How to Climb the American Express Ladder

Not all credit cards are created equal, and American Express is proof of that. With a massive lineup of personal, business, and co-branded cards, knowing where to start (and how to climb) can be the key to unlocking luxury travel perks and millions of points.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to leveling up from entry-level cards to the most premium products Amex has to offer.

Level 1: Beginner Cards

Unlike other banks, Amex doesn’t really do secured cards—instead, it focuses on high-income, credit-worthy customers. That said, there are still beginner-friendly options with no annual fees and even some decent welcome offers.

Best Starter Cards:

✔️ Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express – No annual fee, earns cashback on groceries and gas
✔️ Hilton Honors American Express Card– No annual fee, earns 100,000+ Hilton points with a welcome offer

While these are great first cards, Amex doesn’t let cashback convert into Membership Rewards points (unlike Chase or Capital One). That means upgrading to travel-focused cards is the next big step.

Level 2: Intermediate Cards

Welcome to the real Amex experience—where travel perks, rewards multipliers, and transfer partners start to make a difference. A credit score in the high 600s and a steady income can unlock some of Amex’s best mid-tier travel cards.

Top Intermediate Amex Cards:

✔️ American Express® Green Card – decent points on travel, transit, and dining + credits
✔️ Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – insane Hilton points at Hilton hotels + automatic Gold status (enrollment required)
✔️ Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card – Great for Marriott loyalists, generous points back on Marriott stays

This is where things get interesting. Amex has more transfer partners than any other bank—including exclusive ones like Hilton Honors—which opens up huge redemption opportunities.

However, there’s a catch: The Amex Five-Card Rule. Amex won't approve more than five Amex credit cards at a time (this does not include charge cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card). Choose wisely.

Level 2.5: The Amex Gold Card

The Amex Gold sits in a weird middle ground between intermediate and premium. For many, it’s still one of the best everyday spenders.

✔️ 4X points on dining & groceries
✔️ Uber credit
✔️ dining credit

The American Express® Business Gold Card version is even more expensive but comes with stronger earning potential on business-related expenses. If lounge access is the goal, though, it’s time to level up again.

Level 3: Premium Cards

Now it’s time to play with the big leagues. This tier unlocks airport lounge access, luxury travel benefits, and elite hotel status—but it also comes with hefty annual fees.

Top Premium Amex Cards:

✔️ American Express® Business Gold Card – steep annual fee but includes Centurion Lounge access, airline fee credit, Hilton & Marriott Gold status, and more
✔️ The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Similar benefits, but better for frequent business travelers

Many consider the Amex Platinum a "coupon book" because of its stacked list of credits—but if used strategically, it can easily justify its annual fee. For those who travel frequently (especially through airports with Centurion Lounges), this card alone can pay for itself.

Final Thoughts

The sweet spot for most travelers? The intermediate tier. But, for those who want premium lounge access, the Amex Platinum is hard to beat.

But regardless of where you’re starting, the Amex credit card ladder is one of the best ways to unlock luxury travel for less.