
American Express co branded cards are designed to provide tailored benefits to cardholders. These benefits can be highly rewarding, especially for those who frequently shop at specific merchants.
Cardholders can earn rewards in the form of points or cash back on purchases made at participating merchants. For example, the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 6% cash back on groceries, making it an excellent choice for families with large grocery bills.
By choosing a co branded card, cardholders can maximize their rewards earnings and enjoy a more personalized experience.
On a similar theme: Best Cash Back American Express Card
Types of Co-Branded Cards
Co-branded American Express cards can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. Co-branded cards are store credit cards that use the American Express payment network, but are underwritten by other banks.
These cards have a lower merchant acceptance rate compared to Visa or Mastercard. You also won't get the same level of service and protections that come with cards issued directly by American Express.
In fact, the only co-branded Amex cards are Delta, Marriott, and Hilton, unless you count the different platinum versions. Any other card that uses the Amex network but is underwritten by another bank is still considered co-branded, like store cards with 2 brands including American Express.
For your interest: How to Use American Express Gift Card in Store
Benefits of Co-Branded Cards

Co-branded cards offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice among consumers.
One of the main advantages of co-branded cards is the ability to earn rewards in multiple categories, such as cash back, points, or travel miles, as seen in the example of the airline and hotel co-branded card.
Co-branded cards often come with exclusive benefits, like priority customer service, travel insurance, or airport lounge access.
These benefits can be especially valuable for frequent travelers, as they can save time and money on travel-related expenses.
In addition to rewards and benefits, co-branded cards often offer competitive interest rates and low fees.
For your interest: American Express Mercedes Benz Platinum Card Benefits
Targeted Marketing Strategy
A targeted marketing strategy is key to making co-branded cards a success. By understanding your audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with them.
For instance, the co-branded card between a popular airline and a hotel chain effectively targeted travelers who frequently book flights and hotel rooms. This demographic is likely to be interested in earning rewards on travel-related purchases.
A targeted marketing strategy also involves creating relevant content that speaks to your audience's interests. The co-branded card between a popular retailer and a credit card issuer, for example, offers rewards on purchases made at the retailer's stores.
By focusing on the interests of your target audience, you can create a marketing strategy that drives real results. The co-branded card between a popular restaurant chain and a credit card issuer, for example, offers rewards on dining purchases, which is a key interest area for many consumers.
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Co-Branded Store Cards
Co-branded store cards are cards that use the American Express payment network, but are underwritten by other banks, not American Express.
These cards are often referred to as co-branded or third-party American Express store credit cards, because they have two brands associated with them, including American Express.
Examples of co-branded store cards include the Delta, Marriott, and Hilton cards, which use the American Express payment network but are not issued by American Express.
You may face lower merchant acceptance with these cards compared to Visa or Mastercard.
You won't get the same level of service and protections as cards issued directly by American Express.
Additional reading: People That Use American Express
Credit Cards with Premium Services
Credit Cards with Premium Services offer exclusive benefits to their cardholders. Many airlines and hotels offer premium credit cards that provide lounge access, priority check-in, and upgraded travel perks.
Some premium credit cards offer rewards and cashback on travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. This can be a great way to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, as well as 2X points on travel and dining purchases. This card also offers a $95 annual fee.
Premium credit cards often come with higher fees, but they can provide significant value to frequent travelers. By understanding the benefits and fees of these cards, you can decide if they're right for you.
The Citi Premier Card offers 3X points on travel, including gas stations, and has no foreign transaction fees. This card also offers a $95 annual fee.
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Delta Unveils New Credit Cards
Delta has revamped its co-branded credit cards with American Express to offer more rewards and benefits.
The new cards will allow travelers to use companion certificates to fly outside of the continental U.S. for the first time, to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America.
Cardholders can also earn more in annual statement credits for meals at restaurants that use the Resy reservation system and for certain ride-share trips, with the Platinum card offering up to $390 in credits.
The added perks come with higher annual fees, increasing to $650 for the Delta SkyMiles American Express Reserve and Reserve Business cards, and to $350 for Platinum cards.
The fee increase won't affect existing customers until their renewal dates starting May 1.
The updates aim to expand the card's value proposition beyond spending with Delta and at airports, by covering the entire travel experience.
Explore further: American Express Delta Travel
Examples of Co-Branded Cards
Co-branded cards are a type of credit card that combines the benefits of two brands, including American Express. They are issued by banks and use the American Express payment network.
These cards are not issued directly by American Express, but rather by other banks that partner with American Express to offer the cards. For example, Delta, Marriott, and Hilton are some of the co-branded cards offered by American Express.
Co-branded cards can offer unique benefits and rewards, such as earning points or miles with a specific airline or hotel chain. They can also provide additional perks, such as access to airport lounges or exclusive travel benefits.
The article highlights the example of Delta and American Express co-branded credit cards, which offer new rewards and benefits, including companion certificates for flights outside the continental US. The cards also come with higher annual fees, increasing to $650 for the Delta SkyMiles American Express Reserve and Reserve Business cards.
One thing to note is that co-branded cards can have lower merchant acceptance compared to other cards like Visa or Mastercard. However, they can offer superior service and protections, which may be a trade-off for some users.
Additional reading: Delta Gift Card American Express Platinum
Frequently Asked Questions
What companies have co-branded credit cards?
Several major companies have partnered with credit card issuers to create co-branded credit cards, including airlines (United, American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest), hotel chains (Marriott), and retailers (Costco and Disney). These partnerships offer rewards and benefits tailored to the company's loyal customers.
Can I have both Amex Gold and Amex Platinum?
Yes, you can have both Amex Gold and Amex Platinum, but it's often more beneficial to wait for a signup bonus on one card
Is it easier to get co-branded credit cards?
Co-branded credit cards may have more lenient approval requirements, but approval is never guaranteed and depends on your credit score and history. Approval for any credit card is based on your individual creditworthiness.
What are co-branded cards?
Co-branded cards are special credit cards created by a merchant and a credit card issuer, offering exclusive benefits to loyal customers. They often feature the merchant's logo and rewards tailored to their brand.
Sources
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-ca/credit-cards/all-cards/co-branded-cards/
- https://www.emarketer.com/content/american-express-cardless-team-up-broaden-co-brand-card-capabilities
- https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Co-branded-American-Express-store-credit-cards/td-p/6003378
- https://ffnews.com/newsarticle/cardless-to-launch-co-branded-credit-cards-on-the-american-express-network/
- https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/feb/01/american-express-delta-unveil-cards-with-new-perks/
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