The problem: Most premium business cards offer 50K-100K point bonuses that barely cover a domestic flight. You’re spending thousands monthly but getting mediocre rewards in return.
Here’s what’s different: 200,000 Membership Rewards® points (worth $2,000+ in travel) after $20K spend in 3 months. Airport lounge access globally, 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels, and a limited-edition mirror card design that actually turns heads.
Welcome Bonus
200K Points
Why This Is #1
The 200K bonus is massive—easily worth $2,000+ in flights or $2,500+ transferred to airline partners. If you’re already spending $20K on business expenses in 3 months, this is a no-brainer. The mirror card design is a nice touch for client meetings. Lounge access alone pays for itself if you travel monthly. Choose between limited-edition mirror or classic Platinum design.
Pros
- Highest business card bonus (200K points)
- 5x points on flights & prepaid hotels
- Global airport lounge access
- Limited-edition mirror card design
- $200 airline fee credit annually
- Cell phone protection included
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $695 annual fee (steep for some)
- $20K spend in 3 months required
- Most valuable for frequent travelers
- Points best used for travel
The problem: You’re paying for TSA PreCheck separately, buying lounge passes at $50+ each, and missing out on hotel elite status. These costs add up faster than you think.
Here’s what’s different: Up to 175,000 points bonus (varies by offer), automatic hotel elite status with Hilton and Marriott, $200 Uber credit, $200 hotel credit, and access to 1,400+ lounges worldwide. All included with one card.
Welcome Bonus
Up to 175K
The Reality
Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for all offers—check what you’re targeted for. The $695 fee sounds steep, but between the $200 Uber credit, $200 hotel credit, $100 Saks credit, and lounge access, you can easily get more value back. Perfect if you travel 6+ times per year. The automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott means free breakfast and room upgrades.
Pros
- Up to 175K points bonus (offer varies)
- 5x points on flights & hotels booked via Amex
- $200 Uber credit annually
- $200 hotel credit annually
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit
- Hilton Gold & Marriott Gold status
- 1,400+ airport lounge access
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons
- $695 annual fee
- Welcome offer varies by applicant
- Credits require specific spending
- Only valuable if you use perks
The problem: Premium cards charge $695/year and most small businesses can’t hit $20K spend requirements in 3 months. You need rewards without the complexity or fees.
Here’s what’s different: $250 statement credit after just $5K spend in 6 months. Zero annual fee ever. 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50K per year. No points to track or redeem—just actual cash back on your statement.
Welcome Bonus
$250 Cash
The Reality
This is perfect for small businesses or side hustles that don’t need premium perks. The $250 bonus comes as a statement credit—actual money off your bill, not points to figure out. 2% back on everything up to $50K/year is solid (that’s $1,000 back if you max it). No annual fee means you’re not paying for perks you won’t use. Simple, straightforward cash back.
Pros
- $250 statement credit bonus
- $0 annual fee forever
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- Only $5K spend requirement
- 6 months to hit bonus
- Simple cash back (no points)
- Employee cards at no cost
Cons
- Lower bonus than premium cards
- 2% only on first $50K/year
- 1% after $50K spend cap
- No travel perks or lounge access
American Express commercials often emphasize the many types of travel rewards this credit card company offers. That’s probably because the benefits AmEx offers can make traveling a whole lot easier—and cheaper. In fact, there are several American Express credit cards you can choose from, each built with travel in mind. However, knowing which one to choose—and which American Express promotion to take advantage of—can be difficult.
To help you sort through the various AmEx promotions out there, we’ve put together this list of credit cards you can qualify for. American Express credit cards, like any other credit card, do require acceptance based on your credit score. AmEx is known for setting the bar slightly higher than most credit card companies, so having a higher credit score tips the odds in your favor.
At the same time, American Express promotions tend to be well worth the entrance fees. Lucrative welcome bonuses reward cardholders for achievable requirements, depending on which credit card they choose and how much they spend. No matter which American Express credit card you choose, the benefits are sure to outweigh the costs.
Are you ready to see what American Express promotions are available to you? Let’s get started!
