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CNN
5 days ago
- Business
- CNN
The best American Express credit cards, picked by a frequent traveler
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. All information about the American Express® Green Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Centurion Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. If you're looking for the best American Express credit cards, you've come to the right place. Amex is renowned for offering premium travel rewards, high-end travel perks, benefits to enhance hotel stays and solid customer service. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a foodie or someone who simply wants to earn rewards on everyday purchases, Amex has a card for you. With options ranging from no-annual-fee cash-back cards to luxury travel rewards, American Express continues to be a top choice for consumers. I've been an Amex card member for years and have learned the ins and outs of its portfolio. Let's take a look at the best American Express credit cards available today, so you can select the best Amex card (or cards) for you. Best no-annual-fee card: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card Best for luxury travel benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express Best for free checked bags: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Best for free hotel nights: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Best for hotel elite status: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Best for leisure travelers: American Express® Green Card Best for business owners: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 Rewards highlights: 3% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% cash back on US online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% cash back at US gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% cash back on other purchases. This card is ideal for everyday spending without the burden of an annual fee. With elevated rewards on groceries, gas and online shopping, it's a great starter card or secondary card for maximizing rewards in key spending categories. The one downside of the Blue Cash Everyday is that you should only use it on purchases made within the US, as you'll incur a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases (see rates and fees). Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 6% cash back on select US streaming subscriptions. 3% cash back at US gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% cash back on other purchases. The Blue Cash Preferred is one of the most rewarding cash-back cards on the market, especially for families or individuals who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services. Despite the annual fee, the card easily pays for itself if you use it strategically. As with the Blue Cash Everyday card, you'll incur a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases (see rates and fees). Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 4X points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 4X points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on 2X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on 1X point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. The Amex Gold also comes with several credits. $120 Uber Cash: Receive $10 in Uber Cash each month when you use add your card to your account and use your card for rides or orders in the US. $84 Dunkin' credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits at US Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required. $100 Resy credit: Earn up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year when you use your Gold card for eligible purchases at US restaurants booked through Resy. Credits are received semiannually — up to $50 in statement credits between January and June and another $50 in statement credits between July and December. Enrollment required. $120 dining credit: Earn up to $10 in monthly statement credits — up to $120 a year — when you use your Amex Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Five Guys. Enrollment required. The Amex Gold is one of the cards I use most as a foodie and frequent traveler. Its elevated points on dining and groceries are incredibly useful, and the annual credits help offset the annual fee. It also has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees). Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on 1X point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Some of the credits and perks on the Platinum card include the following. $200 hotel credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits each year when you use your Platinum card to book prepaid stays through American Express Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties. A minimum two-night stay is required for The Hotel Collection. $240 digital entertainment credit: Get up to $20 back each month in statement credits when you use your Platinum card for eligible purchases with select providers, including Disney+, the Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, the New York Times, Peacock and the Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. Lounge access: All card members receive access to American Express Centurion lounges, as well as Delta Sky Club (when flying eligible Delta flights, subject to visit limits), select Lufthansa lounges (when flying Lufthansa), Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and the opportunity to enroll in Priority Pass Select for even more lounge access. Terms apply. Walmart+: When you use your Platinum card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (auto-renewal applies), you'll receive a statement credit of up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes each month. Note: Plus Ups are not eligible. Membership also includes access to the Paramount+ Essential plan; separate registration required. $200 airline fee credit: Choose one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged to your Platinum card. These may include seat selection, baggage fees and more. Terms and conditions apply. $200 Uber Cash: Add your card to your Uber account and receive $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus an extra $20 bonus in December. Uber Cash can be used on rides and food orders in the US when you choose your eligible Amex card at checkout. $199 CLEAR® Plus credit: Pay for your CLEAR Plus membership with your Platinum card and receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year. CLEAR Pass uses unique facial recognition at over 50 airports worldwide, allowing you to clear security faster. Membership auto-renews. