Milvionne Chery Copeland, Writer
@milvionne_copeland
The best Amex card for first-timers with good credit is the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express because it has a $0 annual fee and gives up to 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%). These features make it a great first Amex card to have, but it would be nearly impossible to get approved for it as your first credit card ever.
In fact, there is no Amex card that would work for most people as their first credit card ever, since all Amex cards require at least good credit to qualify. However, if you have a good or excellent credit score but have never owned an Amex before, there are some great American Express cards to start off with. You can check out WalletHub’s editors’ picks for the best first Amex credit cards below.
Best First Amex Credit Cards
- Rates & Fees Terms ApplyBest Overall: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Rates & Fees Terms ApplyBest Overall: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Best Overall: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressLearn MoreLearn More
- Rates & Fees Terms ApplyBest for Airlines: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Rates & Fees Best for Airlines: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Best for Airlines: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express CardLearn MoreLearn More
- Rates & Fees Terms ApplyBest for Hotels: Hilton Honors American Express CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Rates & Fees Terms ApplyBest for Hotels: Hilton Honors American Express CardLearn MoreLearn Moreon issuer's website
- Best for Hotels: Hilton Honors American Express CardLearn MoreLearn More
- Best Overall:
- Best for Airlines:
- Best for Hotels:
Since you need to have at least good credit for an Amex credit card, it would be a good idea to check your credit score for free on WalletHub before applying.
Popular Credit Cards from American Express, Our Partner
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Cash Back
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Travel Rewards
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Dining Rewards
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Business Rewards
People also ask
What kind of credit card is good for beginners?
The kind of credit card that is good for beginners is either an unsecured or a secured card with annual fees as low as $0 and high approval odds. It’s worth noting that some of the best credit cards for beginners even offer rewards.
The card you’re going to pick should also report monthly to the major credit bureaus so that you can build your credit.
Best Credit Cards for Beginners in 2026
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What are the American Express credit score requirements?
You typically need a least good credit to be eligible for an American Express card. American Express cards are available to applicants with credit scores ranging from good to excellent credit.
If your credit score is below the threshold needed for an American Express credit card, it’s best to wait to apply until you meet the credit score requirement. You can check your credit score for free on WalletHub.
Credit Score Recommended by American Express Card
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Why is Amex so popular?
Amex is so popular because it offers high-end cards with great rewards and luxury perks, which have become status symbols in popular culture over time. For example, the American Express Platinum Card® and the invitation-only Centurion® Card from American Express are among the most prestigious cards available. Amex cards aren’t exactly easy to get, but that has only made them more popular with consumers who are looking for a sense of exclusivity and prestige.
In addition, nearly all Amex cards have high rewards...
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