Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card vs. Amex Cash Magnet Card [Detailed Comparison]

Wouldn’t it be great if every daily purchase you made earned cash-back that could accumulate for use at a later date or to offset your monthly expenses? Having an everyday spending card is a solution that automatically ensures every purchase is earning rewards.

While American Express issues several everyday spending cards, today we’re focusing on 2 popular options — the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express and the American Express Cash Magnet^® card.

Both cards earn cash-back on every purchase and have benefits that provide protection and save you money. Determining which card is better for your situation takes just a few minutes of reading.

Join us as we compare these 2 possible choices for everyday earning cards — the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and the Amex Cash Magnet card.

Update:The American Express Cash Magnet^® card is no longer open to new applicants.

Overview

Before we dive into the details of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and the Amex Cash Magnet card, let’s have a quick look at a summary comparison of our 2 featured cards.

Here are the key features and benefits you’ll find on the cards.

Welcome Offer Comparison

Once you’re approved for either the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card or the Amex Cash Magnet card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn additional cash-back by meeting minimum spending requirements to qualify for a welcome bonus.

Welcome offers can vary, so we’ve provided the most current ones (with some additional information) in the following card snapshots.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card

HIGHEST CASH BACK

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
• 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

Amex Cash Magnet Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express Cash Magnet^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

*The information regarding the American Express Cash Magnet^® Card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.

All information about American Express Cash Magnet^® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express Cash Magnet^® Card

*The information regarding the American Express Cash Magnet^® Card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.

Welcome Offer

No offer available.

No offer available

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% on purchases for 15 months, from account opening,Ongoing APR: 19.24%-29.99% variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the American Express Cash Magnet^® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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Those who are looking for a simple and straightforward cash-back credit card will love the American Express Cash Magnet^® Card. With no annual fee to worry about and no bonus categories to fuss over, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’re earning cash-back rewards on every purchase — without needing to pay anything out of pocket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Rental car insurance

Cons

• 2.7% foreign transaction fees
• No category specific bonus categories

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• No welcome offer available.
• Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on your purchases.
• Plan It^® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
• Amex Offers rewards you at places you like to shop, dine, travel, and more. You can add as many Offers as you’d like to your Card, then just use that Card to pay, and enjoy rewards directly on your statement.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.
• No Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% on purchases for 15 months, from account opening,Ongoing APR: 19.24%-29.99% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars.

Earning Potential Comparison

Referral Bonus Opportunities

Once you have either the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card or the Amex Cash Magnet card, you may be able to refer family or friends for an American Express card and receive a cash-back bonus.

When you make a referral and the individual is approved for any available American Express card, you can receive the cash-back referral bonus. Learn more about the Amex Refer-a-friend process.

Spending on the Card

It’s easy to accumulate cash-back Reward Dollars on everyday purchases with either of our featured cards.

Here’s how you’ll earn by spending on either the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card or the Amex Cash Magnet card:

If you spend $500 or less each month at the supermarket, you’ll earn well on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card at 6% cash-back compared to the Amex Cash Magnet card at 1.5%. Add in any purchases for select streaming services, gas stations, and transit, and you’ll come out ahead with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card.

If your household spending mix is more on large expenditures such as tuition, household repairs, medical expenses, or other non-bonus category spending, you could do better with the Amex Cash Magnet card.

Because earning potential is just 1 key reason for selecting a specific card, let’s look at the additional benefits of our featured cards.

Redemption Options

Cash-back earned on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and Amex Cash Magnet card is earned as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit. It’s your choice whether to accumulate cash-back and use it for a special purchase or redeem it monthly to offset your expenses.

In addition, you can redeem Reward Dollars for gift cards or merchandise, but you may receive less value with these redemptions.

Reward Dollars cannot be used to make the minimum payment due on your account.

Statement Credits — Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card

Receive a statement credit of $7 each month when you use your card to purchase an eligible auto-renewing Disney Bundle streaming subscription for $9.99 or more, up to $84 each year in credits. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S., and enrollment is required.

