Choosing the american express best credit card for travel can feel overwhelming with so many options, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a frequent flyer chasing luxury perks, a foodie who loves a good vacation, or a budget traveler seeking value, American Express has a card tailored to how you travel. In 2025, Amex continues to shine with flexible points, premium benefits, and no foreign transaction fees on key cards. This guide breaks down the top Amex cards for U.S. travelers, comparing real-world benefits like flights, hotels, and rewards to match your lifestyle—whether you’re jet-setting monthly or planning a few trips a year.
American Express Best Credit Card for Travel in 2025: Top Picks
Here’s a side-by-side look at the best Amex travel rewards cards for 2025, highlighting who they’re for, annual fees, and key travel benefits:
- Amex Platinum Card
- Best For: Luxury travelers & frequent flyers
- Annual Fee: $695
- Key Travel Benefits: Access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, 5x points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel (up to $500K/year), $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, Uber credits.
- Amex Gold Card
- Best For: Foodies & casual travelers
- Annual Fee: $250
- Key Travel Benefits: 4x points on restaurants (including delivery), 3x points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel, no foreign transaction fees, $100 hotel credit on qualifying stays.
- Amex Green Card
- Best For: Budget or eco-conscious international travelers
- Annual Fee: $150
- Key Travel Benefits: 3x points on all travel (flights, hotels, transit, rideshare), no foreign transaction fees, CLEAR membership credit, eco-friendly card design.
- Amex Blue Business Plus
- Best For: Small business owners & flexible travel rewards
- Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee
- Key Travel Benefits: 2x points on all purchases (up to $50K/year), flexible points transfer to airline/hotel partners, no foreign transaction fees.
Amex Platinum: The Best Card for Frequent Flyers and Premium Perks
The Amex Platinum Card is the gold standard for luxury travelers and frequent flyers, making it a top contender for the american express best credit card for travel. Its $695 annual fee is steep, but the benefits can outweigh the cost if you travel monthly or value premium perks. You get access to exclusive Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), which elevate long layovers into comfortable experiences. The card earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500K/year), plus you get a $200 airline fee credit, $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels + Resorts, and credits for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck and Uber. For luxury international travelers, the Amex Platinum travel perks—like trip delay insurance and concierge services—are unmatched. However, if you don’t fly often or use lounges, the fee may feel hard to justify.
Amex Gold: Ideal for Foodies Who Travel Often
The Amex Gold Card strikes a balance for foodies and travelers who want rewards without a sky-high annual fee. At $250, it’s a solid pick for young professionals or families taking 2–5 trips a year. You earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and 3x points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel, making it a strong Amex Gold vs Platinum travel comparison for those who prioritize dining over luxury. With no foreign transaction fees and a $100 hotel credit for qualifying stays, it’s versatile for domestic and international trips. The catch? It lacks the premium lounge access and extensive credits of the Platinum, so it’s best for casual travelers who still want robust rewards.
Amex Green: Best Entry-Level Travel Card for Budget or Eco-Conscious Users
The Amex Green Card is the best Amex for international travel if you’re budget-conscious or eco-minded. With a $150 annual fee, it’s affordable for solo travelers or those taking occasional trips. You earn 3x points on all travel—flights, hotels, transit, rideshare, and even parking—making it incredibly flexible for earning Amex points for travel. No foreign transaction fees and a CLEAR membership credit (up to $189) streamline international and domestic travel. Its eco-friendly design (made from recycled plastic) appeals to sustainable travelers, but the perks are less flashy than Platinum or Gold. It’s ideal for light travelers who want simple, versatile rewards without breaking the bank.
Amex Blue Business Plus: Flexible Rewards for Small Business Travelers
The Amex Blue Business Plus Card is a hidden gem for small business owners who travel. With no annual fee in the introductory period, it’s a low-cost way to earn 2x points on all purchases (up to $50K/year), which you can transfer to Amex’s airline and hotel partners for flights or stays. It has no foreign transaction fees, making it practical for international trips, and its flexible rewards structure suits businesses with varied expenses. While it lacks the premium travel perks of Platinum or Gold, it’s a great choice for entrepreneurs who want to maximize points without committing to high fees.
