American Express Bank Credit Cards June 2024

Pinaz Sahnia Ahmed

Author : Pinaz Sahnia Ahmed

Fact Checker : Kushal Arora

Author : Pinaz Sahnia Ahmed

Fact Checker : Kushal Arora

Founded in the United States of America, American Express (AmEx) is a status of one of the world’s biggest financial corporations as a credit card issuer and a card network simultaneously. It is highly recognised throughout the world for its premium credit and the cards that it offers. It does not only operate with its own credit cards but also collaborates with other big banks by giving them the option to use the Amex network for payment processing.

The company has also got a business line that is dedicated to the first word of the name, i.e., the Amex Bank of India. But every facility of the corporation is narrated with the parallel development of the business of the corporation in India. AmEx arrived in the Indian credit cards market back in 1993 with a splash by converting the cards available only for one kind of population. By the end of March 2024, over 1.34 million American Express credit cards were circulating in India.

The design of every card is tailored in such a way that it perfectly meets the needs of the users and has unique rewards for customers to travel, dine out and shop. The product range has been comprehensively analysed and presented to the consumers through the brand website, providing every facility the corporation is building for the development of the corporation in India.

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American Express credit card

List of Top American Express Credit Cards

1. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

The American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card is a shopping card that has been made where users can enjoy valuable and high rewards points after every purchase. This helps customers to enjoy various exclusive offers and promotions as there is no necessity to spend a huge amount of cash.

American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

Joining Fee:

Nil

Best Suited :

Shopping

Renewal Fee:

₹ Rs 4,500 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

4,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points on settling the joining fee of Rs. 1,000 and spending Rs 15,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance.

Key Features

2. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

The American Express SmartEarn Credit Card makes a newcomer’s journey to the credit card world easier by offering substantial rewards. Even after purchasing, cardholders can benefit from various exclusive offers and promotions which is unlike other cards that are purely transaction-driven.

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 495 + GST

Best Suited

Shopping

Renewal Fee:

₹ 495 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

Cashback of Rs. 500 and 2,000 Referral Bonus Membership Rewards Points.

Key Features

3. American Express Gold Charge Card

The American Express Gold Charge Card, specifically, is a credit card model to consider when it would be possible to enjoy the company-sponsored perks without overspending. The card boasts a travel rewards scheme, allowing the user to earn points for every dollar spent in categories such as restaurants, hotels, and groceries.

American Express Gold Charge Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 1,000 + GST

Best Suited

Travel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 4,500 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

4,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points. 2,000 Referral Bonus Membership Rewards Points.

Key Features

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card, given a frequent traveller’s lifestyle, may become your best friend due to its travel-oriented features and other rewards benefits. The card is intended for a large audience and can easily be understood, whether it is the points that can be generated from their travel expenditures and daily activities that you can not even be concerned about making money for.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

Joining Fee:

Nil

Best Suited

Travel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 5,000 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

10,000 Membership Rewards Points.

Key Features

5. American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card

One of the benefits of the card is the way it lets its users experience their lives comfortably, including access to various VIP airport lounges all over the world, concierge services, and travel insurance. For a certain amount, you will also receive points, which are considered an attractive proposition for cardholders under both holiday and regular-use categories.

American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card

Joining Fee:

₹ 10,000 + GST

Best Suited

Travel

Renewal Fee:

₹ 10,000 + GST

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

SeleQtions, Taj, and Vivanta Hotels Vouchers Worth Rs. 45,000. 10,000 Referral Bonus Membership Rewards Points.

Key Features

6. MakeMyTrip Platinum Credit Card from ICICI Bank

The MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card caters to those who travel frequently and are looking for flexibility and value. It offers cost and simplicity with a small joining fee and no renewal fee. Holiday vouchers and cashback awards are among its welcome perks, which improve the card’s value proposition for prospective users. With cashback points and seasonal savings, this card enhances your travel experiences—whether you’re planning weekend getaways or all-inclusive trips.

MakeMyTrip Platinum Credit Card from ICICI Bank

Joining Fee:

₹ 500

Best Suited

Travel Enthusiasts

Renewal Fee:

Nil

Reward Type:

Reward Points

Welcome Benefits:

Rs.500 My Cash and MakeMyTrip holiday voucher worth Rs. 3,000

Key Features

American Express Credit Card Features and Benefits

A variety of credit cards are available from American Express (AmEx), each with unique features and advantages in a number of categories, including dining, travel, entertainment, and rewards programmes. The several advantages that come with having an AmEx credit card are:

1. Welcome Benefits: Upon paying the registration fee and spending a certain amount within the first few months, new users are given a set of welcome bonuses that include gift cards, cashback, or loyalty points so they are able to use the card and gain its worth at once.

