American Express credit card

American Express is one of the oldest players in the credit card business, and the name has always carried a certain cachet with it, but is it the right credit card for you? Would a charge card suit you better?

American Express offers a wide range of financial services, including both credit cards and charge cards, for both business and personal use. The company also backs up its cards with some of the best and most-desired guarantees in the business. An American Express credit card is backed up by one of the best and oldest reward schemes of all credit cards. They offer both reward points and cashback schemes, as well as airline miles and travel credits to their customers.

Many people prefer to use the charge card rather than American Express credit cards since there is far less danger of falling into debt. The charge card must be paid off in full each month, which makes it difficult to run up an account that you can't manage. Others prefer the flexibility of a credit card. American Express often partners with major hotel chains, travel suppliers and insurance companies to offer special discounts to cardholders. While American Express credit cards are sometimes seen as an expensive option, the accompanying reward schemes and discounts can offset the perceived expense.

If you're considering American Express, we compare its benefits and drawbacks with other available credit card offers. The easy to use comparison charts and step by step guides can help you make your way through the jungle of credit card offers to find the best one for your lifestyle.

Best buys

American Express Platinum

American Express credit cards provide a host of benefits to their users and this one is on exception combined with a great interest rate.

Intro APR	Transfer Rate	Transfer Fee	Standard APR	Credit Quality	Star Rating
19.90%			19.90%	Excellent Credit

BMI

A great loyalty card which gives you great balance transfer and purchase rates plus double the usual points when you fly BMI.

Intro APR	Transfer Rate	Transfer Fee	Standard APR	Credit Quality	Star Rating
0% 3 months	0% 12 months	3%	15.90%	Good Credit

American Express BA

This is a real travels card for both business and pleasure. Watch your BA miles rack up quickly on hotel bookings, car hire and shopping.

Intro APR	Transfer Rate	Transfer Fee	Standard APR	Credit Quality	Star Rating
19.90%			19.90%	Excellent Credit

Best of the rest

American Express Nectar

Get great rewards from an American Express credit card. Nectar points can be spent in hundreds of retail outlets.

Intro APR	Transfer Rate	Transfer Fee	Standard APR	Credit Quality	Star Rating
15.90%			15.90%	Excellent Credit

American Express Red

If you’re looking low interest credit cards then RED gives you the opportunity help others all over the world whilst you spend at home.

Intro APR	Transfer Rate	Transfer Fee	Standard APR	Credit Quality	Star Rating
12.90%	5.9% 6 months	No Fee	12.90%	Excellent Credit

AOL

A good all round rewards card with two great programmes to earn points from, American Express SelectsSM and MBNA Rewards.

Intro APR	Transfer Rate	Transfer Fee	Standard APR	Credit Quality	Star Rating
0% 3 months	0% 12 months	3%	16.90%	Excellent Credit