American Express has always had a charm of its own. For many, owning an Amex card is a sign of trust and status. But beyond the brand, Amex offers a solid set of credit cards in India, each meant for different kinds of spenders—whether you’re just starting your career, someone who travels often, or someone who simply enjoys a touch of luxury. Here’s a simple and honest look at six of their most popular cards and what they bring to the table.
1. Amex Membership Rewards Credit Card
If you like getting rewarded for regular spending, this card is a great start. You earn 1 point for every ₹50 spent, and if you spend ₹1,000 four times a month, Amex gives you 1,000 bonus points. Over time, those points really add up. You can redeem them for vouchers, gifts, or even pay off your statement. It’s easy to use and fits well for people who pay mostly by card.
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹4,500 + GST
- Best for: Regular spenders who like collecting points
2. Amex SmartEarn Credit Card
Think of this as Amex’s simple, no-fuss card for online shoppers. You get 10x points on places like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Uber. For other spending, the points are still there, just at a normal rate. Plus, if you spend ₹1.2 lakh in a year, your annual fee is waived. This card works well if you’re starting out with credit cards or just want a budget-friendly Amex option.
- Joining Fee: ₹495 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹495 + GST
- Best for: First-time users or online shoppers
3. Amex Gold Card
This card gives you the charm of classic Amex rewards. You earn 1 point for every ₹50 spent, and like the Membership Rewards card, you get monthly bonus points when you hit certain spends. What makes this card a bit special is that the points can be used for some very good gift options under their Gold Collection, including travel vouchers and premium items.
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹4,500 + GST
- Best for: People who like structured rewards and gift vouchers
Also read: PhonePe and HDFC Bank Launch Co-Branded Rupay Credit Card With UPI Integration– Explore the Benefits
4. Amex Platinum Travel Credit Card
If you enjoy travelling or take frequent flights, this one gives real value. Spend ₹1.9 lakh in a year and get IndiGo travel vouchers worth ₹7,500. Spend more, and the rewards get even better. You earn 1 Membership Rewards Point for every Rs. 50 spent except for fuel, Insurance, Utilities, Cash Transactions and EMI conversion. You also get 4 complimentary airport lounge visits every year and access to exclusive travel deals. It’s a card that pays back nicely if you travel often.
- Joining Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹5,000 + GST
- Best for: Regular travellers looking for savings
5. Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card
This card sits somewhere between travel and luxury. You get 12 domestic lounge visits, Taj Epicure membership, and even movie ticket offers and discounts on dining. It also comes with a ₹5,000 welcome gift voucher, which covers the fee for the first year if you use it well. It suits people who like a little extra in life—better service, better dining, better travel.
- Joining Fee: Rs. 10,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee: Rs. 10,000 + GST
- Best for: People wanting a touch of premium without going all-in
6. Amex Platinum Charge Card
This is the top-tier card and comes with some serious benefits. There’s no preset spending limit, global lounge access, hotel memberships, and even a personal concierge who can help with bookings, gifts, or planning experiences. On spends on INR 20 Lakhs in membership year and payment of renewal fee, you get vouchers upto ₹35,000 as renewal benefit.
- Joining Fee: ₹66,000 + GST
- Renewal Fee: ₹66,000 + GST
- Best for: High spenders and luxury seekers
Final Word
Picking the right Amex card comes down to how and where you spend. If you’re starting out, the SmartEarn or Membership Rewards card makes sense. If you travel regularly, the Platinum Travel card gives great value. And if you want luxury with top-class service, the Platinum Reserve or Charge Card is a real treat. Each Amex card has its own personality. The trick is to match it with yours.
Written by Roshni Mohinani