2. Reward Points: People may be able to acquire Membership Rewards points with each purchase. With an increase in the frequency of card usage and stronger rates in categories like dining, travel, and groceries, people can exchange these points on things like goods, gift cards, travel, and statement credit.

3. Milestone Benefits: The users get to earn bonus points, cash, or bonus vouchers for trips by showing them the expenses done within determined time frames, making the card’s awards program more flexible for the user.

4. Travel Benefits: In addition, cardholders will be able to get access to airport lounges all over the world, champion hotels and air carrier memberships, free nights, and cheap flights, all to fly in style and save money. Travel perks such as hotels, airports and travel stipulations make travellers more fulfilled and engaging.

5. Movies and Dining Benefits: Enjoy free passes, BOGO deals on weekend nights, a discount when dining out, and movie subscriptions among some of the other advantages.

6. Other Benefits: In addition to the 1% fuel surcharge waiver and annual fee waiver for reaching the stipulated spending requirements, complimentary multi-category insurance and free golf benefits are some of the general benefits.

American Express Credit Card Rewards and Cashback

Rewards in the form of cashback or reward points are included with every American Express Credit Card. Below is a summary of the advantages that each card offers:

1. American Express Platinum Credit Card: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 40 spent and triple points on international purchases, ideal for frequent travellers.

2. American Express Gold Credit Card: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 50 spent, perfect for regular spending and gradual point accumulation. 

3. American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 50 spent, offering consistent rewards for all purchases. 

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 50 spent, tailored for frequent travellers to accumulate travel-related rewards.

5. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 50 spent, excluding fuel, insurance, and cash transactions, maximising rewards on everyday purchases.

6. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card: Earn 1 Membership Rewards Point per Rs. 50 spent, with enhanced points: 10X on Ajio, Nykaa, BookMyShow, and Uber, and 5X on Amazon and Zomato, ideal for frequent shoppers and service users.

How To Earn and Redeem American Express Credit Card Reward Points?

To earn American Express Credit Card Reward points, follow the steps below:

1. Reward Multiplier: When you use your American Express Card to make purchases at your preferred brands, you may use Reward Multiplier to earn up to 5X Membership Rewards points. With this function, each time you make a purchase, you can accrue more reward points. Conditions are applicable.

2. Accelerated Points: You earn points each time you make a purchase with your American Express card. Examine different spending categories and promotions to find out how you may use your Card to earn as many points as possible.

3. Bonus Points: During the first year of your card membership, get extra points as a welcome gift. In the ensuing years, you’ll receive further incentives when you renew your card. Your card membership is enhanced by these bonus points, which give you additional benefits for your loyalty.

4. American Express Travel Online: Go to our dedicated travel booking website, American Express Travel Online, to explore and reserve a variety of accommodations, airfares, and car rentals. You get extra value on every reservation you make in addition to having access to a wide range of travel alternatives. There are restrictions.

5. Daily Expenditures: With your American Express Card, every payment you make, whether for dining, shopping, or monthly bills, can be rewarded. Gather points for your regular purchases and use them towards your subsequent purchases because the points you accrue are always valid.

Steps to Redeem American Express Credit Card Reward Points:

Pay with Points

1.  Make a PurchaseTo make qualified purchases, use your American Express credit card.
2. Verify EligibilityMake sure the item for which you wish to use points qualifies for the Pay with Points option.
3. Redeem PointsUse the mobile app or internet to access your American Express account
4. Locate RewardsProceed to the Rewards area and choose “Pay with Points.”
5. Select ItemDecide which qualified item to apply points towards.
6. Apply PointsWhen making a purchase at checkout, apply your Membership Reward Points towards the total amount.
7. Complete TransactionTo finish the transaction and verify the point redemption, adhere to the instructions.

Online Vouchers

1. Browse SelectionUse the mobile app or the internet to access your American Express account.
2. Proceed to RewardsLocate the Rewards area and choose “Online Vouchers.”
3. Select CategoryLook through the extensive array of online voucher purchasing categories.
4. Select VoucherDecide which online voucher you wish to use in order to exchange your points.
5. Points RedeemableUse your Membership Reward Points to purchase the desired online coupon.
6. VerificationVerify the redemption and obtain the coupon details by email or instantaneously.