American Express Promotions for 2026
While the majority of American Express promotions surround their credit cards, you can also open a checking or savings account to help manage your money. Visit American Express’ website to learn more.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express® Platinum Card
$895 Annual Fee
175,000 Bonus Points
After $8,000 spend in 3 months | Value: $2,500+
Hotel credit via AmEx Travel
$200
Digital Entertainment credit
$240
Saks Fifth Avenue credit
$100
Total Annual Statement Credits
$840+
5X
Flights booked directly or via AmEx Travel
5X
Prepaid hotels via AmEx Travel
1X
All other eligible purchases
2. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
$895 Annual Fee
200,000 Bonus Points
After $20,000 spend in 3 months | Value: $3,000+
5X
Points on Flights & Hotels
Airline fee credit annually
$200
Dell credits for tech purchases
$400
Wireless phone bill credits
$120
ADP payroll service credits
$120
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
$100
CLEAR Plus membership credits
$189
5X
Flights and prepaid hotels via AmEx Travel
1.5X
Eligible purchases of $5,000 or more
1X
All other eligible purchases
3. Blue Business Cash Card
Blue Business Cash™ Card from American Express
$0 Annual Fee
$250 Welcome Bonus
After $3,000 spend in 3 months | Plus $250 credit after $5K in 6 months
2%
Cash back on every eligible purchase up to $50,000/year
1%
Cash back after $50,000 in purchases per year
No rotating categories. No bonus tracking. No points math. Your cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit, directly lowering your bill.
4. American Express® Business Gold Card
If you’re a business owner, you may have wondered how much it would set you back to own one of the best business cards money can buy.
Well, you’d have to pay a $295 annual fee to use the American Express® Business Gold Card. Spend $10,000 on purchases within the first three months and you can earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points. Even if you don’t, you can earn four times Membership Points on top business categories as well as one times rewards on all other purchases.
When you book your flights through American Express Travel and use your Membership Rewards, you can earn a 25% rebate. Rates range from 18.49% to 26.49% on this business credit card. The American Express Business Gold Card is a good option for businesses that regularly incur expenses in the card’s bonus categories and prioritize earning travel rewards through Membership Rewards points.
Those who heavily spend in these categories can easily earn enough rewards to cover the annual fee, but those who don’t may be better suited for an American Express Blue Business card.
Looking for All Current Promotions?
Check out the AmEx offers page for the latest bonuses and deals
5. Blue Cash Everyday
American Express offers the Blue Cash Everyday card, which comes with a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months. This includes both purchases and balance transfers. After your 15 months are up, you’ll pay anywhere from 18.24% to 29.24% on purchases and balance transfers. There’s no annual fee associated with this credit card, but there are plenty of perks.
When you spend $2,000 on purchases within the first six months, you can earn a $200 statement credit. You’ll also earn 3% cash back at the grocery store, with online retail purchases, and at the pump. While American Express does cap each of these locations at $6,000 in cash-back rewards per year, you still earn 1% over that mark.
6. Blue Cash Preferred
We featured this AmEx credit card on our list of the best credit cards for 18-year-olds, but you don’t have to be a young adult to qualify for this American Express credit card promotion. There’s no annual fee in the first year of owning the Blue Cash Preferred card, but after that, it’s just $95 per year.
Like the Blue Cash Everyday card, American Express offers a 0% introductory APR. However, you’re limited to 12 months instead of 15. The variable rate stays the same for this card as the Blue Cash Everyday card, but you do get the chance to earn $250 when you spend $3,000 or more in the first six months of ownership.
American Express also rewards you for shopping at supermarkets and subscribing to streaming platforms with 6% cashback. You’re limited to $6,000 in cashback per year in this category at this rate. However, you can also enjoy 3% back at gas stations and on transit purchases. Otherwise, you’ll earn 1% across the board.
7. Hilton Honors Surpass
In partnership with Hilton Hotels, this American Express promotion offers cardholders 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after they spend $2,000 in the first three months. You can also earn a Weekend Night Reward after spending $15,000 for the year. There is a $95 annual fee for this AmEx promotion.
For every dollar you spend on Hilton Hotels and Resorts, you can earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points. You’ll earn 6X bonus points for purchases at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. All other purchases earn you 3X points to rack up more Hilton Hotel rewards. Plus, if you spend $40,000 within a calendar year, you can earn the Hilton Honors Diamond status for the next year entirely.
8. Delta SkyMiles Blue
Airfare can take quite a bite out of your cash, but with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card from American Express, you’ll earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first six months. Spend at restaurants and on Delta purchases to earn 2 miles per dollar. Purchases still earn you 1 mile for every dollar, and there’s no annual fee.
9. Delta SkyMiles Gold
If you’re looking for more from a travel rewards credit card, check out the Delta SkyMiles Gold card from AmEx. This card never charges foreign transaction fees and you get to check your first bag for free on Delta flights. The $99 annual fee is waived for the first year as well.
