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American Express (Amex)

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7.4

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LAST UPDATED: March 15th, 2024

As one of the most well-known credit issuers, American Express offers personal, business, and corporate credit cards to consumers with an array of rewards for a variety of uses.

As a more prestigious credit card issuer, American Express generally requires a good, if not excellent, credit score for approval on many of its cards. For such creditworthy consumers, American Express credit cards are a great option, providing generous rewards options, which may also require much higher fees than you would see with other credit card issuers. 

If you have poor to fair credit, American Express may have some card options available for you, but you will be limited in rewards and perks.

Continue reading for pros and cons, and American Express reviews from real customers.

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The Good

  • Variety of Cards
  • Rewards Options
  • Free Credit Score Monitoring
  • Amex Offers and Benefits
  • Cobrand Partnerships
  • Premium Car Rental Protection
  • Fraud Safeguards
  • Customer Reviews

Variety of Cards

American Express offers a variety of credit cards with various rewards, perks, and benefits. Types of cards include:

  • Cash Back
  • Rewards Points*
  • No Annual Fee
  • 0% Intro APR
  • Low Interest
  • Travel
  • Airline
  • Hotel

*Many of the rewards cards have high annual fees to consider.

An array of options allows consumers to compare cards and ultimately choose the best card for their needs. It is important to note that American Express also has business credit card and corporate credit card options.

Rewards Options

American Express offers several rewards programs, cash back rewards, travel rewards, and business rewards, allowing consumers to either earn cash back, points, miles, and/or other benefits.

Offering generous rewards on a variety of cards, American Express can be a good option for creditworthy consumers who will be most able to maximize on rewards through their spending and use of the card.

Keep in mind that cards offering exclusive rewards have a much higher annual fee than you might see with other American Express credit cards, or rewards cards from other lenders. It is important to ensure that your use of the card will be worth the money spent on a card's annual fee.

Free Credit Score Monitoring   

To manage and understand your credit score better, American Express offers the MyCredit Guide service.

You don't need to be an American Express cardholder to use MyCredit Guide, but you must make a MyCredit Guide account to access its services.

MyCredit Guide services include the following:

  • Free credit reports
  • Credit change alerts
  • Personalized recommendations for improving your credit score
  • Credit score simulator

MyCredit Guide is free to use and will not hurt your credit score. It is important to note that this service provides you with your VantageScore by TransUnion.

Amex Offers and Benefits

All American Express credit cards come with access to Amex offers and benefits which can save you money. These offers and benefits are provided by a variety of merchants and are generally point or cash back offers when you spend a certain amount of money.

Some offers have an enrollment quota, limiting the number of cardholders who can register for that specific offer. An offer may still appear on your account even if enrollment has been filled, but you won't be able to register.

Be mindful that some offers are card-specific. If you have multiple American Express cards, make sure you keep track of which offers you've unlocked and on which card.

Cobrand Partnerships

American Express has some cobrand partnerships that are exclusive to the company, such as Delta and Hilton. These partnerships provide cardholders with access to additional benefits and perks when they use their card on expenses specific to the cobranded company.

Premium Car Rental Protection

American Express Premium Car Rental Protection is an additional insurance product offered by the company.

This program helps you save more on car rental coverage and offers the following features and coverage:

  • Flat rate of $19.95/$24.95 per rental period, not per day
  • Pay only when you rent
  • Provided coverage is not subject to a policy deductible
  • Worldwide coverage
  • Up to 42 consecutive days of coverage
  • Coverage ranges from $5,000–$100,000

Liability coverage is not included.

Fraud Safeguards 

American Express offers solutions to prevent fraud, including card identification verification, counterfeit detection, electronic verification, and charge authorization. Through the American Express online Security Center, you can report cases of credit card fraud, report a lost or stolen card, and learn more about how American Express protects your information and credit cards.

American Express takes your security seriously and also provides mobile wallet security and SafeKey services to protect you while shopping online.

Customer Reviews

The majority of American Express reviews on BestCompany.com are four or five stars. Customers most often highlight excellent customer service and great rewards, particularly for travel.

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The Bad

  • Credit Score Requirements
  • Charge Cards
  • Fees

Credit Score Requirements

Many American Express credit cards require a good to excellent credit score to qualify. This may not be attainable for all borrowers, and we would recommend that low credit borrowers look elsewhere for a credit card, at least to compare offerings with American Express.

