

Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.

Detailed Review—Top Ranking Best American Express Credit Cards

Below, please find the detailed review of each credit card on our list of best American Express card options. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these best American Express cards to score so high in our selection ranking.

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Amex EveryDay® Credit Card Review

The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card may sound like a standard credit card, but the rewards program is anything but. You’ll receive generous rewards and low interest rates to make shopping with these Amex credit cards worthwhile.

Source: Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

Rewards Program

When it comes to the basics of this best Amex card, it’s easy to see why consumers love it as a “basic” option from American Express. It may be relatively basic, but the rewards program easily makes it one of the best Amex credit card options for those who use their card frequently.

The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card allows you to earn one point per dollar on every purchase with additional points added for supermarket buys. Up to $6,000 worth of spending each year is eligible to receive double points on supermarket purchases with this American Express credit card.

Take advantage of their 20% bonuses by using your best American Express card twenty or more times throughout the billing period.

Right now, the introductory offer is appealing for consumers who want a quick jump on accruing rewards points. Many of the best American Express cards have offers similar to these, but this is a fairly sizeable bonus. Receive 25,000 points when you spend your first $2,000 within three months of opening your account.

Card Cost

Along with the potential bonus points, this best American Express card also features a 0% introductory APR on all purchases and balance transfers throughout the first year. When your twelve month introductory offer expires, the interest rates for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card will range from 13.24% to 23.24% APR based on your creditworthiness.

Other benefits include no annual fee, on your first American Express credit card or for additional cards.

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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Review

Consumers who prefer to use their cash back rewards as statement credits will love the flexible rewards program available through the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.

Rewards Program

The rewards program through the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is another top choice for the best Amex credit card that features cash back. All rewards for this best Amex credit card are issued in Reward Dollars, redeemable as statement credit. Spread spending out across various categories to see the points really rack up:

• 1% cash back on all purchases
• 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select department stores
• 3% cash back at supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually)

For a limited time, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express also has a number of bonus offers available. For example, shopping on Amazon.com will score you 10% cash back (up to $200) for the first six months of your membership. You can also earn an additional $250 back after the first $1,000 spent within three months of your account opening.

Among the types of American Express cards we are comparing here, this spending bonus is relatively easy to achieve and make the most of.

Card Cost

The good news is that using the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no real cost to you in terms of its annual fee. For consumers who plan to pay their balance in full each month, it qualifies the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express as one of the best American Express credit cards available.

In terms of interest rates, you’ll receive 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months (applies to purchases and balance transfers). This is a great window to take advantage of using American Express credit cards in order to make large purchases to pay off over time. After this point, interest rates will shift to 13.24% to 23.24% APR based on your creditworthiness.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Review

A significant upgrade when it comes to rewards programs, this Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers up to 6% cash back in certain categories. This unheard of percentage allowed us to qualify it as one of the best American Express cards.

Rewards Program

If you were looking to earn some serious cash back rewards, then the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best American Express credit cards you could choose. In comparison to other types of American Express cards, this one features almost double the opportunities to earn points:

• 1% cash back on all purchases
• 3% cash back on purchases at US gas stations and select department stores
• 6% cash back on supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually)

You’ll also earn the same opportunity for cash back bonuses for certain purchases during your initial account opening. You can receive 10% cash back through Amazon.com purchases during the first six months (offer expires January 11, 2017 and is valid for up to $200).

You can also earn $250 cash back after your first $1,000 in purchases within three months of membership.

Card Cost

In comparison to its counterpart, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, this easily becomes one of the best Amex credit card choices, but it comes with a cost. While the former had no annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express does have a $95 annual fee.

Interest rates will remain the same, with a 0% introductory APR offer valid for the first twelve months on purchases and balance transfers. Afterward, you will see interest rates for this best American Express card shift to 13.24% to 23.24% APR.

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Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card Review

Use the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card to earn perks when it comes to more luxurious travel accommodations and offset the costs with their travel rewards program.

Source: Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card

Account Features

Frequent fliers will love the benefits that qualify the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card as one of the best American Express cards available. The card does feature a rewards program, but the additional perks when it comes to travel accommodations are certainly worth mentioning first:

• Get your first bag checked free (up to $50) on a round-trip Delta flight
• No foreign transaction fees
• Priority boarding
• 20% statement credit for eligible in-flight purchases (including food, beverages, entertainment, etc.)

