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Blue from American Express® — Full Review [2024]

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Brian Graham
Brian Graham's image

Brian Graham

Former Content Contributor

10 Published Articles

Countries Visited: U.S. States Visited:

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...
Edited by: Kellie Jez
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Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1166 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

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Blue from American Express®

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

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 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.
  • Rates and Fees

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Customer Service Number

1-800-528-4800

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.

Best Way To Redeem Amex Reward Points

When redeeming your Membership Rewards points earned with the Amex Blue card, you will want to make sure you’re getting the maximum value.

There are multiple ways to redeem, but most don’t offer much value.

Low-Value Rewards Options

  • Pay for statement credit ($0.006 per point)
  • Certain gift cards ($0.005 per point)
  • Shopping partners like Amazon and Best Buy ($0.007)
  • Ticketmaster, Telecharge, and AXS ($0.005 per point)
  • Shopping through the AMEX Mall ($0.005 per point)
  • Book hotels through the portal ($0.007 per point)

High-Value Rewards Options

  • Certain American Express gift cards ($0.01 per point)
  • Donate to charity ($0.01 per point)
  • Book flights with points ($0.01 per point)
  • Transfer points to travel partners ($0.01-0.02+ per point)

The highest value option, as always, is to transfer your points to travel partners to be used for travel rewards from their loyalty programs.

Otherwise, points are much less valuable and won’t be worth your time redeeming.

There are many different American Express transfer partners that you can use your points with; see the full list here.

Best Way To Maximize Amex Reward Points

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 Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

The Amex EveryDay® Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

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.

Earn 2x points at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 spent in a year, and after 20+ purchases in a billing period, receive a 20% bonus on all points earned!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)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 Amex EveryDay® Credit Card

Earn 2x points at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 spent in a year, and after 20+ purchases in a billing period, receive a 20% bonus on all points earned!
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months.
10,000 points
$0
0% on purchases for 15 months; 13.74%-24.74% Variable thereafter
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)

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

  • 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
  • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
  • 20% bonus points when you make 20 purchases on your card in 1 billing period
  • No annual fee
  • Access to Amex transfer partners
  • Rental car insurance

Cons

  • Only offers 2 bonus categories
  • Doesn’t offer many benefits
  • Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months.
  • Low intro APR: 0% on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.74% to 24.74%.
  • 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% on purchases for 15 months; 13.74%-24.74% Variable thereafter
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

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).

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 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)

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

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
  • Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
  • Ability to pool points

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • 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 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • 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 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why get an Amex Blue card? Is it worth it?

This is a good card for those wanting to start out in the credit card points world, and it could also be a good card to help build your credit.

It earns 1x points for all purchases in Membership Rewards, but you can also currently get 2x points through the AmexTravel.com portal.

This credit card has no annual fees, and also comes with some additional insurances like car rental and purchase/return protection insurances.

Because it costs you nothing, there is no harm in getting the card. While there are definitely more valuable cards out there, this card will be worth it to a beginner who wants to start earning points.

What are the Amex Blue card benefits?

It earns 1x points for all purchases, and 2x points with AMEX Travel. These points all accrue in your Membership Rewards account.

The card also offers car rental insurance, roadside assistance, global assist hotlines, access to AMEX Tickets, and warranty, purchase, and return protection.

Does the Amex Blue card use Membership Rewards?

Yes, the card is a Membership Rewards card.

Who are the Amex Blue card travel partners?

Travel partners through American Express include British Airways, JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, and more.

When do Amex Blue card points expire?

Your points will never expire as long as you have one Membership Rewards card still open.

When do Amex Blue card points post to your account?

Points typically post at the end of each billing month, but may take up to 6-8 weeks depending on how you earned the points.

Is there a foreign transaction fee on the Amex Blue card?

Yes, you will be charged a 2.7% transaction fee for using the card overseas.

Is the Amex Blue card a 0% APR card?

No. The card has a variable APR, see the current rates in the card summary table above.

How much are Amex Blue card points worth?

You can use the points earned for your Membership Rewards account in a variety of different ways, valued anywhere from $0.005 each up to over $0.02 each if used with travel rewards partners.

How do you redeem Amex Blue card rewards?

Log into American Express Membership Rewards and go to the “Travel” menu. From there you can transfer your points to travel partners.

Alternatively, you can use your points for a variety of different redemptions, although the value will greatly diminish if used for anything else.

How do you transfer Amex Blue card points to airline partners?

Under Membership Rewards, go to “Travel” and you will see an option for transferring points to travel partners.

You can transfer them in increments of 1,000 points, but you must have an open loyalty account with the partner you wish to transfer to. This can be set up for free ahead of time.

What is the Amex Blue card login?

You can view your account details at AmericanExpress.com.

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About Brian Graham

Brian’s first ever airplane ride was in a private turbo-prop jet. He was merely an intern boy trying to make a good impression, but it turns out the plane made an impression on him.

It wasn’t until Brian relocated to Dallas, TX, and moved in with an American Airlines employee that he truly discovered how incredible travel could be.

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