American Express offers a range of credit cards such as the American Express Green Card®, American American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card, and American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card. These credit cards serve individuals such as everyday spenders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners which allows them to build their credit even if they have low or no credit history. They provide various membership rewards, high cashback rates, and competitive introductory interest rates.
Summary TLDR
Top 3 American Express Credit Cards to Build Credit [2025]
| S. N. | Name of American Express Credit Cards to Build Credit | Best Known & Value for |
| 1. | American Express Green Card® | American Express Credit Card Best Known For Rewards on Transit Expenses |
| 2. | American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card | American Express Credit Card Best Known For Everyday Spending |
| 3. | American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card | American Express Credit Card Best Known For Grocery Cashback Rewards |
Best American Express Credit Cards to Build Credit for [March 2025]
1. American Express Green Card®
People with a bad or no credit history can build credit with the American Express Green Card® by responsibly using their credit cards and maintaining their balances. They may also enjoy other benefits such as travel and transit rewards, dining points, and many more.
Building Credit
| Issuer | American Express | ||
| Payment Gateway | AMEX | ||
| Credit Score | Good-Excellent | ||
| Intro APR | N/A | ||
| Regular APR | 21.24%–29.24% | ||
| Sign-up Bonus | 40,000 Membership Rewards points after $3,000 spent in 6 months | ||
| Balance Transfer | 21.24%–29.24% | ||
| Best For | *Travelers *Environmentally Conscious |
The American Express Green Card®, issued by American Express, offers rewards on everyday purchases and travel. Its best feature is the Membership Rewards program, providing valuable points for various expenses.
The card has an annual fee of $150. Unique features include access to the Green Collection rewards and a required credit score of 700+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.
Key Features:
- Travel Rewards
- Reward Points on Dining at Restaurants
- Eco-Friendly
- No international Transaction Fee
Reward Rate:
- 3x points on travel & transit
- 3x points on dining worldwide
Other Information:
- Charges $150 Annual Fee
- Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee
Pros & Cons of American Express Green Card®
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers 3x reward points on travel, transit, and dining. | Charges $150 annual fee. |
| There is no preset spending limit. | Charges 29.99% variable penalty APR that lasts at least six months. |
Expert Advice:
The American Express Green Card® is an ideal option for individuals who are looking to build credit, especially those with little or no credit history. It has a low annual fee and does not charge any transaction fees, making it an attractive choice. The card offers various reward points for travel and transit, dining at restaurants, and many other purchases.
2. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is best for individuals who want to build their credit if they have a low or no credit history. This card offers multiple cashback rewards on groceries, online retail purchases, gas stations, and many more.
Building Credit
| Issuer | American Express | ||
| Payment Gateway | Amex | ||
| Credit Score | Good to Excellent | ||
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR for 15 months | ||
| Regular APR | 18.24% – 29.24% Variable | ||
| Sign-up Bonus | $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in 6 months | ||
| Balance Transfer | 18.24% – 29.24% Variable | ||
| Best For | *Families *Online Shoppers *Grocery Shoppers *Budget-Conscious |
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a great cashback card for families, offering 3% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% on gas and department stores, and 1% on everything else. Issued by American Express, it’s perfect for everyday spending and maximizing household purchases.
This card has no annual fee and requires a good credit score (700+). Credit limits are determined by financial history. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. While there is no referral program, it includes perks such as purchase protection, fraud liability coverage, and access to Amex Offers for extra savings.
Key Features:
- Offers Cash Back Rewards
- Grocery Rewards
- No Annual Fee
- Everyday Spending
- Up to $84 Annual Credit for Disney Bundle Subscriptions
- Up to $180 Annual Credit for Home Chef Subscriptions
Reward Rate
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
Other Information:
- Charges 2.7% International Transaction Fee
- Charges 5% or $10 Cash Advance Fee
Pros & Cons of American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Does not charge any annual fee. | Has spending limits on bonus rewards. |
| Offers high reward rates. | Wholesale clubs and superstores such as Target and Walmart are not considered in the bonus category. |
| Reward points for several bonus categories. | Charges international transaction fee. |
| 0% intro APR is charged. | – |
Expert Advice:
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card can be a good option for individuals who are looking to build credit by improving their spending habits and maintaining their balances. This card does not charge an annual fee and provides 0% APR for 15 months. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers various cashback rewards on U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, U.S. gas stations, and many other purchases.
3. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® card can be a good option for everyday spenders who want to build their credit. This card offers various rewards such as grocery rewards, streaming rewards, cashback rewards for various purchases, and many more.
