American Express Company

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Somewhat Bullish +40

8 best American Express cards of June 2026

📈 The Blue Cash Preferred® Card earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on purchases up to $6,000 per year, then drops to 1%.

🎬 It also offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% at eligible U.S. gas stations and transit.

💳 Users receive Reward Dollars redeemable as statement credits or directly at Amazon.com checkout.

🚀 An intro APR offer provides 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months after opening.

💸 There is a $95 annual fee starting in the second year, though up to $300 cash back welcome offers are available after meeting spending requirements.

🎥 A monthly Disney Bundle credit of up to $10 is included upon enrollment and subscription purchases via Amex.

🛒 Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped after the initial $6,000 annual threshold.

💰 The American Express Platinum Card® holds the distinction of being best for premium perks and luxury travel benefits.

🍽️ The American Express® Gold Card is ranked as the top choice specifically for dining-related spending rewards.

✈️ The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is highlighted as the best option for Delta Air Lines travelers.

💡 For consumers with average credit, the Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card offers dining, gas, and travel rewards.

🏢 The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from Amex is named the best no annual fee business card.

✈️ The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is selected as the top premium business card option.

🛡️ CNBC Select's methodology evaluates cards across categories including cash back, premium perks, no fees, and business benefits.

📅 These recommendations are current as of June 2026 for various Amex products.

Bullish Signals
  • The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a strong intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers.
  • Cardholders can earn up to $300 in cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of membership.
  • The card provides 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year and 6% on select streaming subscriptions.
  • The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, making it accessible for new users.
  • Users receive access to useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit upon enrollment.
  • High cash-back earnings are available for specific categories including U.S. supermarkets and streaming services.
  • The card features a Buy Now, Pay Later plan called Plan It® that allows splitting purchases into equal monthly installments with rewards still earned on purchases.
  • Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is highlighted as the best no annual fee business card option available.
Risk Factors
  • The Blue Cash Preferred® Card's high 6% cash back rate on groceries is limited to a $6,000 annual cap, after which earnings drop significantly to just 1%.
  • Beyond the first year, users face an annual fee of $95, which reduces the net value of rewards for many consumers.
  • The introductory APR of 0% lasts only 12 months; afterward, the variable APR jumps to a range of 19.49%-28.49%, potentially increasing borrowing costs substantially.
  • Welcome offers such as cash back or statement credits are variable and not guaranteed, meaning many cardholders may receive less than advertised bonuses like the up to $300 cash back offer.
  • The monthly Disney Bundle credit requires enrollment, adding complexity to claiming benefits compared to more automatic perks.
Full Analysis
CNBC Select released its roundup of the best American Express cards for June 2026, led by Senior Reporter Jason Stauffer, identifying specific cards for various consumer needs and spending profiles. The article categorizes recommendations into distinct tiers based on perks, cash back potential, annual fees, and business utility, noting that American Express first issued a card in 1958 and now offers products ranging from premium travel benefits to streamlined business expense solutions. The top pick for cash back is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, which offers an intro annual fee of $0 for the first year followed by $95 thereafter, with potential welcome bonuses up to $300 cash back (Reward Dollars) after spending $3,000 in six months on approved purchases. The standout rewards structure includes 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets up to an annual cap of $6,000 in eligible purchases, 6% on select streaming subscriptions, and 3% at gas stations and transit locations like taxis, rideshare, parking, and tolls. Additional recommendations include the American Express Platinum Card for premium perks, the Blue Cash Everyday for no annual fee needs, the Amex Gold for dining rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Gold for airline loyalty, the Credit One Bank Wander for average credit users, the Blue Business Plus as the top no-fee business option, and the Business Platinum for premium business spending. The Blue Cash Preferred also features a monthly Disney Bundle credit with auto-renewal requirements, offering up to $10 in statement credits at eligible streaming sites like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, alongside a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months transitioning to a variable rate between 19.49% and 28.49%. All benefits, cash-back earnings, and fees are subject to terms and conditions provided by the issuer, which CNBC Select notes were not independently reviewed by their editorial staff beyond highlighting that offers may change and availability varies by applicant eligibility.