The American Express credit card and its advantages

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American Express has a range of different cards. These are known as high-income cards because they offer many luxury benefits and high limits. 

However, to apply for one, you need to go through a more rigorous credit analysis and the minimum income required exceeds the average salary of most Brazilians. 

Are you curious to know more details about this card? 

So, keep reading and find out everything you need to know about Amex credit card! 

How does the American Express credit card work?

You American Express credit cards are part of an American financial services company and are one of the main credit card brands in the world. 

Also known as Amex, the card operates under its own brand and offers many advantages to its customers. 

It works like a regular credit card: you receive a credit limit and can use it to pay for your purchases in installments.  

The card brand, despite being less well-known than Mastercard and Visa, is accepted in millions of establishments in Brazil and abroad.

In addition, it also offers exclusive benefits to its customers. Throughout this text you will find more topics that will help you understand better. How does the Amex credit card work? 

Which bank is the American Express card from?

Currently, the Amex card is issued by two banks: Santander and Bradesco. 

However, Santander only offers two of the three versions of Amex personal cards, while Bradesco offers all three versions. 

Some advantages may vary depending on the issuing bank as well, as you will find out later. 

Who can have an American Express card?

Anyone can apply for the Ame credit cardx, as long as it meets the requirements set by the chosen issuing bank. 

Among the main requirements, we find, for example:

The issuing bank performs a credit and registration analysis to verify whether the applicant is eligible. 

If approved, you will receive your American Express credit card to enjoy the advantages it offers. 

What is the minimum limit for an American Express credit card?

qual o limite do cartão de crédito american express
Image: Canva

Since it is a high-income card, the credit limit is also usually higher. The initial minimum limit may vary depending on the card version. 

Please see the minimum limit for each version below:

American Express Green CardAmerican Express Gold CardAmerican Express The Platinum Card
R$1,750.00R$2,500.00R$14,000.00
Minimum limit for each card.

This limit corresponds to cards issued by Banco Bradesco. However, at Santander, things don't change much. This way, you can get a basic idea of the minimum limit for each card. 

The fixed limit of the card can vary a lot, there is no pre-established number, it depends a lot on how the customer uses the card and their financial profile. 

However, if you are looking for credit cards with high limits, which can increase your purchasing power, Amex cards are great alternatives.

How to get an American Express credit card?

To get the Amex credit card, First of all, you need to meet the requirements. 

However, you can make approval easier by taking a few steps. In addition to keeping your credit score clean, you need to have a good credit score. 

To make this happen, always pay your bills on time. Also, register with a positive credit score and avoid applying for credit frequently. 

To find out more tips that can help you have a good credit score in order to get the American Express credit card, read our Credit Score Handbook. 

Finally, to achieve the Amex credit card more easily, it is important that you make the request at the bank that you are already a customer of.

In other words, if you are already a Bradesco customer or have a card from this bank, request your Amex through it. The same rule applies to Banco Santander customers. 

This will certainly help with approval, since the bank already knows your consumer behavior and financial profile. 

These two banks offer other credit card options, including those that are easier to approve, such as:

Minimum income required to apply for the card

You American Express credit cards are considered high income, this is because the minimum income required to apply for a card is R$1,04,500, for the simplest version. 

In the case of luxury cards, the minimum income requirement is even higher. However, it offers more benefits and a higher credit limit. 

To apply, one of the requirements is proof of income. If you are self-employed and cannot prove your income with a pay stub, read our article and discover 4 ways to prove income for self-employed workers. 

However, it is important to check which proof of income models are accepted by the bank where you plan to apply for your card. 

Because this is a more rigorous analysis, they may be demanding regarding proof of income as well. 

What are the advantages of the American Express credit card?

vantagens
Image: Canva

The benefits offered may vary depending on the card version and issuer. Check out some of the benefits found on all Amex personal cards below. 

#Offers

American Express partners with many companies. The customers are the ones who benefit from these partnerships. 

This is because you can access exclusive offers at Amex partner stores. The benefits can be found in different areas, for example:

You can check out all the discounts and benefits on the Live The Word platform.