Building Credit
| Issuer | American Express | ||
| Payment Gateway | AMEX | ||
| Credit Score | Good-Excellent | ||
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 months | ||
| Regular APR | 19.24%–29.99% | ||
| Sign-up Bonus | $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in 6 months | ||
| Balance Transfer | 19.24%–29.99% | ||
| Best For | *Families *Everyday Spenders |
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card, issued by American Express, offers high cash back on groceries, select streaming subscriptions, and transit. Its best feature is the 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, providing significant savings on groceries.
The card has an annual fee of $95. Unique features include 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions and a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. The required credit score is 690+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.
Key Features:
- Offers Cashback Rewards
- Grocery Rewards
- Streaming Rewards
- Strong intro APR offer
Reward Rate:
- 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000/year)
- 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions
Other Information:
- Charges $95 annual fee after 1 year
- Charge 5% or 10$ Cash Advance Fee
- Charges 2.7% International Transaction Fee
Pros & Cons of American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers high reward rates. | Has spending limits on bonus rewards. |
| Reward points for several bonus categories. | Charges annual fee. |
| 0% intro APR is charged. | Charges international transaction fee. |
Expert Advice:
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for everyday spenders who are looking to build credit by improving their spending habits. This card provides a welcome offer of $250 after spending $3000 on purchases within the first 6 months of the card membership. It offers high cashback rates on grocery shopping, streaming subscriptions, and many more..
Table of Comparison
| American Express Credit Cards to Build Credit | |||||||||
| No. | Name of the Card | Payment Gateway | Best For | Credit Score | Annual Fee | Annual Percentage Rate (Intro APR) | Balance Transfer | Sign in Bonus | Decision Criteria |
| 1. | American Express Green Card® | AMEX | TravelersEnvironmentally Conscious | Good-Excellent | $150 | N/A | 21.24%–29.24% | 40,000 Membership Rewards points after $3,000 spent in 6 months | Choose if you travel often, dine out, use transit and can manage the annual fee for travel perks. |
| 2. | American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card | AMEX | FamiliesOnline ShoppersGrocery ShoppersBudget-Conscious | Good-Excellent | $0 | 0% for 15 months | 18.24% – 29.24% Variable | $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in 6 months | Ideal if you’re budget-conscious, shop online, buy groceries often, and want cash back rewards with no fee. |
| 3. | American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card | AMEX | FamiliesEveryday Spenders | Good-Excellent | $95 | 0% for 12 months | 19.24%–29.99% | $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in 6 months | Choose if your spending habits align with bonus categories and you don’t mind paying an annual fee. |
Methodology
For selecting the best American Express credit cards for users who want to build their credit, it is important to highlight the various criteria by which the cards will be evaluated such as valuable rewards programs that align with common spending habits, and features that promote responsible financial management. This article includes the cards that are specifically known to be used for individuals with limited credit history, such as the American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card, which often appeals to those new to credit. The rate of rewards and their structure such as looking at the cashback percentages on essential purchases, such as groceries (offered by the American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card) and gas were evaluated while selecting the appropriate card for the users. The availability of introductory APR periods is also considered, which can help reduce interest charges during the initial months.
The other features provided by the credit cards such as tracking spending, managing balances, and setting financial goals were also considered while selecting the cards to promote healthy credit-building practices conditions.
Does American Express offer Credit Cards to Build Credit?
Yes, American Express (Amex) offers credit cards that can help build credit. Building credit from scratch requires establishing a payment history and maintaining it for at least six months. Credit cards, loans and alternative data sources such as utility and rental payments can be used to build credit.
Here are a few examples of American Express credit cards that can help build credit:
- American Express Green Card: Suited for casual travelers and diners, it carries an annual fee of $150.
- American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card: This card allows you to earn cash back on all eligible purchases, which can be redeemed for statement credits. New card members can also enjoy $0 introductory Plan It fees for plans set up during the first 12–15 months of card membership, depending on the card.
To build credit, aim to make consistent, on-time payments, which are tracked by the three major credit-report bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can also watch your credit with American Express® MyCredit Guide which is a free service that helps you to check your FICO® Score and Experian® credit report.
Choosing the Best American Express Credit Card to Build Credit?
Choosing the right American Express (Amex) card is crucial for building credit effectively. Several factors, from your credit score to the card’s features, play a significant role in this decision. Let’s explore the criteria to help you select the best Amex card to establish and grow your creditworthiness.
- Credit Score: While Amex is known for premium cards, a good credit score (670+) significantly boosts your approval chances. They primarily use Experian, so ensure your report there is accurate and positive, showcasing responsible credit management. A good credit history with no payment defaults is essential.
- Payment History and Time: Building credit takes time and consistent effort. Always focus on making all payments on time which manages your credit history. Your credit score will become better oif you responsibly use your credit card and maintain a positive payment history for long time.
