What fees do American Express credit cards have?

Fee structures vary by card and issuer. Many American Express cards charge higher annual fees but offer extensive rewards and benefits in return. Foreign currency fees and other costs differ by product – use the comparison for specific details.

Are American Express cards suitable as a primary card?

Due to lower acceptance, American Express cards often work best as a supplementary card alongside a Visa or Mastercard. They are particularly suited for frequent travelers and high-volume spenders who want to benefit from premium perks.

American Express Credit Cards: Comparison & Overview 2026

American Express is an independent payment network known for extensive reward programs and premium additional services such as travel insurance and concierge services. However, acceptance is significantly lower than with Visa or Mastercard – especially at smaller merchants domestically and abroad, acceptance issues may arise. Many users carry an American Express card as a secondary or supplementary card to benefit from attractive rewards while relying on a universally accepted credit card network for everyday purchases.

Who is it for?

Ideal for frequent travelers and high-volume spenders who value premium benefits and generous rewards while accepting limited acceptance in some situations.

What to look out for

Reward programs and cashback benefits
Additional insurance and premium perks (travel insurance, concierge)
Annual fees and fee structures
Merchant acceptance – domestic and international
Foreign currency fees and travel suitability

At a glance

Cards compared: 10
Card types: 10 charge cards (pay in full)
No annual fee: 2 of 10; otherwise €44 to €850 per year
No foreign transaction fee: 0 of 10; fee 2%
With revolving credit option: 0 of 10
With travel insurance: 5 of 10
No SCHUFA check: 0 of 10

Calculated automatically from the current card data in this comparison.

Recommendations compared

PAYBACK American Express Card – Collect points with no annual fee – ideal for PAYBACK fans. Score: 7.1/10 (Good) · Annual fee: €0 · Bonus: 4,000 points · Rating: 8.3/10
American Express Blue Card – Free Amex with Amex Offers and optional Membership Rewards — note the limited acceptance. Score: 7.0/10 (Fair) · Annual fee: €0 · Bonus: +€25 · Rating: 6.8/10
BMW Card from American Express – Amex card for drivers with 1% credit on fuel and Membership Rewards points for €44 a year. Score: 5.8/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €44 · Bonus: +€44 · Rating: 6.0/10
American Express Card (Green Card) – Entry-level Amex with Membership Rewards that costs nothing from year two with regular use. Score: 5.6/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €60 · Bonus: +€40 · Rating: 5.6/10
American Express Gold Card – Collect points with attractive travel and shopping benefits. Score: 5.2/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €240 · Bonus: +€200 · Rating: 8.6/10
BMW Premium Card Carbon – Premium Amex for BMW drivers with lounge access, a comprehensive insurance package and double points around the car. Score: 5.2/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €500 · Bonus: 37,500 points · Rating: 5.3/10
American Express Platinum Card – Premium metal charge card with worldwide lounge access, travel insurance and yearly credits. Score: 5.1/10 (Adequate) · Annual fee: €720 · Bonus: +€340 · Rating: 5.1/10
American Express Business Green Card – The flexible entry-level business card for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Score: 7.6/10 (Good) · Annual fee: €70 · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.4/10
American Express Business Gold Card – Earn points and manage business spending flexibly. Score: 7.6/10 (Good) · Annual fee: €175 · Bonus: +€150 · Rating: 8.6/10
American Express Business Platinum Card – Premium business card with lounge access and top services. Score: 6.4/10 (Fair) · Annual fee: €850 · Bonus: 200,000 points · Rating: 8.7/10

All information without guarantee (continuously updated). Conditions may change – the provider's details are always decisive.

Frequently asked questions

Where is American Express accepted?: American Express is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide. However, acceptance is lower than with Visa or Mastercard, especially at smaller retailers domestically and abroad. Carrying a secondary card (Visa/Mastercard) is often practical.
What fees do American Express credit cards have?: Fee structures vary by card and issuer. Many American Express cards charge higher annual fees but offer extensive rewards and benefits in return. Foreign currency fees and other costs differ by product – use the comparison for specific details.
Are American Express cards suitable as a primary card?: Due to lower acceptance, American Express cards often work best as a supplementary card alongside a Visa or Mastercard. They are particularly suited for frequent travelers and high-volume spenders who want to benefit from premium perks.

Which card suits you best?

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