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American Express credit cards are known for their lucrative rewards and level of prestige. The Amex Platinum has perks worth over $1,400 annually and for these reasons, it’s natural to ask, “Are American Express Cards Hard Cards to Get?” In response, yes, it can be challenging for applicants with thin or imperfect credit. However, if you know what to expect and can work towards meeting certain qualifications, you can improve your chances. Here are a couple of tips to help with approval.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Are American Express Cards Hard To Get? What Credit Score Do You Need to Get Approved by American Express?
You will generally need a good or excellent credit score between 670 and 850 to qualify for most American Express credit cards. However, the issuer doesn’t list a minimum credit score for most of its products. But, there are many data points from successful and unsuccessful applications.
The Amex Gold is one of the easiest Amex cards to get approval on. The American Express® Gold Card welcome offer is 60,000 bonus Membership Rewards®, which are worth $600 in award flights and select gift cards. You can earn this bonus after spending $6,000 during the first 6 months.
For instance, the closest the card issuer usually comes to listing a minimum credit score is for the entry-level American Express® Green Card with the following statement, “And while it’s still possible to be approved with a lower credit score, having a good or excellent score of at least 700 can boost your chance of success.” You can learn more about qualifying for the Amex Green Card.
In general, plan on applying with a credit score in the high 600s or above. You will have the best approval odds with a 740 credit score or better.
Another reason why American Express cards are hard to get is that the issuer doesn’t offer secured credit cards or starter credit cards. Historically, these products are marketed specifically for individuals at the start of their credit-building journey or who need to rebuild damaged credit.
These cards can usually help individuals who want to build their relationship with a card company. For instance, you may find student credit cards being offered by different card issuers as a way to build credit and a way to build relationships.
Related: Is Chase First Banking Worth It? Considering This Kid Friendly Account
Is It Hard to Get Accepted for an American Express Card?
Consider applying when you have good credit (670 to 739) or excellent credit (740 to 850), as approvals in the mid or low-600s are rare.
Here’s the credit score needed for the best travel credit cards to help you get a better idea of what is usually required.
Your current credit score is an influential factor, but the bank will also look at your credit history to determine how well you manage your existing credit accounts. For instance, some of the hardest credit cards to get require several years of credit card experience to be eligible.
Whether your current score is near the top of the credit score spectrum or you are on the fringe of the fair credit and good credit boundary slightly below 670, consider checking your preapproval odds using CardMatch™. CardMatch is free to use, requires only a few steps, and will tell you which cards you may have a targeted welcome offer from.
This free tool performs a soft credit check and looks for the best card matches from several issuers, including American Express. Additionally, you can prequalify for targeted welcome bonuses for certain cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card.
For instance, here’s how hard it is to get the American Express Platinum and how hard it is to get the Amex Gold.
Credit card prequalification offers don’t guarantee approval. However, if you get a card offer from CardMatch, it means that your approval odds are pretty high.
Which is the Easiest Amex Card to Get?
So, yes, American Express cards can be hard to get. So, let’s take a look at the easiest. The entry-level American Express travel and cash back credit cards require good credit. You’re more likely to qualify even with a score in the high 600s. This is in comparison to the premium credit cards like the Amex Platinum and the Amex Gold which usually require a score in the mid to upper 700s.
Some of the easiest American Express credit cards to get include:
- American Express® Green Card
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Hilton Honors American Express Card
American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card earns 3x Membership Rewards on travel, transit, and dining. You can redeem your points for award flights or transfer at a 1:1 ratio to airline and hotel transfer partners.
This card pairs well with the Amex Gold or Amex Platinum, which you may consider getting as your credit score and credit history improve. The primary reason is that you earn bonus points on broad-based categories that these cards don’t. Additionally, you can combine your Membership Rewards® points balances to book trips more often.
The flexible rewards categories make this one of the best travel credit cards for beginners.
Two additional benefits include complimentary CLEAR Plus membership (up to $189 per year) and up to $100 per year in LoungeBuddy credits.
The annual fee is $150, and there is no foreign transaction fee (See Rates & Fees).
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a starter cash back credit card earning up to 3% back on these purchases:
- Groceries at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year and then 1%)
- U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year and then 1%)
- Gas at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year and then 1%)
All non-bonus purchases earn 1% back.
Cardholders can get $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after they spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle (which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+; subject to auto-renewal) with the Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
Additionally, cardholders can enjoy up to $15 back per month when they purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto-renewal) with their enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express welcome bonus is $200 back after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months.
There is a $0 annual fee but a foreign transaction fee applies (See Rates & Fees).
What is the Easiest American Express Business Card to Get?
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is one of the easiest Amex business credit cards to get. This card requires good or excellent credit. You should preferably apply with a score above 700, although it’s possible to qualify with a score in the upper 600s.
Similar to the personal American Express credit cards, the business cards require good or excellent credit.
If you decide to apply for the Blue Business Plus, the first $50,000 in annual purchases earn 2x Membership Rewards and your remaining purchases for the year earn 1 point per $1. The card has a $0 annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
New The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express cardholders can earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after they spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within their first 3 months of Card Membership.
It is one of the best American Express business cards.
Summary
The American Express credit card requirements are similar to many of the best travel credit cards. Specifically, you will need a credit score of at least 670 and preferably higher than 700. Choosing an entry-level card can be easier to qualify for as the credit, income, and anticipated spending requirements are more flexible.
Related Articles:
- Best Credit Card To Build Your Credit Score?
- Why You Want To Get an American Express Credit Card
- Is Amex Gold Worth It? The Pros & Cons
For rates and fees of the American Express® Green Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.
And for rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.
