How to use a Credit Card
Discover some of the best ways to use a Credit Card wisely - from choosing the right Card for you, to timely repayments and making the most of rewards.
Tips on using a Credit Card wisely
Feel confident you're getting the best out of your Credit Card with these tips.
Choose the right Card
From Cashback to Travel Cards, American Express offers Credit Cards with a wide range of rewards and benefits, so you can pick one that works with your lifestyle.
Fees and interest rates can also vary from Card to Card, so it's important to bear your chosen Card's costs in mind.
Read more on our different Card types and how to pick the right one.
If possible, pay your full statement balance
When you spend on a Credit Card, you're borrowing money. If you opt to pay off this balance over several months, interest will be charged on the amount outstanding.
Paying off your full balance when you recieve your statement is a cost-effective way of using a Credit Card, as you won't be charged interest. Read more on Credit Card interest and APR here.
Make repayments on time
Making your Credit Card repayments on time will help you avoid late or missed payment fees - keeping your monthly paymens lower.
There are a number of ways to help you keep on top of Credit Card repayments - from
American Express® App reminders, to setting up a Direct Debit. Read our tips on timely Credit Card Repayments here. And discover the different ways you can repay.
Enjoy Credit Card protection
You can shop confidently with American Express. From Account monitoring to online safety protection and fraud alerts, both you and your Credit Card are in safe hands. Our intelligent security systems, like SafeKey, help to keep things secure – whether you’re shopping in store or online.
American Express® Cards also offer Purchase Protection. With this in place, eligible items are protected against theft and accidental damage for up to 90 days after you've bought them. Purchase Protection insurance terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Take advantage of Credit Card rewards
Depending on your Card type, there are a number of rewards available with American Express Credit Cards. And using your Credit Card for everyday expenses can help you build rewards faster.
Membership Rewards® programme
Membership Rewards allow you to treat yourself – or a loved one – with the points you’ve earned. Choose from Gift Cards, vouchers and donations, or put them towards purchases made on your Card. And our SafeKey Pay with Point functionality enables you to use your Membership Rewards points to pay at thousands of online stores.
You can even use your points for travel, transferring them to one of our airline or hotel partners to cover flights and accommodation.
The best part? Membership Rewards points never expire, so you can hold onto them or build them up for something special.
Cashback
Cashback Credit Cards can earn you cashback on almsot everything you buy (excluding things such as foreign currency and cash withdrawals) - a percentage of your transaction is credited back to you as a loyalty reward. Subject to terms and exclusions1.
Avios
You can earn Avios with our British Airways American Express Credit Cards. These can be redeemed for rewards such as flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car hire and more.
American Express® Experiences
Every Cardmember can enjoy American Express Experiences, granting you exclusive acces to events, shows, restaurants and other experinces. We can get you closer to the action.
Want to learn more about Credit Cards?
Understand fees
Everything you should know about Credit Card fees
Credit Limits
Discover what a credit card limit is and how they work
Interest explained
See how we calculate your monthly interest rates
1. To help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and finances, always read the Cashback Credit Card fine print: For example, this may include terms around minimum spending amounts and Cardmembership fees.