Not only do those advantages make the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card one of the best American Express cards available, but the rewards program helps to reduce your overall cost as well.

You can earn miles for each purchase that you make with no limits placed on spending. Purchases across all categories will qualify with these American Express credit cards, including gas, groceries, dining, utility bills, and more. Those miles are redeemable for travel via Delta as well as more than a dozen other partners.

Earn 50,000 bonus miles for spending $1,000 in the first three months and a $50 statement credit when you make your first Delta purchase for a limited time.

Card Cost

What does it cost to maintain the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card? This American Express credit card does feature an introductory offer, but it doesn’t apply to your interest rates. Instead, your annual fee will be waived during the first year. Starting on year two, expect to pay a $95 annual fee on this best American Express card.

Interest rates will range from 15.99% to 24.99% APR based on your creditworthiness and other factors. For consumers hoping to make a large purchase or take advantage of a 0% introductory APR, the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card may not be for you.

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Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express Review

Consumers looking for an easy way to score discounts on their hotel stays will love this choice for the best American Express credit card. The Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express has an easy rewards program with no annual fee.

Rewards Program

For consumers who often find themselves within the walls of a Hilton Hotel, they can likely benefit from the Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express rewards program. Points accrued are redeemable for stays at Hilton in participating hotels and resorts. This unique twist from one of the best American Express cards allows you to earn points rather quickly:

• 3 Hilton HHonors™ points per dollar on all eligible purchases
• 5 Hilton HHonors™ points per dollar on purchases at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
• 7 Hilton HHonors™ points per dollar on purchases from a participating hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio
• 500 Hilton HHonors™ bonus points when you use the Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express to book and pay for your Hilton stay online

This Amex credit card also comes with an additional incentive to sign up for their best American Express card today. For a limited time, you’ll receive 50,000 bonus Hilton HHonors™ points when you spend your first $750 within three months of opening your account.

Card Cost

Fortunately, there is no annual fee associated with the Hilton HHonors™ Card from American Express, which is part of what makes it one of the best American Express credit card choices. Unlike some of their travel rewards cards, this one has no yearly fee that you will need to accommodate or budget for.

Unfortunately, you do lose any introductory APRs that you may have been hoping to have for purchases or balance transfers. Their interest rates on this American Express credit card are competitive, ranging from 15.49% to 19.49% APR depending on your creditworthiness.

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Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card Review

Frequent fliers who don’t mind a higher annual fee will love the extra perks that come with this Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card.

Source: Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card

Rewards Program

Among the top Amex credit cards, the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card allows you to earn miles on all of your purchases and then take advantage of their numerous perks. Accrue points through purchases you already make, including gas, groceries, dining out, and even utility bills. Points on these best American Express cards are easily redeemed through Delta or more than a dozen other potential airline partners.

However, the real advantage of this best Amex card lies in the additional benefits they present:

• No foreign transaction fees
• First checked bag for free on every Delta flight
• Annual Miles Boost® makes gaining bonus miles simple when you spend more on these best American Express cards
• Annual companion certificate upon American Express credit card renewal
• In-flight savings on food, beverages, and entertainment choices
• Baggage insurance plan

You can even get started earning rewards quickly on this American Express card with a 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles bonus and 35,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. You will also earn a $100 statement credit the first time you make a Delta purchase in the first three months of membership.

Card Cost

What kind of cost should you be expecting with the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card? Unfortunately, it does have the highest annual fee of all the Amex credit cards we considered the best American Express credit cards. Coming in at a whopping $195 per year, this is a high annual fee but it does come with some serious perks.

The interest rates are also relatively competitive. While the Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card doesn’t offer introductory rates that many other types of American Express cards do, it is still manageable. Expect rates ranging from 15.99% to 24.99% APR determined by your creditworthiness.

Conclusion—Top 6 Best American Express Credit Cards

Consumers who want the very best American Express card aren’t going to be disappointed by all of the available options. Whether you’re searching for a travel rewards card for flights or hotels or cash back rewards, American Express credit cards are anything but basic.

You’ll need to decide which items are the highest priority for you before making a decision on any particular American Express card. Be sure to compare the annual fees, interest rates, and introductory offers alongside their promotions and rewards program to make the most educated decision. The best Amex card will be different for each individual.

Allow our guide to the best American Express cards to help you conveniently weigh all the possibilities for your next American Express card. We think you’ll be pleased with any and all these best American Express credit cards in our ranking.