In addition to Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding, the American Express Delta SkyMiles Gold card rewards you with 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 or more within the first six months. Purchases at Delta, supermarkets, and restaurants earn you 2X the miles. Any other purchases earn you 1X miles.
10. American Express Gold
For $250 per year, you can use the American Express Gold credit card to earn 4X Membership Rewards points on restaurants and trips to the grocery store. You’ll earn 3X points on flights when you book directly through American Express Travel or whichever airline you choose. AmEx will also reward you with 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $4,000 or more on purchases within the first six months.
Using this card to pay for food and beverages can reward you as well. You’ll get up to $10 per month when you pay for food from Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. You will have to enroll to earn these rewards.
11. American Express Everyday
This AmEx credit card allows you to earn 2X Membership Rewards points at supermarkets up to $6,000 per year. You’ll earn 1% on all other purchases. Plus, if you make 20 purchases or more in a billing period, you can earn 20% more in Rewards points.
Looking for All Current Promotions?
Check out the AmEx offers page for the latest bonuses and deals
How to Pick the Best AmEx Promotion
Did you know that American Express was one of the first to come out with metal credit cards? While the average credit card you receive today might not be metal, some banks offer these types of cards to their best customers.
Becoming a new AmEx customer is one thing, but taking advantage of the available promotions is another. Here’s how you can pick the best American Express promotion for your situation:
- Consider annual fees and compare them to the benefits listed for that card. Will you save more if you don’t apply for the card, or will the benefits of the card make up for its yearly cost?
- Take a good look at your spending habits. How much do you spend per month and per year? Compare these amounts to those listed for each credit card you’re considering.
- How and where will you earn rewards? Many of AmEx’s credit cards, like cashback apps for gas, offer cashback and Membership Rewards points for purchases from grocery stores, gas stations, and even airlines.
- Do you prefer cashback or Membership Rewards points? Choosing which type of reward you prefer can help you decide which American Express promotion to pick. Cashback is straightforward, but Membership Rewards points could get you further.
- What other special offers can you take advantage of with these American Express promotions? A 0% introductory APR comes with a few of these cards, along with bonus miles if you spend over a certain amount.
Before you begin the American Express credit card application, take a moment. Think about whether or not you need this credit card and how it can help you achieve your goals. If you’re planning a cross-country road trip or even want to know how to travel cheaply, AmEx can certainly answer those questions for you with plenty of rewards.
Looking for All Current Promotions?
Check out the AmEx offers page for the latest bonuses and deals
Alternative AmEx Cards to Consider
American Express checking and savings accounts can help you manage your money, but here are some alternative credit cards, including some of the best business credit cards, you can apply for with AmEx:
- Blue Business Cash: This card comes with 0% intro APR for 12 months. The variable rate ranges from 17.49% to 25.49% after that, with no annual fee. You can earn $250 for spending $3,000 in the first three months as well.
- Blue Business Plus: The same terms above apply to the Blue Business Plus card, which lets you earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points for spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business: Qualify for this AmEx card to earn 6X Membership Rewards points at Marriott Hotels and a Free Night Award for spending $60,000 per year on purchases.
- Delta SkyMiles Gold: Earn a $100 Delta Flight Credit when you spend $10,000 or more on business purchases within a year.
- Delta Platinum Business: If you spend $3,000 in the first three months with this AmEx business credit card, you’ll earn 60,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM).
- Delta Reserve Business: To earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles, you’ll need to spend $30,000 in purchases within the calendar year.
As you can see, there are many American Express promotions and offers to take advantage of. How will you use AmEx to achieve your financial goals?
FAQs
American Express promotions typically center around their credit cards. For example, you can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points for spending $6,000 or more in purchases within the first six months with the American Express Platinum card.
You’ll need a credit score of at least 700 to qualify for an American Express credit card. Even then, your credit score is only one factor for the bank to consider with your application. A credit score of 700 or more, therefore, is not a guarantee of approval.
Most people find that American Express is like any other financial institution out there. It can be a good bank if you know what you want when you open an account. While the bank itself may not offer the best promotions for every type of service, often customers flock to American Express for the service they get and the rewards they earn.
Take Advantage of American Express Promotions
American Express offers travelers plenty of perks when it comes to rewards credit cards. We hope you’ve found this article useful in figuring out which American Express promotions to take advantage of to help improve your life. It’s nice to know that credit card companies reward you for traveling, especially when there’s so much to see. Where will your new American Express credit card take you?
Looking for All Current Promotions?
Check out the AmEx offers page for the latest bonuses and deals