American Express France

In France, American Express cards stand out from other bank cards on the French market by offering a plethora of benefits, including the collection of points and Miles. Indeed, when it comes to earning Miles, few options can, in our opinion, compete with American Express cards and its Membership Rewards loyalty program. But that’s not all. American Express cards are also distinguished by their extensive insurance benefits, giving cardholders extra peace of mind and top-notch customer service.

The most popular American Express cards in France include Gold American Express, Platinum American Express and Air France KLM American Express. With such a wide range of bank cards to choose from, it’s essential to take the time to carefully examine the specific advantages offered by each one, so as to select the one that best meets your needs and expectations. Today, Milesopedia takes a look at the various cards offered by American Express and the benefits that come with them, and gives its review of their features.

Everyone knows American Express, but few people really know what sets it apart from the other major French banks. Ranked third worldwide after Visa and Mastercard, American Express, commonly known as Amex, is a world-renowned international financial company.

Founded in the United States in 1850, it has established itself as one of the leading companies specializing in financial services, particularly payment card distribution. Renowned for its prestige and reliability, American Express offers a wide range of credit cards for both individuals and businesses.

Membership Rewards is the loyalty program offered by American Express bank cards that rewards all purchases made by earning points.

Each transaction brings us closer to the rewards that travellers appreciate, whether it’s business-class flights or hotel accommodations.

Accumulated points do not expire as long as you are an American Express cardholder, but if your membership is terminated, it is necessary to transfer or redeem your points to prevent them from expiring. You can change your bank card at any time without affecting your points balance. As long as you have a card that includes the Membership Rewards program, your points will be preserved and you can continue to enjoy its benefits.

In France, there are seven American Express cards for individuals, including three in collaboration with Air France KLM, which earn Flying Blue Miles directly rather than Membership Rewards points. Each card offers a full range of benefits and privileges for passionate travelers and lovers of quality banking services.

American Express offers eight cards for professionals and businesses. Some earn Membership Rewards points, while others earn Flying Blue Miles. There are also two Amazon Business cards, free for the first year, which earn Amazon Rewards points, theAmazon Prime loyalty program.

To find out more about American Express cards for professionals and businesses, we invite you to read our complete guide on the subject.

Thanks to the Membership Rewards program, American Express cardholders can collect points and miles for every euro spent. These points can then be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel nights, vouchers, card fee payments, charitable donations and shopping.

Depending on the card you choose, you can get a bonus of up to 20,000 free Miles. These Miles can serve as an excellent starting point for a first redemption, such as a Business class flight with Air France.

American Express cards entitle cardholders to exclusive offers from the network’s partner retailers, as well as exclusive pre-sales and the best possible seats at selected concerts and shows via the American Express online ticketing service.

Platinum cardholders can enjoy even more special privileges, such as invitations to prestigious cultural and sporting events like the Paris Olympics, the Opéra Bastille, the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Royal de Versailles, as well as VIP hospitality and reserved seats at the Stade de France.

The Priority Pass card – worth over 400 euros per year – is included in the American Express Platinum card rate. It provides free, unlimited access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

American Express Platinum cardholders also have access to Centurion lounges at London, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Charlotte-Douglas, Phoenix, Houston, Miami and New York airports, as well as selected American Express and Plaza Premium lounges, including the brand-new Air France lounge at Montreal-Trudeau airport. They also have free access to the Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Business & Senator, Escape and Airspace lounges.

Platinum cardholders are entitled to an exclusive concierge service. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal delivered to your door, looking for a reservation at a renowned restaurant or need advice on choosing the right establishment, the American Express concierge service is there for you. They can also arrange for flowers or champagne to be delivered for special occasions, or help you secure the best seats and give you sound advice. In our opinion, this American Express feature is too often underestimated.

Platinum cardholders are also entitled to another exclusive benefit: the annual refund of their Amazon Prime subscription. They can also receive a refund of up to 120 euros on video and audio streaming services.

Finally, they receive a free Fnac+ card, valid for 3 years. This includes free express delivery, access to Fnac Darty’s communal jackpot and exclusive discount offers.

While American Express cards offer attractive benefits for earning miles and points, and negative reviews are limited, it’s important to consider some of the drawbacks.

High exchange commissions on international transactions and at ATMs are a point to consider, which leads us to recommend that American Express cardholders also have free bank cards that offer free withdrawals and purchases abroad. Among the best free options on the market are cards from online banks Revolut, N26 and BoursoBank.

Apply online! Simply go to the American Express website, choose the card you want, and press “Apply for card”. You will then need to complete a secure form and sign a contract, either by download, by post, or by electronic signature.

Subject to final acceptance of your application by American Express, you will receive your card directly to your home address.

To be eligible for an American Express card, you must have a euro-denominated bank account originating in France and be over 18 years of age. To be eligible for an Air France KLM American Express card, you must not be registered in one of the Banque de France files. If these conditions are not met, the application may be refused.

In France, American Express offers a wide range of cards, which can sometimes make selection difficult. To choose the American Express card best suited to your needs, it’s essential to carefully examine the advantages and disadvantages of each card, although these are generally quite similar from one to the next.

The differences lie mainly in the insurance cover offered and the speed with which points and Miles can be accumulated. Some cards may also involve higher membership fees, which means you need to take into account a certain budget and the intended use of the card.

In our opinion, we advise you to make a careful assessment of your personal needs and lifestyle in order to select the American Express card that best meets your expectations. By understanding the nuances between the different offers, you can make an informed decision and maximize the benefits offered to you by your chosen American Express card.