- Types of Cards to Consider: If you’re just starting out, retailer credit cards or secured credit cards could be more easy to get approved for and start building that initial credit history. If you become an authorized user on someone else’s card, it can help your credit score, but be aware that their financial habits can also affect your credit score.
- American Express Credit Card Benefits: Even while building credit, look for Amex cards that offer rewards, travel perks, or other benefits that align with your spending habits. This allows you to maximize the value you get from your card while simultaneously building a strong credit profile.
- Other factors: Amex considers factors such as income, employment status, and existing credit with American Express.
Why Do People Need to Build Credit?
Students should start prioritizing the building of a good credit score as it can provide various financial opportunities and advantages in the future. A solid credit history plays a major role in securing favorable interest rates on loans such as student and car loans which can help students save a significant amount of money. It can also help students to get employed in various sectors such as law enforcement and accounting, where financial responsibility is a key consideration.
Here’s why building credit is essential for students:
- Financial Flexibility: A good credit score as a student will enhance the ability to rent apartments and secure financing for cars. It may also help them to get credit easily from lenders as a good credit history displays responsible credit usage.
- Employment Opportunities: Demonstrates responsibility and work ethic to potential employers. It may be helpful for students who are employed in fields such as law enforcement, accounting and the military, which may review credit histories as indicators of financial responsibility.
- Future Financial Goals: Securing better loan terms facilitates achieving long-term goals such as buying a new home, a car, or starting a business. A good credit history may help students get low interest rates and better terms on loans, which automatically leads to money savings.
- Financial Literacy: Early credit management experience helps in understanding financial products and avoiding debt traps set by many credit card companies.
- Rental Approvals: Improves chances of rental application approvals, potentially waiving the need for extra security deposits.
How Do American Express Credit Cards Help in Building Credit?
American Express credit cards can be a useful for building or rebuilding credit by being consistent, improving the spending habits and using the credit card responsibly to improve credit scores. To build credit from zero you need at least six months of proven payment record which lenders should see. Several credit card products exist specifically to assist people with low or no credit score build their credit rating. The options to build credit include obtaining retailer cards as well as secured cards and being listed as an authorized user on an active credit card account. Normal credit card users must provide a deposit for secured cards equal to their credit limit. This deposit returns when users show consistent payment habits.
A high credit score serves as an essential condition to get approved for the American Express credit card. American Express requires evaluation of payment history along with personal income and credit score examinations to determine whether they will raise your credit limit. Before applying for a card American Express requires details about your personal information along with contact information and financial details. American Express provides MyCredit Guide as a free service to let customers view their FICO score and Experian credit report and offers additional features for developing beneficial credit habits.
Advantages of American Express Credit Cards to Build Credit
| Advantage | Description |
| Building Credit Score | Utilizing a credit card responsibly such as the regular use of credit card and timely repayments shows the financial responsibility to lenders which helps the users to build a strong credit score. A good credit score is important for securing future loans and other financial products. |
| Reporting to Credit Bureaus | Amex reports your credit activity to credit bureaus. Consistent, responsible use helps build a positive credit history. |
| Increased Spending Power | A credit card increases your spending power, allowing you to make larger purchases and pay them back over time. Responsible use of this increased power contributes to building credit. |
| Financial Flexibility | Credit cards provide financial flexibility, enabling you to buy now and pay later. Amex cards offer options such as Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) for managing payments. |
| Rewards and Benefits | Amex cards offer rewards points, cashback, and travel benefits on purchases, incentivizing regular use. These rewards offered by cards can be redeemed for various benefits which enhances the value of using the card responsibly. |
| Credit Limit Review | Amex reviews requests for credit limit increases on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as payment history and credit score. Managing a higher credit limit responsibly can improve your credit utilization ratio, positively impacting your credit score. |
| Purchase Protection | Amex cards often come with purchase protection, providing security and confidence in your purchases. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people build a credit score with Amex?
Yes, people with bad or no credit history can build credit with American Express cards by using them responsibly and maintaining balances.
Are American Express cards good for building credit?
Yes, several American Express cards are good for building credit which offers rewards and cashback opportunities while helping users establish a positive credit history.
What credit score is needed for an American Express credit card?
The credit score needed for an American Express card varies according to the credit.
Which American Express credit card is best for building credit?
Based on the provided text, the American Express Green Card® and the American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card are good options for building credit, especially for those with little or no credit history.
What is the maximum limit on an Amex credit card?
The maximum limit on an Amex credit card varies and can expand with responsible use, as seen with the “Expanded Buying Power” feature on some cards.
Is the American Express membership rewards credit card good for credit building?
Yes, American Express membership rewards credit cards can be good for credit building as they encourage responsible spending and offer rewards for various purchases.