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Pay your Global Entry application fee with your Platinum card and receive a $120 statement credit every four years. Alternatively, get up to an $85 statement credit every four and a half years for your TSA PreCheck application fee when paid through an official TSA enrollment provider. Approved Global Entry members also enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits at no extra cost. Shop Saks with Platinum: Enjoy up to $100 in statement credits each year on purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue stores or online at Receive up to $50 in credits semiannually — January through June, and then again July through December. Enrollment is required. The Platinum card is a premium travel powerhouse with unmatched airport lounge access, hotel elite status and travel protections. It's best for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of the annual credits and luxury perks. Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 2X miles on Delta purchases, at US supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. 1X mile on all other eligible purchases. Other perks and benefits include the following. 15% off award travel: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card members get 15% off when using miles to book award travel on Delta flights through and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. $200 Delta flight credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta flight credit to use toward future travel. First checked bag free: You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four, that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. Priority boarding: Receive Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner. $100 Delta Stays credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on Pay with miles: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on 20% back on in-flight purchases: Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your card. For Delta flyers, this card provides excellent value, especially if you check bags. The waived baggage fees and priority boarding easily cover the cost of the card if you fly Delta a few times a year. Welcome offer: Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. 3X Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X Marriott Bonvoy points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Additional perks and benefits include the following. $300 Brilliant dining credit: Receive up to $25 in statement credits each month on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide when you use your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status: Card members receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status, which offers many benefits, such as space-available room upgrades (including enhanced views or suites), bonus points on paid stays, welcome gift and more. These perks are available when the stay is booked with a qualifying rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in. Free night award: Receive one free night award every year after your card renewal month. The award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Certain hotels have resort fees. Choice award: Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See for award options. $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit: Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your card. Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Get a statement credit every four years for your Global Entry application fee ($120) or every four and a half years for your TSA PreCheck five-year membership fee (up to $85 when paid through an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider) when you use your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Approved Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck access at no extra cost. Airport lounge access: Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries. This premium hotel card delivers a lot of value for frequent Marriott guests. The annual free night, elite status and $300 in dining credits make this a strong choice if you stay at Marriott properties regularly. Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $550 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 14X points on hotels and resorts for eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. 7X points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. 7X points on dining at US restaurants, including takeout and delivery. 3X points for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases. Some of the perks and benefits include the following. Complimentary Diamond status: All card members receive complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, which offers benefits such as: 100% bonus on base points for every stay, premium Wi-Fi at select hotels, space-available room upgrades, access to executive lounges at participating properties and much more. $400 Hilton resort credit: Receive up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semiannually) on eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton resorts using your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. No minimum purchase necessary. Free night reward: Receive a free night reward each year during your first year of membership and every year upon card renewal. Plus, earn an extra free night reward after spending $30,000 in a calendar year and another one after reaching $60,000 in purchases on your card within the same year. $200 flight credit: Receive up to $200 back per year (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter) on eligible flight purchases. $199 CLEAR Plus credit: Use your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to cover the cost of CLEAR Plus Membership and get up to $199 back in statement credits per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal). This is the top-tier Hilton card, which provides Diamond status (top-tier elite benefits), generous point earnings and valuable travel credits. I've had this card for the last five years. It's ideal for loyal Hilton travelers who want premium perks without needing to stay often to qualify for them. Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $150 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 3X points on travel, including airfare, hotels, tours, campgrounds, car rentals, cruises, vacation rentals and more. 3X points on transit including trains, taxis, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses and subways. 