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After leveraging employee travel benefits from a previous corporate job, Brian set sail with his buddy around the world and has become a seasoned traveler who maximizes points and miles wherever possi...
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Blue from American Express®
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
2
No annual fee
15.74%, 18.74% or 20.74% APR
Blue from American Express®
Get into Membership Rewards and travel rewards with this easy-to-access American Express card. Earn 1x points for all purchases and get access to MR travel partners!
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
2
Summary
The information regarding the Blue from American Express® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
You’ve heard your friends talking about credit card points and you want in on the action, but you’re not sure where to start.
They told you that the American Express Membership Rewards program is a good place to begin, so you started researching cards and are thinking you want to stick with “just the basics” for now.
In that case, the Blue from American Express® credit card is probably a good starter card for you.
Card Details
Card Snapshot
Welcome Bonus & Info
Currently no welcome bonus.
Get 1x points for every eligible dollar you spend. Get 2x points when you use your card at AmexTravel.com.
Use points for all or part of flights, hotels, vacations, or cruises with American Express Travel.
Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.
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Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
First-Hand Credit Card Experience
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Methodical “U.P. Rating
The U.P. Rating System
The ratings for these cards have been determined
by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards
as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect
our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
” System
1090+ Expert Credit Card Guides
Great Card If
You’re just starting out in the points world and need a card that is easy to get
You are looking for a card that offers some insurance benefits
Don’t Get If
You’re already a points earner and are looking for ways to really maximize your Membership Rewards account
You will not be using the points for travel rewards; you’ll be better off with a higher earning cash-back card
Amex Blue Card Benefits
Welcome Bonus and Earnings Categories
The Amex Blue card is the basic Membership Rewards card available. You’ll earn one point per dollar on all purchases, which accrue in your common Membership Rewards account.
There’s no annual fee, unlike some of the other MR cards.
Bottom Line: Earn 2x points through the AmexTravel.com portal and 1x points everywhere else with the Amex Blue card.
Travel Rewards
Being a card owner does not grant many additional benefits, but there are a few to mention.
First, owning a Membership Rewards card gives you access to the travel benefits of the program, which include earning 2x points in the travel portal.
You can also transfer the points you earn to AmexTravel.com partners. This is probably the most important benefit, since travel partners can provide values of $0.02 and above per point.
Other Membership Rewards redemptions can be made as well, like paying for your travel with earned points, and several other redemption options that Amex MR offers.
Insurance Options
The card offers a few additional perks beyond just earning Membership Rewards points.
For the road warrior, you’ll get car rental insurance and a roadside assistance hotline. In order to get the rental insurance, you must decline the agency’s waiver.
In addition, you will have purchase and return protection if you have a damaged or stolen item, or one that you cannot return to the vendor.
Drawbacks of Using the Card
The drawbacks of the Amex Blue card are that it does not come with welcome bonuses or any bonus earning categories.
It is truly a basic, entry level card you can use to get started with Membership Rewards.
Maximizing your Membership Rewards points with the Amex Blue card involves simply using it for as many of your purchases and bills as you can. Here are some tips for doing so:
Tip #1: Use the card with the AmexTravel.com portal to get 2x points.
Tip #2: Watch the Amex Offers section of your card account screen (found at the bottom) to find potential bonus point offers.
Tip #3: Refer a friend. You may be able to get bonus points for doing so.
Alternatives to the Amex Blue Card
One of the positives of this card is that it doesn’t have an annual fee. However, there are other no-annual-fee cards that have much more potential for earning Membership Rewards points.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
*The information regarding the Amex Everyday® Credit Card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.
All information about The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved with no credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
*The information regarding the Amex Everyday® Credit Card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.
No welcome offer available.
No welcome offer available.
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR, 18.24% to 29.24%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
The information for The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is a great option for those looking to start earning Amex Membership Rewards points without needing to pay an annual fee. Plus, the card rewards you the more often you use it by giving you a 20% bonus when you use your card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period.
Pros & Cons
Pros
2x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1x
2x points per $1 on travel purchases made through Amex Travel
Earn 2X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1X).
1X points on other purchases.
Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. Terms apply.
Use Amex Offers at places you like to shop, dine, travel, and more. You can add as many Offers as you’d like to your Card, then just use that Card to pay, and enjoy rewards directly on your statement.
No Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR, 18.24% to 29.24%
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
You could get Amex EveryDay card from American Express, for instance. This card has no annual fee but comes with 1 bonus category: 2x points at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 per year.
In addition, if you make more than 20 purchases in a month on that card, you’ll get a 20% bonus on all the points you earned (with a few exceptions).
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Up to $300 cash-back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
While not a Membership Rewards card, you also could get a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which offers no annual fees and up to 5% cash-back.
If you’re not going to use the points for travel rewards, though, you’re likely better off getting a cash-back card that offers a better rate.
The information regarding the Blue from American Express® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information for The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
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