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American Express cards offer some of the best reward rates and benefits you can find on a credit card, but not every American Express branded card is actually issued by an institution.
In fact, there are quite a few third-party American Express cards, each with their own set of perks and benefits for cardholders. Many American Express cards are even issued by major financial institutions that you’ve probably heard of, including PenFed Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and US Bank.
When you subscribe to an American Express card through another bank’s website, that bank is the card issuer. You will earn rewards with this bank and use the issuer’s account portals.
If you’re wondering how this mechanism works and why third-party American Express cards exist, you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about how third-party American Express cards work and which credit cards currently fall into this category.
What is a third party American Express card?
A third-party American Express card is a credit card that is processed by American Express (not Visa or Mastercard) but not issued by American Express. For example, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® credit card is issued by the USAA even though it has Amex in its name.
This means they are receiving USAA refunds and not earning Amex refunds or Membership Rewards points. All payments to your card balance and redemption of rewards are processed by USAA. Then, as with a bank-issued Visa or Mastercard, the merchant’s transactions are processed by American Express.
Because a third party American Express card is designed by the card issuer and not by American Express, its benefits and security measures are also determined by the card issuer. Therefore, while you may be eligible for benefits such as roadside assistance or an extended warranty, you will need to refer to your bank’s card benefits guide, not to the American Express benefits site.
Keep this in mind if you have a third party American Express card.
Because third-party American Express cards are issued by a bank other than Amex, you will receive any rewards through your issuer’s portal and not through the membership rewards portal. You will use your bank account portal, the application and any additional programs.
Similarly, if you have a question about your card, you can contact the card issuer’s customer support. For example, if you have a Wells Fargo Propel American Express®* card, you can find answers to your questions on the Wells Fargo website or by calling Wells Fargo Customer Service.
Also, just because a card is an American Express card doesn’t mean it’s a payment card. In fact, most third-party American Express cards are traditional credit cards.
Popular Third Party American Express Cards
Pros and Cons of Using a Third Party American Express Card
For the most part, you may not notice any difference if your credit card is processed by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. However, there are a few pros and cons to keep in mind. For example, third-party American Express cardholders can take advantage of card-related offers through American Express Connect.
On the other hand, American Express cards are not as widely accepted by merchants as Visa or Mastercard, especially when traveling abroad. This can be a deterrent for frequent international travelers.
Also note that bonus credit cards issued by American Express tend to have the best perks and rewards for cardholders. With that in mind, you should take the time to compare all of your credit card options actually issued by third-party Amex and American Express cards.
Cards issued by American Express
When it comes to finding the right credit card for your needs, you might be surprised by what you find when you start researching credit cards issued directly by American Express. Some cards from this issuer not only offer reliable cashback programs, but many allow you to earn points in the popular and versatile American Express Membership Rewards program.
With any of their cards, you will use the American Express app, website and rewards portal to manage all of your benefits. American Express cards also have full access to Amex, American Express Travel and any other Amex offer.
While American Express is well known for issuing premium credit cards with higher annual fees, such as the American Express® Gold Card or Platinum Card® from American Express, the issuer also offers many credit cards that offer rewards for everyday purchases with a fee. . lower annual fee.
For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers one of the best earning rates you can find on US supermarket shopping and some US streaming service subscriptions. The popular Amex EveryDay® credit card from American Express* also allows users to earn American Express Membership Rewards without an annual fee.
Amex also offers co-branded cards for several hotel brands and airlines such as the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.
bottom line
If you have a Visa, Mastercard or Amex card, you have many benefits. Just make sure you know who issues your credit card and what perks and benefits you have access to. Third-party American Express cards can be valuable in their own right, but Amex-issued credit cards are popular for a reason.
*All information about the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express, American Express Federal More Rewards Card, PenFed Pathfinder Rewards American Express Card, USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Credit Card and the Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card was independently obtained by CreditCards.com and has not been verified or approved by the issuer.
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