American Express' high credit requirement is due to the exclusive rewards offered with some of its cards, which is also an indication of higher annual fees.

Charge Cards

Some cards offered by American Express are charge cards not credit cards.

Charge cards and credit cards are similar in use, but a charge card has no spending limit and cardholders are generally expected to pay their bill in full each month, whereas a credit card cardholder can just pay the minimum balance. Although charge cards don't have a set credit limit, that does not mean that they offer unlimited spending.

The following American Express cards are considered to be charge cards:

  • Platinum card
  • Gold card
  • Green card

Make sure that you know the rates and terms of the card you are applying for, as you wouldn't want to end up with a charge card when you actually want a credit card.

Fees

Depending on the card, American Express can charge some of the most expensive annual fees in the industry. However, as with many credit card companies, the first year might have no annual fee.

American Express charges a late payment fee of $38 on any unpaid amount. A late payment may also result in a penalty APR.

While some companies in the industry do not charge a foreign transaction fee, American Express charges one, which can be inconvenient for frequent travelers.

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The Bottom Line

American Express credit cards are a great option for consumers with an established credit history, generally maintaining excellent credit. Offering various travel rewards cards, American Express may also be one of the best options for frequent travelers. However, American Express does offer a variety of cards meant for everyday purchases that may be a better option for some consumers.

American Express offers cash back, points, and miles rewards, in addition to membership rewards points, but some of the rewards cards have very high annual fees.

Based on customer reviews, we would recommend looking into American Express for your credit card needs, especially if you are looking for generous and exclusive rewards options.

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4.5

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860 Reviews

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65%

4 grade

20%

3 grade

8%

2 grade

3%

1 grade

5%

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Tammy Williamson San Francisco, CA

The card I have with their company is a prepaid card with a checking account. It's come in very handy to have the prepaid option with the checking account on the same account.

1 week ago

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

I find that this credit card is perfect for my needs. If you tend to spend a lot on grocery, travel, and dining out, this card will cater to your needs. I also find that Amex rewards are worth it and are significant in the long-term.

1 month ago

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Milrose Nacpil Chula Vista, CA

I have both Credit Card and Savings Account with Amex. They have excellent customer service! I’am so glad that I can talk to an actual person anytime versus a machine or an AI chat. The Amex Savings also is one of the best in APY.

1 month ago

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Shirley Simolari

I've never been disappointed with a call to American Express! I've called while traveling with a family member in an extreme emergency, had to increase my credit line for a private jet in case my travel insurance didn't cover it! My line was increased in less than 5 minutes. My credit card was compromised a few times at no fault of mine and they handled everything to a T. I've called many times with questions the attendants on the phone are quick to answer, never a long wait, knowledgeable, they don't try to sell me anything and they make sure my questions are resolved. What more can you ask for?

3 years ago

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Rikki Racela Englewood, NJ

great company! I have my card stolen and they really handled this quite quickly, refunding the fraudulent charges and sending me a new card. also their cashback reward cars are excellent.

1 month ago

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Larry Feinstein

AmEx travel is wonderful, and we have booked overseas travel through them. There have been screwups with hotels and airlines, and AmEx has always fixed the problems. They always have someone in AmEx Travel that fixes hotel and airline mix-ups. And you get upgrades when booking through AmEx!!

1 month ago

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OUR REVIEW Bellaire, MI

ANERICAN EXPRESS DOES NOT WASATE TIME WITH FRIVILOUS TRINKETS IN THERE PUBLICATIONS ECT. THEY ARE EFFICIENT AND GET THE CREDIT CARD JOB DONE CORRECTLY W/O WASTING CUSTOMERS TIME.

1 month ago

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Lorena Korbel Las Vegas, NV

I just interacted with the Amex App today to see what my balance and available balance was on my credit card. The app is easy to navigate and full of information. I am a very happy Amex customer.

1 month ago

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Arooj Naeem

As an American Express cardholder, I appreciate the consistent benefits and excellent customer service. The wide acceptance of Amex, coupled with their rewards programs, makes it my preferred credit card for various transactions.

