American Express Credit Card Rewards
Maximize your rewards with the best credit cards for American Express
MCC Code
6012
Financial Institutions - Merchandise and Services
Eligible Cards
2
Cards earn rewards
Top Rate
2x miles
No cap
Quick Answer
The best credit card for American Express is Capital One Venture X, earning 2x miles
With no cap, this card is ideal for offline spending at American Express. Alternative options include Citi Double Cash.
Best Credit Cards for American Express
Capital One Venture X
No restrictions
2x miles
No cap
Special Conditions
Earns 2x on everything, 5x on travel via Capital One Travel portal. $395 annual fee.
Citi Double Cash
No restrictions
2% cash back
No cap
Special Conditions
Earns 2% on everything (1% purchase + 1% payment). No annual fee.
Reward Calculator
Estimated Monthly Rewards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCC code for American Express?
American Express uses MCC code 6012, which stands for “Financial Institutions - Merchandise and Services”. This code determines which credit cards earn rewards at this merchant. Banks use MCC codes to categorize transactions and apply bonus rewards accordingly.
What credit cards work at American Express?
The best credit cards for American Express include:
- Capital One Venture X- 2x miles (no cap)
- Citi Double Cash- 2% cash back (no cap)
Is American Express classified as online or offline spending?
American Express is classified as offline spending. This affects card eligibility - some cards only earn rewards on offline transactions. For example, some cards only bonus online purchases, while others only bonus in-person purchases or portal bookings. Always check the merchant's MCC and any issuer caveats before assuming the bonus will post.
How can I maximize rewards at American Express?
To maximize rewards at American Express:
- Use Capital One Venture X for 2x miles on all transactions
- Be mindful of the monthly cap: no cap
- Consider pairing with Citi Double Cash for additional categories
- Track your spending to stay within bonus category limits