3X points dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. 1X point on other purchases (terms and limitations apply). The Green Card is a great all-around travel and dining card, especially for younger professionals or digital nomads. With elevated points in both travel and dining, it hits the sweet spot for casual and leisure travel without the high annual fee of other Amex travel cards. It also includes an annual $199 CLEAR Plus credit. Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 Rewards highlights: 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply. This is one of the most straightforward and valuable business cards available. It offers strong flat-rate rewards on all purchases, making it ideal for small business owners who want to earn Membership Rewards without worrying about rotating categories. When choosing an American Express card, it's important to understand the different types of rewards each card earns. Some earn Membership Rewards points, which are flexible and can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners. These offer the most versatility, though maximizing their value takes some know-how. Other cards earn points or miles in a single airline or hotel loyalty program, which aren't as flexible but often come with valuable perks when you use that brand. If you're not planning to travel soon, cash-back Amex cards let you earn straight-up cash on your purchases, though you'll typically give up the chance for outsized travel redemptions. One key rule to remember: Amex has a 'once-per-lifetime' welcome bonus policy, meaning you can only earn the sign-up bonus on a specific card once. That's why it pays to apply when the offer is especially strong. With so many highly rated American Express cards, there isn't a 'best' card, as the answer depends on your personal goals. All the Amex cards on our list are strong in their own way, offering unique benefits that cater to different people. If you're looking for a card that's simple and earns cash back, then you'll want to consider either the Blue Cash Everyday or the Blue Cash Preferred. With so many similarities between the two, the best option for you depends on how much you spend each year in certain categories, especially at US supermarkets. For those looking for travel perks, you can't go wrong with the Amex Platinum. But if you don't think you'll fully utilize all the benefits that come along with this pricey card, you might want to instead consider the Amex Green. Alternatively, the Amex Gold might serve as a happy medium between the two with a balance of perks, points and a moderate annual fee. On the other hand, those who want a card that earns points or miles in a specific airline or hotel program and comes with perks tied to that airline or hotel will want to think about one of the Amex co-branded cards. If earning hotel rewards is important to you, then the Hilton Honors Aspire or Marriott Brilliant Amex is the way to go. And for the frequent or even leisure flyer, the Delta Gold Amex is a great go-to card for saving money on those pesky baggage fees. Last but not least, if you're a small business owner, you might enjoy the easy-to-use, no-annual-fee Blue Business Plus, as it can help you rack up travel rewards when spending money on your business expenses and also finance some purchases at a low cost if your business needs help to make ends meet right now. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. Is Amex Gold or Amex Platinum better? Is Amex Gold or Amex Platinum better? Choosing between the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum comes down to how you spend and what you value. The Amex Gold is best for those who spend heavily on dining and US supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide. It also has a more approachable $325 annual fee. On the other hand, the Amex Platinum is built for frequent premium travelers, justifying its $695 annual fee with extra points for flight purchases and premium perks like lounge access, hotel elite status and a suite of valuable travel credits. If everyday rewards and a lower fee matter most, go with the Gold. If luxury travel benefits are your priority, the Platinum is worth it. Is American Express accepted everywhere? Is American Express accepted everywhere? In the US, American Express is now accepted at 99% of merchants that take credit cards. This is a major improvement driven by initiatives like the OptBlue program, which made Amex more accessible for small businesses. However, international acceptance still lags, and you may find fewer places abroad that take Amex. While you're unlikely to run into issues using it domestically, it's smart to carry a backup card when traveling overseas. What is the highest level American Express card? What is the highest level American Express card? The highest-level American Express card is the Centurion® Card, often called the 'Amex Black Card.' This invite-only, ultra-premium card is reserved for long-time Amex clients with exceptionally high annual spending. For most consumers, however, the Platinum Card® from American Express represents the top tier of Amex offerings. With a $695 annual fee, it delivers extensive luxury travel benefits, including access to over 1,400 airport lounges, elite hotel and rental car status and a range of valuable annual statement credits. While the Centurion Card remains an exclusive symbol of ultra wealth, the Platinum Card is widely seen as the flagship option available to the public. Our mission is to help readers make informed decisions through thorough, unbiased reporting. Our credit card recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing, expert analysis and deep knowledge of the travel and financial industries. We evaluate cards based on overall value, not just flashy welcome offers by focusing on long-term benefits like rewards rates, perks, fees and customer experience. Our editors, like Kyle Olsen, are frequent travelers and card holders themselves who offer firsthand insights you can trust. Click here for rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday here for rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum here for rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold here for rates and fees of the Marriott Brilliant here for rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Luxury cards with the same benefits as the Amex Centurion (that you actually qualify for!)
