Best American Express Cards for Transit in 2026
American Express cards ranked by earn rate on transit spending.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Transit. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Top Pick
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
American Express
3% cash back on Transit & Rideshare
- +3% cash back on Transit & Rideshare
- +Annual fee $95. Other listed credits: Disney Bundle Credit (up to $10/mo). These amounts are not counted in estimated value or ranking: use, eligible purchases and any enrollment requirements have not been established.
- +Global Assist Hotline — not counted in estimated value or ranking; eligible use has not been established
AMEXCore Rate
3.0¢
per dollar on transit
$95/yr (Y1 waived)
Welcome: $250 cash back
Runner-Up
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express®
Navy Federal
3x points on Transit & Rideshare
- +3x on Transit & Rideshare
- +20,000 points bonus (~$200 cash redemption value)
- +No annual fee
AMEXCore Rate
3.0¢
per dollar on transit
No annual fee
Welcome: 20,000 points
Also Great
Business Green Rewards
American Express
1x Membership Rewards on everything
1x × 1.5¢/pt = 1.5¢ per dollar
- +1x on everything — points worth 1.5¢ each
- +15,000 points bonus (~$225 value)
AMEX
1.5¢
per dollar on transit
$95/yr
Welcome: 15,000 points
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Applicable Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 3% cash back Transit & Rideshare | 3.0¢/$ | $95 | amex |
| Navy Federal More Rewards American Express®Navy Federal | 3x points Transit & Rideshare | 3.0¢/$ | $0 | amex |
| Business Green RewardsAmerican Express | 1x Membership Rewards All Other | 1.5¢/$ | $95 | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express CardAmerican Express | 3x Hilton Honors All Other | 1.2¢/$ | $0 | amex |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express CardAmerican Express | 2x Marriott Bonvoy All Other | 1.4¢/$ | $250 | amex |
| Rakuten American Express CardFirst Electronic Bank | 1% cash back All Other | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | amex |
| USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express®USAA | 1% cash back All Other | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | amex |
| American Express Gold CardAmerican Express | 1x Membership Rewards All Other | 1.5¢/$ | $325 | amex |
| Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressAmerican Express | 1% cash back All Other | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardAmerican Express | 1x SkyMiles All Other | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | amex |
More Options
#4Hilton Honors American Express CardNo fee
1.2¢/$
#5Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card$250/yr
1.4¢/$
#6Rakuten American Express CardNo fee
1.0¢/$
#7USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express®No fee
1.0¢/$
#8American Express Gold Card$325/yr
1.5¢/$
#9Blue Cash Everyday Card from American ExpressNo fee
1.0¢/$
#10Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardNo fee
1.0¢/$
Want to customize by spend amount, programs, or fee preference?
Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- Card StrategyIs a credit card annual fee worth it? A realistic break-even methodAn annual fee is worth it when extra rewards and benefits you will use beat the fee versus your real alternative. A break-even method with worked examples.
- Card StrategyMonthly versus annual card credits: build a calendar that follows the termsMonthly, half-year, quarterly, anniversary-year, and four-year credits each reset on their own clock. Build a benefit calendar that follows the actual terms.
- Card StrategyCredit card statement credits: face value versus money you actually saveA $100 statement credit rarely saves you $100. How to measure a credit against the purchase you would have made anyway, and reconcile a year of them.
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