Navigating the world of credit cards can be overwhelming, but sometimes you only need a few key players. After over a decade in the credit card space and having opened 70+ cards, I've distilled the American Express portfolio down to the five essential cards for 2026. Whether you're a traveler, a foodie, a business owner, or just want simple cash back, this list has you covered.
1. The American Express Platinum Card: The Premium Travel Powerhouse
Sign-Up Bonus
- Public Offer: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in 6 months.
- Non-Public Elevated Offer: Up to 175,000 points for the same spend. (Check the description for a working link).
Earning Rates
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
- 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
- 1x point on all other purchases.
Key Benefits & Credits (The Value Engine)
This card's nearly $900 fee is offset by a massive suite of credits. If they align with your lifestyle, the card pays for itself.
- Travel Credits: $600 Hotel Credit ($300 semi-annually), $200 Airline Fee Credit.
- Lifestyle Credits: $400 Resy Dining Credit ($100/quarter), $300 Digital Entertainment Credit ($25/month), $300 Lululemon Credit ($75/quarter), $200 Uber Credit ($15/month + $20 in Dec), $200 Aura Ring Credit, $155 Walmart+ Credit, $100 Saks Credit ($50 semi-annually).
- Lounge Access: Entry to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, Lufthansa, and Escape Lounges.
- Transfer Partners: Convert points to airline/hotel partners for outsized value (e.g., a $4k-$10k Cathay Pacific business class flight for ~115,000 points).
- Purchase Protections: Includes Purchase Protection (up to $10,000/claim) and Return Protection (up to $300/item if a merchant won't accept a return within 90 days).
Annual Fee
$895
Verdict & Pro-Tip
Verdict: A top-tier card for frequent travelers who can organically use the credits. It can deliver $500-$700+ in net value annually.
Critical Pro-Tip: If you ever want both the Platinum and the Gold card, get the Gold first to ensure you qualify for both sign-up bonuses.
2. The American Express Gold Card: The Foodie's Favorite
Sign-Up Bonus
- Public Offer: 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in 6 months.
- Non-Public Elevated Offer: Up to 100,000 points for the same spend.
Earning Rates
- 4x points at restaurants (worldwide) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25k/year each, then 1x).
- 3x points on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel.
- 1x point on all other purchases.
Key Benefits & Credits
- Credits: $120 Dining Credit ($10/month at select partners), $120 Uber Credit ($10/month), $100 Resy Credit ($50 semi-annually).
- Transfer Partners: Same valuable transfer partners as the Platinum Card.
Annual Fee
$325
Verdict
An absolute no-brainer for anyone who spends on groceries and dining. Using the credits makes the effective annual fee negative—you get paid to hold it. This is the essential first step before the Platinum in a smart Amex strategy.
3. The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card: The No-Fee Superstar
Sign-Up Bonus
$250 after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
Earning Rates
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000/year, then 1%).
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000/year, then 1%).
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000/year, then 1%).
- 1% cash back on other purchases.
Key Benefits
- Credit: $84 Disney Bundle Credit ($7/month).
- Simple, solid cash back with no annual fee.
Annual Fee
$0
Verdict
The perfect, simple card if you want cash back without juggling transferable points or annual fees. Great for gas, groceries, and online shopping.
4. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card: The Hotel Luxury Key
Sign-Up Bonus
175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earning Rates (in Hilton points)
- 14x points at Hilton hotels and resorts.
- 7x points on flights, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants.
- 3x points on all other purchases.
Key Benefits
- Automatic Top-Tier Status: Hilton Diamond status (suite upgrades, free breakfast).
- Free Night Award: One annually, no category limit (e.g., redeemable at the $1,400+/night Conrad Maldives).
- Credits: $400 Hilton Resort Credit, $200 Airline Fee Credit.
- Protections: Return Protection and cell phone protection.
Annual Fee
$550
Verdict & Pro-Tip
Verdict: A sleeper hit for Hilton loyalists. The resort and airline credits can offset the fee, making Diamond status and the Free Night Award essentially free.
Pro-Tip: Combine sign-up bonus points with the Free Night Award. For a couple who both get the card, you could book 4 nights at a top-tier resort for nearly free.
5. The American Express Blue Business Plus® Card: The Simple Business Workhorse
Sign-Up Bonus
15,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months + 0% intro APR for 12 months.
Earning Rates
- 2x Membership Rewards points on all purchases (on up to $50,000/year, then 1x).
Key Benefits
- Simplicity: The best flat-rate earnings card in the Amex ecosystem.
- Business Utility: Helps separate business/personal expenses. (Note: You can apply as a sole proprietor using your SSN).
Annual Fee
$0
Verdict
The ultimate "catch-all" card and a pillar of the American Express Trifecta. It’s perfect for business expenses or anyone who wants simple, strong earnings on non-bonus spending without an annual fee.
The Ultimate Combo: The Amex Trifecta
For maximum point earnings, build this powerhouse trio:
- Amex Platinum: For 5x on flights and premium benefits.
- Amex Gold: For 4x on dining and groceries.
- Amex Blue Business Plus: For 2x on everything else.
This setup lets you earn tons of transferable Membership Rewards points across all spending categories, which you can then convert to incredible travel redemptions.
Final Takeaway
You don't need a wallet full of plastic. In 2026, strategic choices beat quantity. Whether it's the luxury of the Platinum, the everyday value of the Gold, the simplicity of Blue Cash Everyday, the hotel perks of the Aspire, or the business efficiency of the Blue Business Plus, these five cards cover every major need.
Choose based on your spending, travel habits, and goals—not just the flashy sign-up bonus.
Interested in the elevated offers mentioned? Check the description for links. What's your favorite Amex card for 2026? Let me know in the comments!