If you're a frequent traveler and like to take advantage of great perks and benefits, the American Express Centurion Card is probably on your radar. It's no exaggeration to say the Black Card from Amex is the most exclusive credit card on the market — and most people are not eligible. Luckily, you don't need a Black Card (or its astronomical price) to score premium access and great savings on your future travel. Related: Best travel credit cards Amex Centurion Card details First things first: Most people aren't going to qualify for the ultra-exclusive, invite-only Amex Black Card. Amex doesn't disclose the criteria (like annual spending) it considers before offering an invitation to apply for the Centurion Card, but there is plenty of speculation online. Some reports say you'll need to spend between $250,000 and $1 million per year across your American Express card accounts. Even if you can score an invite, the Black Card still has some pretty high barriers to entry in the form of fees. There is both an initiation fee of $10,000 after you sign up and an ongoing annual fee of $5,000. Unlike most premium rewards credit cards, the Amex Centurion Card doesn't have a big welcome bonus. It's also lacking in bonus rewards; you'll get just 1 point per dollar on every purchase. Instead, the card's real value comes from its ample benefits. Those include automatic elite status with several travel loyalty programs, Amex Global Lounge Collection access, VIP airport arrival and departure services, and 24/7 concierge service. In addition to travel benefits, you'll get access to exclusive experiences and perks for Centurion members, credits for purchases with SoulCycle and Saks, Equinox membership, and much more. But to get valuable perks like these, you don't necessarily need to be a Centurion cardholder. Plenty of the top premium credit cards today offer luxury travel benefits and exclusive perks for cardholders — no invite necessary. What to look for in a premium rewards card Welcome bonus offer: One of the best perks of opening a new credit card with a high annual fee is the subsequently high welcome bonus. You can score hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value when you earn a welcome bonus with these cards. In exchange, you'll likely need to spend a significant amount of money on your card within the first few months of account opening — so make sure the spending threshold is within your budget before you apply. And remember to look at all the other card details too: A welcome bonus can add amazing first-year value, but it won't increase your return in the long run. Rewards rate: With most premium rewards cards, you'll earn the most bonus points or miles on travel spending. Search for bonus rewards that best fit how you like to travel — if you have a preferred airline, for example, you probably want a card that earns airline miles or allows you to transfer your points to the airline's loyalty program. You may also get boosted rewards on some non-travel purchases, like dining, which can be a great way to increase your earnings no matter where you are. Benefits: Most premium credit cards are flush with great benefits — which can sometimes be even more valuable than the potential rewards. These might include airport lounge access, upgrades and discounts on select hotel bookings, complimentary access to events and experiences for cardholders, rental car perks, concierge services, and more. Evaluate all of your benefits before you choose a premium travel rewards card to find the one that can best help you recoup your annual fee cost year after year. Annual credits: On top of benefits, annual credits are a great way to offset the high annual fees you'll pay for premium rewards cards. Credits might cover airline incidental fees, fees for airport security programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, general travel purchases, purchases with partner retailers, and more. Look for a card that offers credits on things you already purchase and have in your budget to get the best value. Travel and purchase protections: Travel and purchase protections may not be the most exciting perks of a luxury rewards card, but they can be some of the most valuable. These include purchase protection and extended warranty against damage or theft, as well as travel insurance protections in case of unexpected trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and more. Elite status: Both general travel cards and co-branded airline or hotel cards may offer complimentary elite status with certain travel brands. Take advantage of these status benefits to boost your rewards earnings when you book a flight or a stay, get priority boarding or early check-in privileges, and access more conveniences to make your travel less of a hassle. Read more: The complete list of credit card perks that reset each calendar year Best credit cards for rewards and luxury benefits These are our picks for the best premium rewards credit cards available now. Keep in mind, even if they're not invite-only, you'll still need to meet some criteria to qualify for these cards. Make sure you have a solid credit history and excellent credit score before you apply for the best chances of being approved. Learn more The Platinum Card® from American Express Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $695 Welcome offer Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months Rewards rate 5x points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year) 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel 1x points on all other purchases Benefits Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel (requires a minimum two-night stay) Get up to $199 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your card (CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues) Enjoy up to $200 in Uber savings annually on rides in the U.S. — that's $15 in Uber Cash for rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December (you must have the latest version of the Uber App downloaded and your eligible American Express Platinum Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account; Amex