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

Recommendations compared

American Express Blue Card – Free Amex with cashback and Membership Rewards — note the limited acceptance. Score: 8.0/10 (Very good) · Annual fee: 0 € · Bonus: +25 € · Rating: 6.8/10
PAYBACK American Express Card – Collect points with no annual fee – ideal for PAYBACK fans. Score: 7.1/10 (Good) · Annual fee: 0 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.3/10
American Express Gold Card – Collect points with attractive travel and shopping benefits. Score: 4.9/10 (Weak) · Annual fee: 240 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.6/10
American Express Business Green Card – The flexible entry-level business card for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Score: 8.8/10 (Very good) · Annual fee: 70 € · Bonus: — · Rating: 8.4/10
American Express Business Gold Card – Earn points and manage business spending flexibly. Score: 8.3/10 (Very good) · Annual fee: 175 € · Bonus: 75,000 points · Rating: 8.6/10
American Express Business Platinum Card – Premium business card with lounge access and top services. Score: 6.2/10 (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. No affiliate links.

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?

Use your personal usage profile to calculate the real annual cost of every card.

Go to the calculator