Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card data comes from issuers' published terms; data as of September 27, 2026. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content.
Top picks for Amex Travel from our scoring engine.
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, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Amex Travel, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
The Platinum Card from American Express earns the top spot for Amex Travel purchases at 3.8¢ per dollar on flights — a $895 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Amex Travel purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
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The Platinum Card from American Express earns 3.8¢ per dollar on flights when you shop at Amex Travel, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 3.8¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $895 fee after about $23,310 a year in Amex Travel spending. To come out ahead of Hilton Honors American Express Card (1.5¢), you'd need about $38,050 a year here. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Travel Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmex | 5x Membership Rewards | 3.8¢/$ | $895 | $256 | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardAmex | 14x Hilton Honors | 2.5¢/$ | $550 | $100 | amex |
| American Express Gold CardAmex | 5x Membership Rewards | 3.2¢/$ | $325 | $12.16 | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.0¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Hilton Honors American Express CardAmex | 7x Hilton Honors | 1.5¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express CardAmex | 3x SkyMiles | 1.4¢/$ | $350 | $4.80 | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.0¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.0¢/$ | $650 | $9.60 | amex |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressAmex | 3% cash back | 0.4¢/$ | $95 | — | amex |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardAmex | 3x Marriott Bonvoy | 0.4¢/$ | $650 | $12.00 | amex |
Extra points or cash back when you pay with these cards — not statement credits.
Statement credits or cash applied to your bill at Amex Travel, separate from earn rate.
Other brands in Travel where the top picks above also earn well.
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