benefit may only be used in United States) Why we like it: The American Express Platinum Card is the priciest option on our list, but it offers more than enough potential value between rewards and benefits to help make up the cost for frequent travelers and big spenders. This card isn't for everyone, especially given its price tag. But for very frequent travelers who want access to luxury perks and experiences, the Amex Platinum can hold its own, even against the Centurion. Taking advantage of all the benefits is how you can best maximize this card. You'll get access to the Global Lounge Collection (including Centurion lounges), credits and add-ons during your stays at Fine Hotels & Resorts booked through American Express Travel, elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, concierge service, and Global Dining Access by Resy for hard-to-get reservations, to name just a few. The Amex Platinum also has plenty of annual credits, including up to $200 in statement credits for eligible prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Travel, up to $200 in statement credits for airline incidental fees charged by your chosen airline, up to $199 in statement credits for CLEAR Plus membership, and many more. Read our full review of The Platinum Card from American Express. Learn more Chase Sapphire Reserve® Annual fee $550 Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months Rewards rate 10x points on hotels and rental cars purchased through Chase Travel℠* 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Travel* 3x points on dining and other travel purchases 1x points on all other purchases *After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually Benefits Points are worth 50% more when you redeem through Chase Travel Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel purchases Receive up to a $120 statement credit every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a lot to offer frequent travelers, and one of its best features is a flexible $300 annual travel credit you can use toward any travel purchases you charge to your card. The credit applies to the first $300 you spend on travel each anniversary year; after that, you'll start earning the card's regular rewards rates on eligible travel spending. Another major perk of this card is its wide-ranging airport lounge access, including Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations and Priority Pass Select (after enrollment). When you're ready to redeem the points you earn with your Chase Sapphire Reserve, you'll get another big value boost. Points are worth 50% more when you use them toward travel purchases in the Chase Travel℠ portal — for a total 1.5 cents per point redemption rate. You can also choose to transfer points to Chase's airline and hotel partners for another potentially high-value redemption. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Learn more Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Annual fee $395 Welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months Rewards rate 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel 2x miles on all other purchases Benefits $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel 10,000 annual bonus miles (worth $100 in travel spending; starts on your first account anniversary) Unlimited access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ more lounges through partner networks Why we like it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you can use the Capital One Travel portal to book and redeem the majority of your travel. Not only does it start with a slightly lower annual fee than other cards on our list, it also offers a $300 annual travel credit to make up the majority of that cost. You'll earn the credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel. Earning miles rewards with this card is also easy, with a flat 2x rewards rate on everything (except for the boosted rewards you'll get on eligible purchases with Capital One Travel). Airport lounge access via both Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass is a major Capital One Venture X perk for frequent travelers, and you can maintain your value long-term with 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary — worth another $100 in travel annually. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Learn more Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card Annual fee $550 Welcome offer 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening Rewards rate 2x points on travel and dining 1.5x points on all other eligible purchases Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase Benefits Up to $120 in statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fees every four years Save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when you pay with points Up to $300 in annual statement credits for airline incidental fees for qualifying purchases like seat upgrades, baggage fees, and more Why we like it: With the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card's simple rewards structure, you'll get 2x points on both travel and dining purchases and a flat 1.5x on everything else. To help make up the annual fee cost, there's a $300 annual credit for airline incidental fees and up to $150 in annual credits for eligible lifestyle spending, including streaming services, food delivery, rideshares, and more. You can really gain exceptional value from this card as a Preferred Rewards member, though. With a minimum combined average daily balance in an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account, you can increase your rewards earnings by 25%, 50%, or 75%. As a Platinum Honors Tier or Diamond Tier member with at least $100,000 across eligible accounts, for example, you can earn 3.5x points on travel and dining purchases and 2.62x points on all other purchases with your Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card. Luxury airline and hotel credit cards While the cards above are fantastic travel credit cards with flexible rewards, there are also plenty of premium credit cards from popular airline and hotel loyalty programs. These are some to consider if you're a frequent traveler and loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain. Premium airline credit cards Premium hotel credit cards This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy With $1,100 and Hold Forever
Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) recently released its full-year operating results and capped off another excellent year for investors. The stock finished the year up 25.5%. Since Warren Buffett became CEO six decades ago, Berkshire has delivered nearly 20% compounded annually to investors. This stellar long-term performance is why investors closely monitor Berkshire Hathaway's investment portfolio. Every quarter, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires institutional investors with over $100 million in assets under management to file Form 13F, which discloses their investment holdings. While Berkshire has trimmed several of its stock positions over the past year, it continues to hold on to some of its best performing stocks. Here are three Buffett stocks that could make an excellent addition to your long-term portfolio today. American Express (NYSE: AXP) has carved out a place as consumers' go-to card thanks to its strong branding and marketing. Since it first entered the credit card market in the 1950s, the credit card company has positioned itself as a premium offering that customers often associate with luxury and decadence. Over the decades, American Express has attracted high-earning, high-spending customers with its invite-only Centurion Card (Black Card). This card is the ultimate signal of luxury, reportedly requiring a quarter of a million dollars in annual spending and commanding an annual fee of $5,000. Its Platinum Card is a more affordable option, with a $695 annual fee, and rewards high-spending consumers with perks like airport lounges, travel rewards, and credits for dining and entertainment. The company earns interest income from its credit card loans. Also, it collects a small fee for every transaction through its network, helping it benefit from periods of growing consumer spending alongside an expanding economy. This, coupled with its recognizable brand, is why Berkshire Hathaway invested in the company in the 1990s and continues to hold its shares today, making it one of Berkshire's longest held investments in its stock portfolio. Last year was another excellent one for the company, which grew revenue by 10% to $74 billion while earnings per share (EPS) surged 25% to $14.02. The stock recently fell after CFO Christophe Le Caillec guided down earnings growth for the first quarter. However, the recent weakness in the stock looks like a solid buying opportunity for long-term investors. Moody's (NYSE: MCO) is another stock that has been a part of Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio since it spun off from Dun & Bradstreet in 2000. Moody's is the second largest credit rating agency in the United States, behind only S&P Global. Because of the high barriers to entry, Moody's enjoys a significant competitive advantage. Not only do regulations make it hard to break into credit ratings, but all of the major credit rating agencies (including Fitch Ratings, the third largest in the U.S.) have built up their businesses and reputations over a century or longer. Moody's benefits from the ongoing growth of public and private debt, which requires their expertise in credit ratings to help investors manage their risks effectively. In the past few years, rising interest rates have put pressure on corporate debt issuance, weighing on one of Moody's primary sources of revenue. Despite this, the company has performed well thanks to its Moody's Analytics segment, which provides risk-related data and analytics. With its high retention rates and a subscription-based revenue model, this segment helps offset weakness in its credit ratings business and provides a steady income stream. Moody's continues to grow steadily and has an excellent operating margin of around 42%. The company continues to reward investors through dividends and share buybacks, and is a stellar Buffett stock to hold on to for the long haul. Chubb (NYSE: CB) is one of Berkshire Hathaway's more recent stock additions in the past couple of years, with the conglomerate adding 27 million shares in late 2023 and early 2024. The company had accumulated this position over several quarters, keeping its purchase confidential so as not to tip its hand to investors. Chubb is a large multinational insurance company with a global reach. The company's coverages include property, casualty, professional liability, cybersecurity, environmental, marine, and general liability. What makes Chubb stand out is its ability to balance risk and price its policies appropriately to earn an underwriting profit consistently. Over several decades, the company has consistently outperformed peers in underwriting profitability, which is a big reason it has grown its dividend payout for 31 consecutive years. Another benefit to owning Chubb is its ability to capitalize on today's higher interest rate environment. Chubb has a significant investment portfolio of $150 billion. With interest rates today higher than in the previous decade, Chubb can enjoy increased yields on its fixed-income investments, contributing to its overall profitability. Last year, Chubb earned $5.9 billion in net investment income, an increase of 20% from 2023. Chubb has a proven track record of underwriting discipline and is well positioned to grow alongside an expanding economy or inflation, should it persist. The company's global reach, pricing power, and significant investment portfolio make it another excellent Buffett stock to hold on to for the long haul. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $311,551!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $44,990!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $519,375!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.*Stock Advisor returns as of February 24, 2025 American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Courtney Carlsen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway, Moody's, and S&P Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy With $1,100 and Hold Forever was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
