American Express Cards Guide 2024
AMEX Cards in Saudi Arabia
American Express offers a diverse range of credit and charge cards in Saudi Arabia, specifically designed to match the varied spending habits and lifestyle preferences of its customers. This article delves into a comparative analysis of the different AMEX cards available, income requirements, and provides a straightforward guide on how to apply for them.
| Card Name | Rewards Points per USD | Annual Fee | APR (%) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | 1 | USD 1,150.00 | – | Access to 1,300+ airport lounges, travel insurance |
| American Express Gold Card | 1 | USD 241.50 | – | Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership, 1300+ airport lounge access |
| American Express Green Card | – | USD 172.50 | – | 15,000 bonus points offer, 0% forex rate on SAR |
| Alfursan American Express Credit Card | Varies | USD 287.50 | 41.53 | Alfursan Silver Tier Upgrade, bonus miles |
| Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card | – | USD 230.00 | 41.14 | 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points bonus, Marriott benefits |
| American Express Gold Credit Card | 1 | SAR 460.00 | 40.82 | Flexible point redemption, Access to 1,300+ airport lounges |
| American Express Blue Card | 1 | SAR 230.00 | 40.61 | Entry-level card, Flexible point redemption |
| American Express Business Credit Card | 1 | USD 120.00 | – | Expense management tools, Access to 1,300+ airport lounges |
| American Express Platinum Credit Card | 1 | USD 276.00 | 41.45 | Platinum privileges, Access to 1,300+ airport lounges |
Related article: SAB Credit Card Options in 2024
American Express Charge Cards
A charge card is a type of financial card that requires the user to pay the full balance of the account, usually on a monthly basis. Unlike credit cards, which allow for revolving credit and the carrying of balances across billing cycles with the accrual of interest, charge cards do not typically allow unpaid balances to roll over to the next billing cycle. Following are the charge cards offered by American Express in Saudi Arabia:
American Express Platinum Card
This is a premium travel card offering 1 Membership Rewards Point per USD spent. It provides access to over 1,300+ airport lounges globally, platinum travel services, and exclusive hotel programs. The annual fee is 1,150 USD (including VAT).
American Express Gold Card
This card offers 1 Membership Rewards Point for every USD spent and is accepted worldwide. The annual fee is 241.5 USD or 980.58 SAR, with a reduced APR of 40.82%.
American Express Green Card
The Green Card is designed for financial flexibility, offering 15,000 bonus points after spending USD 2,000 in the first 90 days. It also offers a 0% Foreign Exchange Rate on Saudi Riyals. It has an annual fee of 172.50 USD.
American Express Credit Cards
Credit Cards offer the flexibility of carrying a balance, making them suitable for various financial situations, from everyday spending to managing business expenses. These cards have reward programs and diverse benefits, catering to different needs and lifestyles. Here are the different credit cards offered by American Express in Saudi Arabia.
Alfursan American Express Credit Card
Targeted at Alfursan frequent flyers, this card offers an exclusive Silver Tier Upgrade upon roundtrip outside the kingdom and bonus miles earning potential. Users pay an annual fee of 287.50 USD and an APR of 41.53%.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Credit Card
Marriott loyalists can earn a welcome bonus of 30,000 points after spending USD 3,000 in the first 90 days. It also offers an automatic upgrade to the Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. The card has an annual fee of 230 USD with an APR of 41.14%.
American Express Gold Credit Card
This card offers 1 Membership Rewards Point per USD spent. It offers access to 1300+ airport lounges regionally and worldwide. The annual fee is 460.00 SAR, and cardholders enjoy a low APR of 40.82% and flexible points redemption options.
American Express Blue Card
As an entry-level card, it offers 1 Membership Rewards Point per USD spent with a low annual fee of 230 SAR and an APR of 40.61%.
American Express Business Credit Card
Aimed at businesses, this card offers 1 Membership Rewards Point per USD spent and tools for expense management. The annual fee is 120 USD.
American Express Platinum Credit Card
This card offers 1 Membership Rewards Point per USD spent and also offers access to 1300+ airport lounges regionally and worldwide. The card has an annual fee of 276 USD with an APR of 41.45%.
Income Requirements
To apply for an American Express card in Saudi Arabia, applicants must submit their latest three months’ bank statements and a Salary Certificate. The monthly income requirement for eligibility starts at SAR 5,000 for the entry-level Blue Card, with varying thresholds for other cards in the suite. It’s important to note that these requirements may differ for Saudi citizens compared to expatriates, reflecting tailored financial assessments for each group. Applicants should verify that they meet the necessary criteria for their chosen card prior to application.
How to Apply
To apply for an American Express card in Saudi Arabia, simply visit their website https://www.americanexpress.com.sa/, enter your basic information, including iqama and contact details, and verify your identity using your Nafath account. After verification, provide your employment and income details, select the desired card, e-sign, and upload the required documents to complete the application process. That’s it.
Also read: How to Check Your Credit Score
Conclusion
In conclusion, American Express provides a versatile range of charge and credit cards in Saudi Arabia, each designed to cater to the unique financial requirements and lifestyles of its customers. Whether you’re seeking the discipline and premium benefits of a charge card or the flexibility and rewards of a credit card, American Express offers a solution. With straightforward application processes and varying income eligibility criteria, getting an American Express card in Saudi Arabia is an accessible step toward financial empowerment and convenience.