On this platform you will find many discounts and other benefits to use on the best brands in Brazil and abroad. Among the brands, we find:

AmaroR$100 OFF on purchases over R$500
Kinoshita50% OFF and complimentary valet, dessert and wine
RappiFree shipping and discounts to your door
QatarDiscounted tickets
BoardComplimentary breakfast and other treats

#Rewards Program

The cards also feature a rewards program called Membership Rewards. All purchases made with your credit card accumulate points. 

However, some cards earn more points than others. One of the main advantages that stands out is that the points do not expire.

You can accumulate it calmly and only use it when you find a good opportunity. 

Points accumulated in the rewards program American Express credit card can be exchanged for products, airline tickets or services. 

#Bourney Benefits

Traveling has many health benefits! If you are a frequent traveler, having an Amex credit card in your wallet can be very beneficial. 

This brand offers exclusive benefits to its travel-loving customers, such as VIP lounges at airports and insurance and assistance.

In the case of insurance and assistance, it is possible to have coverage for:

It is very common for unexpected events to happen when traveling, having a credit card that can alleviate different obstacles can certainly make your trip more peaceful and safe. 

Now, you've discovered almost everything you needed to know about the American Express credit card, so how about finding out about the main options for applying?

Keep reading!  

Top Amex Cards to Apply For

cartão de crédito american express
American Express Flag

Amex has a portfolio of personal, corporate and business cards. However, to make things easier for you, today we will only talk about personal options. 

You can find other alternatives on the Amex website.  

#American Express Green

Banco Santander does not issue this card, only Bradesco. To apply for it, you must present: ID, CPF, complete proof of residence and business, and bank references. 

Its annual fee costs R$438.00, but can be paid in 12 installments of R$36.50. The additional card does not pay the first annual fee, but after this period the annual fee of R$219.00 will be charged for the additional cards (12 installments of R$18.25).

Its limit is granted according to the user's needs, that is, it can adapt to your lifestyle.

With it, you earn 1 point on Livelo and Membership Rewards for every dollar spent on national or international purchases. 

 Points, in turn, can be exchanged for discounts on products and services, experience and also money. 

Did you like this alternative? You can fill out the registration form and request yours on the Bradesco Cartões website. 

#Gold Card

You can request yours American Express Gold Credit Card through Santander or Bradesco. At Santander, you earn points with Esfera and at Bradesco, with Livelo, in addition to earning points in the Amex points program.

You can earn 1.8 Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent on international purchases, plus this card offers exclusive discounts on car rentals and 24/7 Lifestyle Concierge service. 

The annual fee for Gold is R$576.00, but can be paid in 12 installments of R$48.00, and the additional card can be paid in 12 installments of R$24.00, however, the first annual fee is free. 

Among the advantages it offers, we highlight:

Request yours on the Bradesco or Santander website.

#credit card The Platinum Card

The Platinum Card is considered a high-income card, like most Platinum cards. With it, you can earn up to 3.0 points on international purchases. 

To apply, you will only need your ID, CPF, proof of income and residence. The annual fee costs R$1,400.00, but can be paid in 12 installments of R$116.66. 

Additionally, you can have up to two additional cards free of annual fees to share all the benefits it offers.

Despite having a higher cost, it offers more advantages compared to Green and Gold. Among the advantages, we can highlight, for example:

This card is issued by Santander and also by Banco Bradesco. Therefore, request yours through the website, if you are already a customer.

If you are not yet a customer, you will need to open an account, the rule applies to both banks.

Is it worth applying for an American Express credit card?

The Amex credit card offers many benefits and advantages to its users. With it, you increase your purchasing power, but, in addition, it can bring more comfort, quality and security to your life. 

Cards with a higher cost offer even more benefits, so to decide whether or not it is worth it, you first need to compare the cost-benefit. 

Discover all the benefits it offers and see which ones will be useful in your life.

For example, it offers many benefits to be used when traveling. If you don't travel often, is it worth having a card with this cost in your wallet?

Before you decide, get to know the cards well and evaluate them carefully to make a good deal. You can find more information about each version on the American Express website. 

Conclusion

As you can see, the American Express credit card It brings many advantages and benefits, and can certainly be a great ally for your travels and other areas of your life.  

Regardless of your choice, use your card wisely and always have control over your finances. 

Keep following the blog's news. Here you will find lots of content that will help you organize your finances and choose the best financial products and services on the market.