AMEX don't have annual fee. I've AMEX BLUE and there is no annual fee. It's only for PLATINUM AMEX. I'm enjoying my AMEX BLUE card.
Secondly, their transaction fee is higher. It's not for us, it's for retailers. And, they pour those fees for our aggressive point accumulation. OUR means US, ' AMEX Card holders'. AMEX spending gets you more points than any card in the whole world at any given time. This is why some retailers don't want to deal with AMEX and I hate those retailers.

I keep my backup BOA CC, that damn card still charges me annual fee per se . They leech from us, discount retailers thats why non-AMEX is retailers choice and it's ubiquotous. But hey, AMEX is consumer's choice. Just because they don't accept AMEX doesn't mean AMEX is bad, those retailers are friggin leechers.

The moment credit score is focked up, one's life is almost over, can't do anything.. literally can't do anything.
That's why, maintaining my credit score and hoping for increment is most of my concern.

But anyway, it's your choice. Just sharing what I know and discrediting some misinformation.

Thanks