Travel

 1. To utilise Travel Redemption, sign in to your account on American Express’s website or mobile application.

2. Go to Rewards: Click on the Rewards tab and choose “Travel.”

3. Choose between using American Express to redeem points for travel vouchers directly or transferring them to airline loyalty programmes.

4. Select Option: Based on your preferences and travel requirements, select the preferred redemption method

5. Redeem Points: Follow the instructions to either use American Express points for travel vouchers or start a transfer to airline loyalty programmes.

6. Complete Redemption: Finish the redemption process and get a confirmation of your travel rewards.

American Express Credit Card Eligibility Criteria

 1. Minimum Age: A minimum of 18 years old to be eligible.

2. Residence: Must have a current or permanent residence address in India.

3. Minimum Income:

 Salaried: Annual income of Rs. 4.5 Lakhs or more
Self-Employed:  Annual income of Rs. 6 Lakhs or more, and the business

4. Credit History: Must have a good credit history with no payment defaults

5. Banking Requirements: Must have a savings or current account with an Indian or multinational bank in India.

6. Serviceable Cities: Availability may vary by card. Check availability accordingly

Documents Required

When applying for an American Express credit card, you will need to have scanned copies of the following documents ready:

1. Identity Proof (any one of the following):

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Driving License
  • PAN Card
  • Passport

2. Address Proof (any one of the following):

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport

3. Income Proof (any one of the following):

  •  Bank statements for the last 3 months
  • Salary slips for the last 3 months
  • Audited financial report for the last 2 years

Make sure you have clear and legible copies of these documents before you start your application.

American Express Credit Card Annual Fees and Charges

Different ICICI Bank Credit Cards come with varying annual membership fees, depending on the benefits offered by each card. Cards with higher annual fees typically belong to the premium category, offering extensive benefits across various categories. On the other hand, cards with lower annual fees are considered basic or entry-level cards, providing fewer benefits. Here’s a summary of the annual fees for some of the top ICICI Credit cards:

1. American Express Platinum Credit Card:

Joining Fee:Rs. 60,000
Renewal Fee:Rs. 60,000
Spends-Based Waiver:None

2. American Express Gold Credit Card:

Joining Fee:Rs. 1,000
Renewal Fee:Rs. 4,500
Spends-Based Waiver:None

3. American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card:

Joining Fee:Rs. 5,000
Renewal Fee:Rs. 10,000
Spends-Based Waiver:None

4. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card:

Joining Fee:Rs. 1,000
Renewal Fee:Rs. 4,500
Spends-Based Waiver:50% renewal fee waiver on annual spends between Rs. 90,000 and Rs. 1,49,999. 100% renewal fee waiver on annual spends of Rs. 1,50,000 and above.

5. American Express Membership Rewards Credit Card

Joining Fee: Rs. 1,000
Renewal Fee:Rs. 4,500
Spends-Based Waiver:50% renewal fee waiver on annual spends between Rs. 90,000 and Rs. 1,49,999. 100% renewal fee waiver on annual spends of Rs. 1,50,000 and above.

6. American Express SmartEarn Credit Card:

Joining Fee: Rs. 495
Renewal Fee:Rs. 495
Spend Based Waiver:Annual fee waived on spends of Rs. 50,000 in the previous year.

Other Fees & Charges

1. Interest Rate: Rate: 3.5% per month on all cards.

2. Cash Advance Charges: Fee: 3.5% of the withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 250.

3. Foreign Currency Markup Fee: Fee: 3.5% of the transaction amount.

How To Activate American Express Credit Cards?

Mobile Banking:

  • Step 1 : Go to the app store and look for the American Express App.
  • Step 2 : Use the Card details to log in.
  • Step 3 : Put the user ID and password to form your profile for your account.
  • Step 4 : If the PIN isn’t set already, pick one and type and confirm to make your Card work.

Net Banking:

  • Step 1 : To get online services, open your browser, go to americanexpress.com/in/activate to get a registration form and fill in your details there.
  • Step 2 : If the PIN isn’t activated yet, pick one and type and confirm to activate the Card.
  • Step 3 : Install the American Express Mobile App to make it easy to look after and monitor the transactions done with your Card.