01-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
3 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy With $1,100 and Hold Forever
Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B) recently released its full-year operating results and capped off another excellent year for investors. The stock finished the year up 25.5%. Since Warren Buffett became CEO six decades ago, Berkshire has delivered nearly 20% compounded annually to investors. This stellar long-term performance is why investors closely monitor Berkshire Hathaway's investment portfolio. Every quarter, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires institutional investors with over $100 million in assets under management to file Form 13F, which discloses their investment holdings. While Berkshire has trimmed several of its stock positions over the past year, it continues to hold on to some of its best performing stocks. Here are three Buffett stocks that could make an excellent addition to your long-term portfolio today. American Express American Express (NYSE: AXP) has carved out a place as consumers' go-to card thanks to its strong branding and marketing. Since it first entered the credit card market in the 1950s, the credit card company has positioned itself as a premium offering that customers often associate with luxury and decadence. Over the decades, American Express has attracted high-earning, high-spending customers with its invite-only Centurion Card (Black Card). This card is the ultimate signal of luxury, reportedly requiring a quarter of a million dollars in annual spending and commanding an annual fee of $5,000. Its Platinum Card is a more affordable option, with a $695 annual fee, and rewards high-spending consumers with perks like airport lounges, travel rewards, and credits for dining and entertainment. The company earns interest income from its credit card loans. Also, it collects a small fee for every transaction through its network, helping it benefit from periods of growing consumer spending alongside an expanding economy. This, coupled with its recognizable brand, is why Berkshire Hathaway invested in the company in the 1990s and continues to hold its shares today, making it one of Berkshire's longest held investments in its stock portfolio. Last year was another excellent one for the company, which grew revenue by 10% to $74 billion while earnings per share (EPS) surged 25% to $14.02. The stock recently fell after CFO Christophe Le Caillec guided down earnings growth for the first quarter. However, the recent weakness in the stock looks like a solid buying opportunity for long-term investors. Moody's Corporation Moody's (NYSE: MCO) is another stock that has been a part of Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio since it spun off from Dun & Bradstreet in 2000. Moody's is the second largest credit rating agency in the United States, behind only S&P Global. Because of the high barriers to entry, Moody's enjoys a significant competitive advantage. Not only do regulations make it hard to break into credit ratings, but all of the major credit rating agencies (including Fitch Ratings, the third largest in the U.S.) have built up their businesses and reputations over a century or longer. Moody's benefits from the ongoing growth of public and private debt, which requires their expertise in credit ratings to help investors manage their risks effectively. In the past few years, rising interest rates have put pressure on corporate debt issuance, weighing on one of Moody's primary sources of revenue. Despite this, the company has performed well thanks to its Moody's Analytics segment, which provides risk-related data and analytics. With its high retention rates and a subscription-based revenue model, this segment helps offset weakness in its credit ratings business and provides a steady income stream. Moody's continues to grow steadily and has an excellent operating margin of around 42%. The company continues to reward investors through dividends and share buybacks, and is a stellar Buffett stock to hold on to for the long haul. Chubb Chubb (NYSE: CB) is one of Berkshire Hathaway's more recent stock additions in the past couple of years, with the conglomerate adding 27 million shares in late 2023 and early 2024. The company had accumulated this position over several quarters, keeping its purchase confidential so as not to tip its hand to investors. Chubb is a large multinational insurance company with a global reach. The company's coverages include property, casualty, professional liability, cybersecurity, environmental, marine, and general liability. What makes Chubb stand out is its ability to balance risk and price its policies appropriately to earn an underwriting profit consistently. Over several decades, the company has consistently outperformed peers in underwriting profitability, which is a big reason it has grown its dividend payout for 31 consecutive years. Another benefit to owning Chubb is its ability to capitalize on today's higher interest rate environment. Chubb has a significant investment portfolio of $150 billion. With interest rates today higher than in the previous decade, Chubb can enjoy increased yields on its fixed-income investments, contributing to its overall profitability. Last year, Chubb earned $5.9 billion in net investment income, an increase of 20% from 2023. Chubb has a proven track record of underwriting discipline and is well positioned to grow alongside an expanding economy or inflation, should it persist. The company's global reach, pricing power, and significant investment portfolio make it another excellent Buffett stock to hold on to for the long haul. Don't miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $311,551!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $44,990!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $519,375!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. Continue » *Stock Advisor returns as of February 28, 2025
