Credit score needed for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card might be the easiest card on this list to be approved for and has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year; then $99 (see rates and fees).
The hardest Amex card to get is the Centurion® Card from American Express. Also known as the “Black Card,” this Amex card is hard to get because it is available by invitation only, and potential candidates are rumored to need an annual income of at least $1 million.
Cash Magnet Card.
Perhaps the most straightforward of American Express' cash back Cards is the Cash Magnet, with unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases.
Yes, it's hard to get an American Express card because they all require good or excellent credit for approval. But American Express isn't the only credit card company to target people in the highest tiers of the credit score scale. Barclays and Wells Fargo do too, for example.
The American Express credit score requirement is of at least 700, depending on the card. That means people with good to excellent credit are eligible to get approved for an American Express credit card.
The credit score needed for the American Express Platinum is generally above 700. According to Credit Karma, the average score is 715. Although, several applicants with credit scores in the 600s have also been approved, even as low as 643.
Getting the Amex Gold Card isn't the easiest card to qualify for as you need good or excellent credit. That means having a minimum 670 FICO score and existing cards in good standing. Being an existing American Express cardholder can also make it easier to qualify.
Another major requirement is a steady income. American Express does not disclose a specific income requirement, but it will need to be enough to make payments on the card and to afford the $250 annual fee.
Annual income of $100,000 or more. Aged 18 years or over.
American Express sends a letter to affected applicants citing why the application was denied. Common reasons an application could be denied include a low credit score, an insufficient annual income, number of open credit accounts, and more.
Millionaires use credit cards like the Centurion® Card from American Express, the J.P. Morgan Reserve Credit Card. These high-end credit cards are available only to people who receive an invitation to apply, which millionaires have the best chance of getting.
For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday has no disclosed minimum income requirement.
Best American Express credit cards of 2023:
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travel perks. American Express® Gold Card: Best for dining rewards. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for no annual fee. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for high cash back rates.
Make at Least $250,000 in Purchases on Your Amex Cards
Although Amex doesn't publish a spending threshold to get invited, a solid rule of thumb is that you need to make at least $250,000 in annual purchases across all of your Amex cards.
Amex Platinum ultimately offers more value, though. For example, its benefits include airport lounge access, while the Amex Gold Card's perks do not. When it comes to ongoing rewards on purchases, Amex Platinum has a higher maximum earning rate and better travel rewards. But Amex Gold provides more everyday value.
Generally, a card issuer invites only their most loyal customers who spend upwards of six figures or more a year to become a black cardholder.
What American Express cards have access to By Invitation Only? The By Invitation Only program is only available on the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, and Centurion card. It is not available on any other lower-end cards.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a high-end card that is packed with benefits and a hefty welcome offer.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is another exclusive credit card that millionaires tend to prefer. Also, this card isn't invitation-only.
Does the American Express Gold Card have a limit? The American Express® Gold Card has no preset spending limit, which reflects its origins as a charge card — a card that requires you to pay your bill in full every month.
We recommend that your annual income be at least $50,000 or higher before applying for the Amex Platinum. The Amex Business Platinum card gives you a little more wiggle room because even if you have low business income or are just starting your business, you can still qualify for an Amex small business card.
Choose how you pay.
When it's time to pay your bill, you can pay your balance in full, the minimum due, or any amount in between.
If you consider yourself a foodie, the American Express® Gold Card could be the ideal luxury card for you. This card earns a competitive 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants and 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X).
Type of metal used and weight of the card
The American Express® Gold Card is our top-rated travel card. The card is made out of stainless steel and weighs 15 grams. Cardholders will have the ability to pay with a tap of their card at select merchants thanks to the card's contactless feature.
The American Express® Gold Card can be well worth it even though it doesn't offer as many travel benefits as The Platinum Card® from American Express. In fact, some would argue that the long-term rewards rate is significantly more generous on the Amex Gold Card, or that the lower annual fee makes it a better deal.