American Express cards have a loyal following for several reasons. As a premium card, many American Express cards offer concierges that can assist with travel and shopping needs. Also, its Membership Rewards program allows you to transfer your points to miles with several different airlines. Amex also has many co-brand relationships with top airline and hotel partners. And finally, many cardmembers find the brand evokes images of world travelers and luxury benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This card offers 5x Membership Rewards points on all flights booked directly with the airlines and on flights and hotels booked booked through American Express travel. Membership Rewards points can then be transferred to airline and hotel partners. Other benefits include Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott hotels, and access to Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and American Express Centurion airport lounges. There is also an annual airline fee credit of up to $200, an annual Uber credit of up to $200, and an annual credit towards Saks Fifth Avenue purchases of up to $100. There’s a $550 annual fee for this card.
The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
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The business version of this card also offers 5x Membership Rewards points on all flights booked directly with the airlines and on flights and hotels booked and prepaid through AmexTravel.com. But in addition to transferring points to airline and hotel partners, you’ll also receive a 35% rebate on points redeemed for air travel with a selected qualifying airline booked through American Express. Other benefits include Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott hotels, and access to Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and American Express Centurion airport lounges. There is also an annual airline fee credit for up to $200, and a $100 credit towards the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application. There’s a $450 annual fee for this card, which increases to $595 next year.
This newly improved card offers you 4x points on up to $25,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets, then 1X, and unlimited 4x points at US restaurants. You also earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. New applicants earn 25,000 points after spending $2,000 within three months of account opening, and 20% back of your first three months spending at U.S., restaurants, up to $100. There’s a $250 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card
The Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card and its consumer version are the top of the line Delta SkyMiles cards. They both offer a SkyClub membership for the primary cardholder only, and discounted admission for guests. New applicants can earn 10,000 MQMs and 40,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. And every year, you can also earn 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in a calendar year. Earn an additional 15,000 MQMs and an additional 15,000 bonus miles after you spend a total of $60,000 in the same calendar year. Also included is an annual companion certificate, that offers you a round-trip in economy or domestic first class domestic (lower 48) ticket, plus taxes and fees. There’s a $450 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
This card offers new accounts 125,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 within three months of account opening. You also earn 12x bonus points at Hilton hotels and eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio, 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations, and 3x elsewhere on all other eligible purchases. Benefits include complimentary Gold status in the Hilton Honors program. In addition, you can earn top-tier Diamond status after spending $40,000 on eligible purchases with your card in a calendar year. Gold status offers you bonus points, room upgrades free breakfasts. Diamond status includes executive lounge access and the ability to gift status to others. There’s a $95 annual fee for this card.
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