Travel Protection and Benefits Comparison

While neither of our featured cards offers a great deal of travel protections and benefits, you will find a couple of useful perks on both cards.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Reserve and pay for your entire car rental with your Amex Blue Cash Preferred card or Amex Cash Magnet card, decline the rental agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive secondary car rental protection for damage or theft of the rental car.

Secondary car rental coverage means that you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance. Both cards do provide access to purchase Amex Premium Protection, with primary car rental coverage, for 1 low price ($12.25 to $24.95) that covers the entire rental period of up to 42 days.

Global Assist Hotline

Travel with the confidence that you’ll have 24/7 access to assistance with arranging emergency transportation, medical or legal referrals, translation services, and much more. Cardholders are responsible for the actual services received after referral services.

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and Amex Cash Magnet card come with several shopping protections and benefits that can minimize loss if something should go wrong with an eligible purchase or save you money on select purchases.

Here are the shopping protections and benefits you’ll find on both of our featured cards:

Purchase Protection

Use the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card or the Amex Cash Magnet card to purchase an eligible item and receive coverage for damage or theft for up to 90 days from the purchase date. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per eligible item, up to $50,000 per card account per calendar year.

Amex Offers

Amex Offers can save you hundreds of dollars each year. You’ll find a list of up to 100 offers when you log in to your online card account and scroll to the bottom section of the home page. Enroll in the offers you like to your card, make the eligible purchase, and receive additional cash-back.

Extended Warranty and Return Protection — Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card

You’ll find extended warranty protection on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, along with return protection.

Extended warranty coverage will add 1 additional year to eligible items with manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less. With return protection, if a merchant will not accept the return of an eligible item purchased with your card within 90 days after the purchase date, you could receive up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per card account per calendar year.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card has an annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (rates & fees). The Amex Cash Magnet card has a $0 annual fee.

Adding an authorized user to either card can help you earn cash-back even more quickly. Neither card charges a fee to add authorized users.

Additional Features and Benefits

Introductory 0% APR Periods and $0 Plan It® Fees

Making a large purchase and paying it back over time without interest charges is a real benefit that can save you money:

• Amex Blue Cash Preferred card:
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 18.24% - 29.24%
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It^® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors. There is no sign-up, application, or enrollment required for the Plan It feature for Amex Payment Flexibility.
• Amex Cash Magnet card:
  • None

Recommended Alternative Everyday Spending Cards

American Express issues several everyday spending cards, making it easy to find a match for your spending mix, the level of annual fee you’re comfortable with, and a card that provides benefits you can use.

Here are just 2 additional American Express cards we recommend that will ensure you earn rewards on every daily purchase:

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
• 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
• 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.

Cons

• Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday^® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday^® Card.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

We like that the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card has a $0 annual fee (rates & fees), though it earns well on daily purchases, including those at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases.

One additional key benefit of the card is its 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.24%-29.24% This allows you to transfer high-interest credit card balances to the card and pay the balance off over time without interest charges (rates & fees).

American Express^® Gold Card

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® 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.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Gold card is American Express’s flagship everyday spending card. It earns flexible and valuable Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed with airline and hotel partners for excellent potential value.

In addition to strong earning potential and flexible redemption options, you’ll want to check out the numerous statement credits offered by the card. These present significant economic value that can offset the $325 annual fee (rates & fees).

Final Thoughts

It’s wise to have at least 1 everyday spending card in your wallet for earning rewards on daily purchases. You will want to select carefully and choose a card that best rewards your specific spending mix.

Also, it’s recommended to have a good to excellent credit score, considered 670 and above, to be approved for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card or the Amex Cash Magnet card. We recommend a score of 700 or above to increase your chances for approval.

While the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and Amex Cash Magnet card are excellent choices, you may want to review our additional picks for the best consumer and business credit cards for everyday expenses.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the global assist hotline benefit of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, when an American Express^® card member charges a covered purchase with their eligible card, purchase protection can help protect their covered purchases for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, with return protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express^® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.