Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Amex cards are special because they offer some of the best rewards, travel perks and bonuses on the market. American Express also is known for first-class customer service, and it's unique because the company both issues credit cards and operates as a card network.
Why Amex Cards Are Special
The cards often have rewards
American Express offers a large selection of rewards cards, from travel to cash back to cards that are co-branded with merchants. Certain Amex cards have some of the biggest bonuses on the market, too.
Amex has lots of travel benefits
American Express credit cards can provide several types of travel insurance like trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, Global Assist and concierge services. These benefits are mostly found on the top-tier American Express cards, but many American Express cards have rental car insurance.
Amex has excellent customer service
American Express has ranked at the top of J.D. Power’s U.S. Credit Card Customer Satisfaction Index for four consecutive years, and it has topped the list for 13 out of the 17 years the study has been done.
They’re meant for people with high credit scores
You will likely need to have good or excellent credit if you want to qualify for an American Express credit card. You can check your credit score for free on WalletHub.
Amex offers charge cards
Unlike most credit card companies, Amex offers charge cards, which require you to pay your balance in full each month. Amex does allow cardholders to carry select balances between months on these cards, though.
Amex issues its own cards
American Express is one of only two credit card networks, alongside Discover, to issue its own credit cards. Amex allows other banks and credit unions to issue cards on the Amex network as well.
Amex has a few features that really set its credit cards apart from those on the other major networks. However, there are plenty of good cards on every network, so you’re probably better off comparing the best credit cards overall.
American Express Insurance Benefits Disclosure: Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Trip Delay Insurance is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Baggage Insurance Plan and Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers when using Global Assist service.
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People also ask
What are the benefits of American Express cards?
The benefits of American Express credit cards include several types of travel insurance, return protection, and purchase protection. These benefits are mostly found on the top-tier American Express cards, though many more American Express cards have rental car insurance and extended warranty. To know which perks are included on a specific card, you’ll need to call customer service at (800) 528-4800 or check the American Express website.
American Express Card Benefits
- Return protection
- Purchase protection...
Is it hard to get an American Express card?
Yes, it's hard to get an American Express card because you will need a good or excellent credit score for approval, along with enough income for monthly bill payments. American Express cards are generally considered some of the most exclusive credit cards on the market.
If you want to maximize your approval odds for an American Express card, focus on those that require a minimum of good credit for approval, as opposed to excellent credit only. You may...
read full answer by John S Kiernan, Managing EditorWhats the difference between American Express and Mastercard?
The difference between American Express and Mastercard is that American Express is both a card issuer and a payment network, while Mastercard is only a payment network. Mastercard is also more widely accepted than Amex, as Mastercard credit cards work in over 210 countries and territories, compared to 160+ for American Express credit cards.
American Express vs. Mastercard: Key Points
- Network/Issuer: American Express does both, while Mastercard is a network only.
- ...
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