Helpline or Customer care:

  • Dial the helpline number – 1800-419-2122 (Toll-Free) of American Express without any delay.
  • Adhere to the menu instruction to select a PIN of your choice, if not already set, and activate the Card. You can benefit additionally by getting registered on the company website or using their App for your convenience.

American Express Credit Cards Login/Net Banking

Logging in to Your AmEx Credit Card Netbanking Account:

  • Step 1 : Visit the American Express login webpage and input your User ID and Password.
  • Step 2 : Select the ‘Card-My Account‘ option.
  • Step 3 :  You are required to press “Log In” to continue your online banking service.
  • Step 4 : Your Successful Login: After you have successfully provided the correct information, you will access your banking account and be able to view your credit activities.

American Express Credit Card Internet Banking

Accessing your ICICI Bank credit card account via the bank’s website is simple and convenient. Here’s how:

  • Step 1 : ou would visit the American Express login webpage and click on ‘Register for Online Services’ when you are on the American Express login page.
  • Step 2 : You would then enter your 15-digit card number and 4-digit card ID in the next field.
  • Step 3 : Confirm the Process: Having filled in the requested data, click on the “Confirm” button to proceed.
  • Step 4 :  Entering your details: Provide your 10 to 15- character User ID & password for online services.
  • Step 5 :  Authentication: Verify details via OTP received on your registered contact number.

How To Compare American Express Credit Cards & Choose The Best One?

Steps to Choose the Right American Express Card:

1. Define Your Goals: Think about the reasons that make you want a credit card and which benefits you would get off it most. Be it that you are a traveller and you look forward to reaping the rewards for your air travel, want cash backs from everyday shopping, or are a lot into dining out experiences, your key motivators will direct the choice.

2. Access the American Express Website: After you visit the American Express site, you will be brought face-to-face with a side-by-side comparison of any three cards. And so, you will be able to weigh the possible nuance effects so that you can finalise the card for your satisfaction.

3. Key Components: The fundamental components, such as the annual fee, the APR, the points system set-up, and the perks which the card offers, need to be taken into account. More importantly, think about whether these characteristics will suit your financial habits and general preferences.

4. Analyze Your Spending Pattern: It might involve looking into the purchases that you make more frequently. What if you usually travel? The cards, which have travel rewards as their redeemable points, would then be just appropriate.

5. Investigate the Offers: If you ever come across offers, make sure to scan them to see the value given through welcome offers or a sign-up bonus. Such provisions often constitute more value once the card is first acquired, for instance, additional points or cash back.

6. Choose Your Card: Once you have sifted through your variety of options and weighed them against your needs, the task is to opt for the American Express card that fits your lifestyle and financial goals. The methodical approach enhances the payoff and makes sure that you use the features and benefits of your new card to the full extent.

Conclusion

American Express credit cards provide both valuable premium rewards and great full-time customer service. Enabling cardholders to experience through the provision of various options, such as a variety of cards specifically tailored to different spending habits and lifestyle needs, Amex cards provide flexibility and value to cardholders.

Choosing the American Express credit card that suits you best requires you to analyse the state of your money, how you use it, and how well the options will be beneficial to your needs. If you compare different AmEx credit card proposals by comparing remunerations, regular fees, and promotions, you are heading for choosing the best one that mirrors your spending practices while giving you a good return.

FAQs

Q1. What are the fundamental qualifications for a credit card from American Express?

A1. To apply for a credit card from AmEx, you need to be 18 years old at a minimum, have a monthly income above the poverty line, and have a good credit score.

Q2. How do I earn and redeem Membership Reward Points?

A2. For each payment, you gain Membership Prize Points. Use them either to get e-vouchers, travel rewards or pay for products and services with points.

Q3. What additional fees do AmEx credit cards have?

A3. There are not only the annual fee but also interest rates (3.5% per month), cash advance fees (3.5% of the amount), and foreign currency markup fees (3.5% of the transaction amount) in addition to the annual charges.

Pinaz Sahnia Ahmed
Pinaz Sahnia Ahmed

Meet Pinaz Sahnia Ahmed, a wordsmith extraordinaire with a knack for making complex topics easy to understand. Armed with a master's degree in Linguistics and five years of experience, she's your go-to guru for all things related to the finance sector. From breaking down technical jargon to crafting captivating blogs, Pinaz has a talent for turning financial concepts into digestible bites for everyone to enjoy. Read More...

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