While most people have a Visa or MasterCard credit card, American Express cards have a range of features that could be an advantage in the hands of the right person.

As a credit card provider committed to providing experiences as well as service, American Express goes one step further with credit card offers and rewards. But, like all good services, they come at a price and looking at card features will help you decide whether it is time to go Amex.

American Express Rewards

For people who are comfortable and can afford to use credit as their main form of payment, the rewards through American Express are some of the best around.

In fact, the Platinum MoneyBack credit card is one of the only cards to offer 5% of your money back for the first three months when you spend $6000 or more, then 1% money back after that.

With a range of Gold and Platinum cards available, some of the other great American Express rewards across these cards include:

• Complimentary economy return flights with Virgin Blue
• Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance
• Travel expertise and preferential treatment

Cardholders will also have access to the American Express Membership Rewards Ascent program, which has over 1500 rewards options for major travel, shopping and entertainment brands including Sony, Singapore Airlines, David Jones, Moet and Chandon and Marriott hotels. With the membership program cardholders have a way of earning even more rewards when they use their American Express cards.

Credit Card Accessibility

Regardless of the name, American Express cards are accepted around the world. Some American Express cards are even available through department stores, like David Jones, for even better access and rewards when shopping. With this card you can get $100 David Jones gift cards for every 13,300 points and exclusive in-store offers.

Generally American Express credit cards will be accepted in most places that take Visa or MasterCard, but this is not always the case.

However, American Express does encourage cardholders to let them know when their card is not accepted, so the service should improve over time.

The Cost of American Express

With so many great rewards and options, this kind of credit card also has more eligibility requirements. Most of the American Express credit cards require an income of $40,000 or more, and a strong credit rating to be approved.

The interest rates tend to be under 21% p.a. and annual fees range from $0 for the Gold Ascent credit card up to $900 for the American Express Platinum card.

Because the great rewards American Express offers are based on how often you use the card, it can be a risk when it comes to repayments if you are not used to credit card rewards.

If you think you may struggle to meet repayments, or any other requirement for an Amex card, think of it as something worth striving for. That way the card can be a reward in itself.