2 months ago

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Clar lau

Amex offers reward points where I earn after purchasing products , they started giving reward on every purchase after spending $9,000 on new card purchase. I love Amex because I enjoy travelling but AMEX card is allowed on paying for Amex travel and other related services without restrictions.

2 months ago

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Sudan Homeowner Martinez, CA

I have had my AMEX card for a long time. It is great Internationally and I have never had a problem. I think someone got a hold of my card once and AMEX quickly did everything I asked and made sure no other charges were made. I appreciate American Express.

2 months ago

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Kayla Ghafari

Just recently signed up for Amex and I am super pleased with the benefits and the app.

4 days ago

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Diana Owen Aurora, CO

I've been disputing a charge that's recurring monthly on my account as it's not me and they won't let me cancel the charges.

4 days ago

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Striker 2009 El Paso, TX

What can I say about American Express. Well, I have been a member for over 25 years. This company truly protects their costumers. During my years with this company, I have been victim of identity theft. This company will call you and ask you about any weird charges on your card. The costumer service is amazing. Reason why I have been with them for over 25 years. The only thing that I have not gotten a response from this company is regarding my membership fee. As a Service member, I was told by other soldiers that the annual fee gets waived when a soldier is deployed or called back to duty. I have not gotten an answer from them yet. This is the only card that I carry. No one else matters. thank you for what you do.

4 months ago

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Hank Ricardo Winnipeg, MB

I got lots of miles and savings on my purchases and there are partnerships with Starbucks and Lyft that make it so appealing to earn rewards faster. Great incentives.

1 month ago

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KIMBERLY & TINA CREAN Peoria, AZ

Amex is my preferred credit card to use. I earn rewards, that are easy to use, they have great customer service, and when ever I have had a dispute on my card for charges, they fix it right away.

2 months ago

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mary martin Bossier City, LA

American Express bread rewards card is the one I am reviewing! I actually have been improving my credit score over the last several years to the point that I have finally been able to be invited to become an Amex customer! I can continue to build my credit with the American Express bread rewards extremely high limit card with a decently low interest for my score! Super excited to have this utility at my financial disposal if necessary!

4 months ago

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Cherie Ferguson Ocean Springs, MS

I have had my American Express credit card since 2011. I travel a lot and am a Diamond member. The customer service is great! I can call and get an actual person, from anywhere around the world. The customer service person accepts responsibility for me and my issue and never transfers me to some other department or person. This individual stays with my case until my problem is resolved!

4 months ago

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Kelsey T.L. Lansing, MI

American Express (Amex) offers some fantastic perks and rewards through their cards, making them a top choice for many. The offers and benefits are top-notch. This is what sold me on the card initially. Their mobile app also makes banking very simple, and it's one of few companies I haven't had to reach out to customer service with regarding my confusion over the functionality. It really is simple. In my experience, the only downside is that their interest rates can be on the higher side. If you're diligent about paying your balance in full each month, the rewards more than make up for it. Just be sure to keep an eye on those rates if you tend to carry a balance. Overall, a solid choice with great offers. I've recommended it to all of my [responsible] friends who are frequent travelers and spenders.

4 months ago Edited November 1, 2023

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Kelsey Conner Wilmington, NC

Opening an Amex credit card has been the best decision! As long as you pay it off on time and don't rack up interest, it's the best card around by a long shot. So many deals like free streaming services, subscriptions, and more. I frequently receive $25, $50, $100, etc. back on eligible purchases, and it helps me snag great deals. I have been thoroughly impressed.

4 months ago

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Marsha Dallas, TX

American Express was my first credit card 39 years ago. I am a loyal customer and they are a loyal, trustworthy, & outstanding business model. It’s hard to find a business with excellent customer service, ethical and consistent service, this is Am Ex. In all the years, I have never had a bad experience. Even a couple of times when I had to dispute a charge, they took care of me without a hassle. Due to their annual fee, limited rewards and not being accepted in some places, I have acquired a few more cards over the years however I will always keep an Am Express card, I still don’t leave home without it!

6 months ago

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Bisi Oyewusi Minneapolis, MN

I love Amex for rescuing people in times of need. However, the repayment process is not always good for consumers as one needs to pay them back at once. I think one needs to be given opportunity to break the repayments down rather than just once.

