Quick Answer
The honest Italian verdict first
Italy is one of the rare markets where Amex hands you a free card that still earns Membership Rewards — the Carta Blu. That single fact makes the €840 Carta Platino far harder to justify than its prestige implies. So before you reach for the famous one: if you won’t use lounges and credits, the free Carta Blu or the Carta Oro is the smarter call. Here’s the full Italian lineup, honestly ranked.
The Italian Amex lineup compared
| Card | Annual fee (IT) | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carta Platino | ~€840 (€70/mo) | Membership Rewards | Frequent flyers (lounges, status) |
| Carta Oro | ~€240 (1st yr free) | Membership Rewards | Dining & everyday spend |
| Carta Verde | ~€84 | Membership Rewards | Low-fee Membership Rewards |
| Carta Blu | €0 | Membership Rewards | Free entry into Membership Rewards |
Fees change — confirm current terms on the application page.
Carta Platino — for frequent flyers
The American Express Global Lounge Collection, Hilton and Marriott Gold status, and annual travel and statement credits. At ~€840/year it only pays if you’ll use the lounges and credits. See the Amex Platinum review .
Carta Oro — the value sweet spot
Around €240/year and free the first year. Strong Membership Rewards on dining and everyday spend, plus a welcome bonus and travel credit — but no lounges. The smarter buy for most. See the Amex Gold review .
Carta Blu — the free Membership Rewards card
Italy’s standout: a genuinely free Amex that still earns flexible Membership Rewards (the Carta Verde adds a few extras for a small fee). No lounges or hotel status, but no fee — the ideal risk-free entry.
The one-question test
Count last year’s airport visits. Double digits → Platino. A handful, with dining/everyday spend → Oro (free first year). You want Membership Rewards for free → Carta Blu. Torn between the top two? Amex Platinum vs Gold .
Don’t forget the acceptance gap
Amex acceptance in Italy trails Visa/Mastercard, especially at small bars, trattorias and shops. Pair any Amex with a free Revolut card for fee-free spending where Amex isn’t taken — see Amex vs Revolut . For the full lineup across every market, browse our credit cards guide .
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Amex card is best in Italy?
The Carta Platino (€840/year) for frequent flyers who use lounges and hotel status, the Carta Oro (€240/year, first year free) for dining and everyday Membership Rewards, the Carta Verde (~€84) as a low-fee option, and the free Carta Blu if you want Membership Rewards at no cost. Italy is one of the few markets with a free Membership Rewards card.
Is there a free American Express card in Italy?
Yes — the Carta Blu American Express has no annual fee and still earns Membership Rewards points. It’s the genuine free entry into the Amex ecosystem in Italy, without the premium travel perks.
How much does the Carta Platino cost in Italy?
Around €840 a year (about €70/month). The Carta Oro is roughly €240/year and is free the first year, and the Carta Verde is about €84/year. Confirm current figures on the application page.
Verdict
In Italy: frequent flyer → Platino; everyday spender → Oro (free first year); want free Membership Rewards → Carta Blu. Compare the current offers below.