Best American Express Credit Cards for Travel
If you travel frequently, a travel rewards credit card is definitely something you should consider. You’ll be able to save on travel expenses by redeeming the points you earn on daily purchases. Simply by making purchases with your credit card, you’ll be collecting travel rewards points. When the time comes to book your next trip, you can redeem your points to cover the costs. Another perk included on most travel rewards cards is travel insurance. This means you can relax for two reasons: you don’t have to pay as much, and you’re protected at no added cost if anything happens on your trip.
American Express offers a number of travel rewards credit cards. For some of these cards, American Express has partnered with loyalty programs to offer additional card features.
Here’s a look at the best credit cards for travel that are available through American Express:
Featured
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points
Card details
- Annual fee: $250
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Earn up to 60,000 Membership Rewards® points:
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New American Express® Gold Rewards Cardmembers, earn 5,000 Membership Rewards® points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card
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This could add up to 60,000 points in a year. That’s up to $600 towards your next vacation
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases at eligible gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores in Canada
- Earn 2 points for every $1 in Card purchases for eligible travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
- Transfer points 1:1 to several frequent flyer and other loyalty programs
- 1 Free Additional Gold Rewards Card (a $50 value)
- Offers subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.
The American Express Gold Rewards Card has some enticing offers for those looking for a travel rewards credit card. First, new American Express Gold Rewards cardholders will receive a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points and earn 5,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $1,000 in net purchases on your Card. Considering 60,000 points is enough to redeem for a round-trip flight to almost anywhere in Europe with the American Express Fixed Travel Points Program, that's a pretty great value. If you weren’t already tempted by the introductory offers, you’ll also have great opportunities to earn points. You’ll earn two points per dollar on gas, grocery, travel, and pharmacy purchases. You’ll also earn one point per dollar on all other purchases. This card has a number of travel perks, such as complimentary membership in the Priority Pass Lounge program and four complimentary visits per year to Plaza Premium Lounges across Canada. Last but not least, this card offers excellent transfer options, with the ability to convert American Express Membership points into Delta SkyMiles, British Airways Avios points, Aeroplan miles, and multiple other airline programs. It’s this ability to transfer points that helped earn the American Express Gold Rewards Card a place on our list of the best Aeroplan credit cards in Canada.
American Express AeroplanPlus Gold
The more you spend using the American Express AeroplanPlus Gold, the more it rewards you. For the first $10,000 you make in purchases, you’ll only earn one point per dollar. However, after you spend $10,000 on the card you will increase the points you earn to 1.25 points per dollar. To maximize your rewards, try to access the higher rate of earning. However, note that this card has an interest rate of 30%. This is extremely high; therefore, make sure you can pay down your balance. You’ll receive 15,000 bonus Aeroplan Miles if you spend $1,500 on the card in your first three months of card membership. When it comes to redeeming your points, you’ll have lots of options including hotel expenses, car rentals, vacation packages, experiential rewards, merchandise and more. This card has limited travel insurance coverage.