2 months ago

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Adalberto Rodriguez Livermore, CA

When I was 16 this was my best friend. Thanks mom. Sorry for spending so much. I love my American Express card! Best rate in the market. Always reliable

2 months ago Edited January 22, 2024

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Verna Lathrop Chicago, IL

I have a credit card from American Express and it has been a great card for me. It is always easy to make my payments on time. They have a great customer service department. I would recommend them to anyone

3 months ago

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Gregory Thompson

I’ve been with MX for a good number of years recently went through some very difficult times. They were very professional and thorough and assisting me to rectify my issues and get things back on track for me.

3 months ago

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Justin Dube Show Low, AZ

I had an AmEx Platinum card. These cards have no standard limit. Mine didn't either. But then they limit it....often. I don't use credit cards that often, just for big stuff to spread out over time, trips, major purchases, etc. This card was no different. It cost me close to 700 a year to have it and I mainly used the perks. Discounts they send, subscriptions that are reimbursed, and getting into airport lounges. I used it heavily on a vacation in July until they ended my spending. I called CS and asked why. They said "you don't use the card often enough. Your spend limit is based on a multiple of what you use it for monthly" Oh...it DOES have a crappy limit. Lower than my other cards. They call it "spending power". I don't want to have to check my cards to be able to use them. I paid the card back down and stopped using it. I paid my annual renewal fee a month ago...then they cancelled the card notifying me by email. Mixed feelings about this....go Amex, why on earth would you want a client that keeps the balance at zero and only uses the card on big purchases you will make interest on. Stick with people that keep huge balances and always use the card...sounds like a recipe for real success when the economy collapses again. BTW, they do have pretty good CS reps.

3 months ago

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Peter Fidelis New York, NY

When i was in the market in search for a credit card, i came across American express online.American express card is the most widely accepted credit card that has a history dating back more than 150 years and its reliable and has served me a lot without disappointment.

4 months ago

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Andrea Luke (Andrea L) Montreal, QC

I like that American Express seems to be secured and reputable company. I have been a member for years. They have great customer service and the quality have not gone down through the years. I don't like how they do their interesting rates when you have a balance. It is better to pay off your balances because it seems even when you pay in full, they are still nickel and diming you with interest rates.

4 months ago

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Satoria MoonGoddess

I love their rewards program and they are taken everywhere especially with international travel.

1 month ago

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Dr Matt Phillips Austin, TX

I have been with Amex since 1978. They have been reliable and always very easy to deal with. I have found the extended warranty to be very helpful as well as the travel insurance. We had an accident 200 miles from home (drove there) and the accident was covered. They were very responsive and made the process simple. I do not leave home without it. I use the Bonvoy card now and have taken advantage of the hotel benefits.

6 months ago

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Kelly Guest Hilton, NY

American Express has been an exceptional company to work with since 2009. From the rewards to their help during a hardship, they have gone out of their way to treat me as a valued customer which is what everyone desires. My only negative is that it would be more helpful during this COVID/medical hardship to have the interest rate lowered more for a longer amount of time to replay them with a lower monthly payment.

6 months ago

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Mark Sanford Comfort, TX

This is my main "go-to" card when making 99% of my purchases. American Express is always quick to respond to any questions I may have. My husband and I have been a cardholder for over 50 years and not once have we been disappointed with their service, expediency in handling our requests or any refund issues. My husband recently passed away and the transition on the joint account was also a breeze. Couldn't be more pleased with a credit card company and their service as American Express!

7 months ago

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Surf Farmer Washington, DC

American Express has surprised me with lots of perks on my credit card. When I had to make an expensive airline ticket purchase, Amex immediately sent me a deal with no interest and low payments! It made my life much less stressful. They raise my credit limit without me asking and they allow cash back to be retrieved at any time in any amount. Great and ageless credit card!!!

7 months ago

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Sherran Nutson Atlanta, GA

I am/have been an Amex customer for more than 25 plus years. I love Amex because they stand behind their customers, purchases and provide amazing discounts when you use the Amex card to travel, shop, eat out, and attend entertainment events. Amex is one of the top credit cards to have in your wallet. They provide insurances to cover you in everything you do-when using the Amex card.