How to Choose the Right American Express Travel Card
Picking the american express best credit card for travel comes down to your travel habits, budget, and how you want to use rewards. Here’s a quick guide to match the right card to your lifestyle:
- Choose Platinum if: You fly multiple times a year, crave airport lounge access, and use Uber or hotel stays regularly. Its Amex Platinum travel perks justify the $695 fee for frequent travelers who maximize credits.
- Choose Gold if: You love dining out, take 2–5 trips annually, and want a card with solid rewards but fewer luxury frills. It’s perfect for foodies who travel occasionally.
- Choose Green if: You’re a budget traveler or solo adventurer who wants flexible travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees at a low $150 annual fee.
- Choose Blue Business Plus if: You run a small business, want flexible points for travel, and prefer no annual fee to start.
- Consider: Your annual travel spend (aim for benefits that offset fees), destinations (international vs. domestic), and how you’ll redeem Amex points for travel (airlines, hotels, or transfers).
Use Amex’s online tools or call their concierge to estimate your points’ value based on your travel patterns.
What About International Travel?
For the best Amex for international travel, all four cards—Platinum, Gold, Green, and Blue Business Plus—have no foreign transaction fees, saving you 2–3% on overseas purchases. The Amex Platinum stands out with global lounge access (Centurion, Priority Pass, and more) and premium protections like trip cancellation and delay insurance, ideal for long-haul luxury travelers. The Gold and Green are great for casual international trips, with 3x points on travel and dining (Gold) or all travel categories (Green). Amex acceptance has improved abroad in 2025, especially in major cities, but Visa/Mastercard may still be more widely accepted in rural areas. Always carry a backup card for smaller vendors.
FAQs
What is the best American Express card for international travel?
The Amex Platinum Card is the best Amex for international travel due to its global lounge access, 5x points on flights, and robust travel protections like trip delay and cancellation insurance. The Amex Gold and Green are strong alternatives with no foreign transaction fees and 3x points on travel, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Amex acceptance abroad is solid in 2025 but may lag in remote areas.
Is Amex Platinum worth it just for travel perks?
The Amex Platinum’s $695 fee is worth it if you maximize its travel perks, like Centurion Lounge access, $200 airline fee credit, and $200 hotel credit. Frequent flyers who travel monthly or use Uber and hotels regularly can offset the cost. If you rarely fly or don’t use lounges, the Amex Gold or Green offers better value.
What credit score is needed for Amex travel cards?
Amex typically requires a good to excellent credit score (670–850) for its travel cards. The Platinum and Gold often need scores above 700, while the Green and Blue Business Plus may be accessible with scores in the high 600s. Your income and credit history also play a role in approval.
Can I use Amex points to book any airline?
Yes, Amex points can be used to book flights on any airline through Amex Travel, with no blackout dates. You can also transfer points to Amex’s 20+ airline partners (like Delta, British Airways, or Singapore Airlines) for potentially higher value. Redemption rates vary, so compare options for the best deal.
How does Amex compare to Chase or Capital One for travel rewards?
Amex shines with premium perks like lounge access and flexible point transfers, especially with Platinum. Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve offers similar transfer partners and broader merchant acceptance, while Capital One Venture cards are simpler for flat-rate rewards. Amex’s dining rewards (Gold) and luxury benefits (Platinum) give it an edge for foodies and frequent flyers, but Chase may suit those prioritizing flexibility.
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Conclusion
Finding the american express best credit card for travel in 2025 depends on how you explore the world. The Amex Platinum delivers unmatched luxury with lounge access and credits for frequent flyers, while the Gold balances dining and travel rewards for casual vacationers. The Green keeps it affordable for budget travelers, and the Blue Business Plus offers flexibility for entrepreneurs. Review your travel spend and habits to ensure the annual fee pays off. With Amex’s trusted reputation, flexible points, and 2025 upgrades like enhanced travel protections, there’s a card for every U.S. traveler ready to hit the road or skies.
