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What is the average income of an American Express card holder?

The average household income at the time combined for Platinum and Centurion cardholders was reported to be $741,170. There's now new data making the rounds. A year ago American Express halted print publication of Departures moving online only.



While American Express does not publicly disclose the specific average income of its entire user base, data from 2026 suggests that the average household income for Platinum and Centurion (Black Card) members exceeds $740,000 per year. For the broader "everyday" cardholder base (including Gold and Blue Cash members), the average income is significantly higher than the national industry average, typically estimated in the $100,000 to $150,000 range. This "affluent" demographic is a core part of Amex's business model, which focuses on high-spending users who generate significant transaction fees. In 2026, American Express has also seen a surge in "high-earning Millennials and Gen Z" customers, who now account for nearly 35% of total network spend. This premium focus allows Amex to maintain its "exclusive" brand image while offering high-value rewards that appeal to those with significant disposable income.

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