8 months ago

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CentralNEBnB Cozad, NE

I have had an AMX for many years for many reasons. Customer used to be stellar and claims were easily settled. A little more automated and less customer contact involved. Not as impressed as I used to be. Card provides great benefits and good coverage on a number things. If you utilize the benefits offered, the annual fee may or may not be worth it. Look and choose.

8 months ago

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Shannon Thompson Fairfax, IA

American Express offers the best lineup of credit cards in the market. It is responsive to customer concerns (for instance, it has taken measures to address overcrowding in Centurion Lounges). The company even offers Walmart Plus for Platinum cardholders in response to complaints that the card's credits are an undesirable "coupon book". This tells me that the company is trying to offer benefits to all of its cardholders, not just the ones who live in large cities. Amex has the best customer service in the business. Most of the time my calls are answered immediately whereas with other issuers, I am often on hold for up to an hour. Once you have one credit card with Amex and apply for another, Amex typically doesn't make a hard pull on your credit report. It relies on internal data. I really appreciate this. Amex values relationships with its customers.

10 months ago

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Christopher Semones

I am so happy with my AMEX card. The fraud protection is outstanding, and the airport lounges are amazing

1 month ago

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Edward Keenan Secaucus, NJ

I've been a card holder for over 25 years. Travel benefits are simply the best and customer service agents always super helpful when I need them

2 months ago

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Georgio O. McCullough MA

A1 credit card and company. The customer service isn't bad and is available 24 /7 with the bot answering questions. Good company to build your credit up with.

3 months ago

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Raj R

Credit services coming with great perks that can be easily overlooked such as cell phone protection, exclusive restaurant reservations, and travel protection.

3 months ago

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Nikki R San Jose, CA

I am very happy with my American Express card. The customer service is the best I have experienced from any company. I will keep this credit card for the rest of my life and would recommend to anyone.

4 months ago

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Neb Forest Grove, OR

Good rates and great customer service and how you can do most everything online. They back the customer and great to have someone on my side when I am working with merchants that are difficult

4 months ago

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Kevin Ortiz

This card is an a league of its own. Traveling worldwide, this card is able to bring me peace of mind wherever I am travel to. I know that wherever I go, it will be excepted and that my travel would be secured. The only issue I find is that the annual membership is very expensive. Some of these cards have an annual fee of up to $600. I’ve been able to take it vantage of the perks and benefits, that American Express cards provide. However, I believe that other cards are able to bring better value including a much lower annual fee.

9 months ago

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Bob Morrison Indianapolis, IN

AMEX has been the best company I hae ever dealt with. Im quite amazed at how they maintain such a good level of customer service consistently for over a decade O hsve been with AMEX. They are definitely doing something right.

6 months ago

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Missions Dallas, TX

Have had American Express account for 50 plus years. Years ago they were the only card that helped parents with students in college. Provided a student credit card that parents were still responsible for charges, but only if you informed the student. I have never had any problems with charges, refunds or customer service. The card to have.

6 months ago

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Bunny Garlington Weatherford, TX

This a great credit card. It can keep one in good shape financially as it has to be paid in full each month. This card is accepted world wide and has a great reputation. They will work with you if there is a problem. There is another AMEX that lets you carry the balance.

7 months ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

Love Amex! Quality product and customer service! I heard they also treat their employees very fairly, and that employee satisfaction at this company is very high. That always matters when it comes to the service you receive as a customer, and I definitely will support a company that does this! I have the blue card.

7 months ago Edited August 11, 2023

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Lynnetta W. Monroe, LA

I love the fact that AmEX has some of the lowest interest rates on their card. Their computerized introduction is not slow or have delays when I call for just basic stuff when I don't need to talk to a person. If I need a person, I can get to a customer service person without a lot of hassle.

7 months ago

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John Baylor Jr Richmond, VA

Amex is a great credit card company! There's a bit of a stigma of what type of person has or can be approved for an Amex but they actually work with fair to excellent credit. Customer service is great and chat conveniently available makes it easy to contact them if needed!

7 months ago

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William Pommering El Cajon, CA

Any cardholder can rest assured that in the event of any issue, American Express has our back. I have been a customer for fifty years and that have always handled every issue that arose to my satisfaction. They are then whenever you need them.

8 months ago