American Express credit cards

The Gold Card fits people who put most of their spending on food. It earns 4X points at restaurants worldwide on up to $50,000 per calendar year and 4X at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year. Monthly Uber, dining, Resy and Dunkin' credits can return up to $424 per year against the $325 annual fee. The credits post monthly, so they reward steady use rather than one big trip.

The Blue Cash Preferred holds the highest grocery rate among major cards: 6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, plus 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% on transit and U.S. gas. The annual fee is $0 intro for the first year, then $95, and a family spending $6,000 at supermarkets earns $360 at the 6% rate alone. A 0% intro APR for 12 months covers purchases and balance transfers. Light grocery spenders should take the fee-free Blue Cash Everyday instead.

The Platinum Card is for frequent travelers who will actually use its perks. It earns 5X points on flights booked with airlines or AmexTravel.com, on up to $500,000 per calendar year, and 5X on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. Access spans Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits per year and Priority Pass. The $895 fee only makes sense if you track and use the hotel, Uber, entertainment, Resy and CLEAR Plus credits.

The Blue Cash Everyday covers the three places most households actually spend: groceries, gas and online shopping, each at 3% on up to $6,000 per category per year. There is no annual fee, and a 0% intro APR for 15 months applies to purchases and balance transfers alike. Monthly Disney streaming and Home Chef credits add quiet value. Bigger grocery budgets outgrow the caps and belong on the Blue Cash Preferred.

This card is for people who fly Delta a few times a year and check a bag. It earns 2X miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1X elsewhere. The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $150. The caveat: the $120 rideshare credit only starts after your first renewal, and the $200 flight credit needs $10,000 of spend in a calendar year.

This card is for regular Delta flyers who want a path to Medallion status and a second ticket each year. It earns 3X miles on Delta purchases and at hotels, 2X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1X elsewhere. The annual fee is $350. The caveat: the companion certificate arrives after your first renewal, and it covers Main Cabin only, with taxes and fees paid by you.

This card suits people who fly Delta a few times a year and do not want to pay an annual fee. It earns 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and at restaurants, and 1X on everything else. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee. The caveat: no free checked bag, no priority boarding and no lounge access, which is where the Gold card starts to pay for itself.

This card is for Delta loyalists who want lounge access and upgrade priority. It earns 3X miles on Delta purchases and 1X on everything else, so it is a benefits card more than an earning card. The annual fee is $650, with $175 for each additional card. The caveat: Sky Club access is capped at 15 visits per Medallion Year unless you spend $75,000 in a calendar year, and the companion certificate only arrives after renewal.

This card fits travelers who stay at Hilton brands a few times a year and want no annual fee. It earns 7X points at Hilton properties and 5X at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Hilton Honors Silver status is included. Hilton points run lower in value than flexible currencies, so the card rewards Hilton stays more than general spending.

Built for regular Hilton guests who also want strong everyday earning. Gold status raises what stays earn, and up to $50 in Hilton statement credits each quarter can cover most of the $150 annual fee. Spending unlocks more: a Free Night Reward at $15,000 and Diamond status at $40,000 in a calendar year. The credits require Hilton purchases, so value depends on actual stays.

For travelers who stay at Hilton brands often enough to use the credits. Diamond status, Hilton's highest published tier, comes with the card. Earning runs 14X at Hilton, 7X on eligible flights, select car rentals and U.S. restaurants. The $550 annual fee only makes sense if the resort credits, flight credits and the annual Free Night Reward get used.

For frequent Marriott guests who want automatic Platinum Elite treatment on every stay. Up to $300 in dining credits, issued monthly, and the annual Free Night Award can offset most of the $650 fee. Earning tops out at 6X at Marriott hotels. The current welcome offer is limited time and ends September 30, 2026.