The American Express Basic Card offers no rewards and the only American Express "perk" is access to American Express Experiences, which is also available on a number of other American Express cards. As a charge card you must pay off the full balance every month.

Basic Card by American Express Features

While the Basic Card is one of American Express’s charge cards, it does not participate in the Membership Rewards program like the other charge cards. The Basic Card offers no rewards or benefits to speak of, other than access to American Express Experiences. As a charge card, you are required to pay off the full balance every month.

American Express Experiences

American Express Experiences gives you access to advance tickets and specially reserved seating, providing the chance to get tickets before they go on general sale.

Basic Card by American Express Review

The Basic Card offers a narrower set of features than Amex's other cards. As a charge card you have to pay off your balance in full every month and it offers no rewards or perks, beyond access to American Express Experiences. American Express Experiences can provide value - you may get access to "impossible-to-find" tickets, for instance - you can find this same perk on many of American Express’s other free and paid cards.

For example, the Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card charges no fee and rewards users with 5% for the first five months (capped at £125 cashback) and between 0.5% and 1% after this initial period, depending on how much they spend.

As a charge card, there is no pre-set spending limit: purchases are approved based on a variety of factors, including account history, credit record and personal resources; security may be required.

How Does the Basic Card Compare to Other Amex Cards?

Below are two fee-free rewards cards, for comparison.

Amex Basic Card vs Amex Cashback Everyday Card

The Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card is a no-fee cashback credit card for everyday shopping, which returns 0.5% or 1% on regular spending, plus an initial 5% cashback welcome bonus. This card also provides access to American Express Experiences, plus Purchase and Refund Protection, Global Assist and Travel Accident Insurance. You must spend at least £3,000 on your card each year to receive any cashback rewards.

Representative example: Representative 29.1% APR variable. Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.1% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee.

Quick Takeaway: The Amex Cashback Everyday card is free and earn 0.5% or 1% on general spending. Note that interest charges on balances carried month to month can easily offset any rewards.

Amex Basic Card vs Partnership Card

The Partnership Card offers a 1.25% rate for a free Mastercard, for those who shop at John Lewis and Waitrose. Expect to earn 1.25% on John Lewis/Waitrose shopping and 0.1% elsewhere. Rewards are distributed three times a year as vouchers to use in store at John Lewis or Waitrose, as you see fit.

Representative example: Representative 29.9% APR variable. Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.95% p.a. (variable) with no annual fee.

Quick Takeaway: The Partnership Card is free and earns 1.25% at John Lewis and Waitrose, though only 0.1% elsewhere, and runs on Mastercard, which is accepted nearly everywhere.

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Card details correct as of 15 September 2026. Terms, rates and features are subject to change — always verify current details before applying. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.