Blue Cash® from American Express

The most informative, down-to-earth financial advice on the internet (and best of all, it's free)

At a Glance:

  • Issuer: American Express
  • Intro APR: 0%
  • Regular APR: 11.99%
  • APR Type: Variable APR
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Application Fee: $0
Link to Application

Review:

Blue Cash® from American Express is designed for those with good or excellent credit who plan to take advantage of the cash back reward program offered by this card, which Kiplinger's Personal Finance* named as the "best cash-rebate card." Card users get unlimited cash back savings on eligible purchases with the card. Through the rebate program, cardholders earn a cash award that differs according to the amount spent per year. General purchases earn up to a 1.5% rebate. "Everyday Purchases" made at drugstores, gas stations, and supermarkets earn up to a 5% rebate. Aside from the cash rebates, this card provides common benefits and services commonly found with American Express® credit cards, such as the buyer's assurance plan, purchase protection plan, and up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance. This card has no annual fee and an average rate for purchases and balance transfers (for those who qualify), which makes it ideal for those who plan to occasionally carry a balance. The card has a 0% introductory rate for the first twelve months of membership that can be applied toward purchases. A 2.99% introductory rate is available on balance transfers for twelve months. It is important to note that the balance transfer introductory rate only applies to those who initiate a transfer when applying for the card. Therefore, those who plan to take advantage of the cash back reward program for "Everyday Purchases" (to earn the highest rebate) and the various standard services provided will benefit most from what Blue Cash® from American Express has to offer. *Notations to the Best Cash-Rebate Card appeared in the November 2006 edition of Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Based upon Kiplinger's Personal Finance assumptions of how their readers would use rebate cards. © 2006 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.

Rates and Fees:

  • Introductory Rates: The Blue Cash® from American Express has an introductory rate of 0%, which applies to purchases and is effective for up to 12 months.
  • Purchase APR: After 12 months, when the introductory rate ends, the APR for purchases will be 11.99%. This APR is variable.
  • Cash Advance APR: The cash advance APR is 22.99%. Please note that the introductory rate does not apply to cash advances and that the cash advance APR for this particular card is variable. Please also note that the cash advance fee is .
  • APR Type: The APR on purchases for this card is variable and the APR on cash advances for this card is also variable. A fixed APR means that it is guaranteed for the life of the credit card and a variable APR means that it could change according to market conditions.
  • Balance Transfer Fee: The fee for a balance transfer for this card is 3% of the balance being transferred. The maximum fee is $99 dollars and the minimum fee is $5 dollars.
  • Annual Fee: The annual fee is $0.
  • Payment Grace Period: The grace period for this credit card is 20 Days. This means you have 20 days to pay for your purchase before interest accrues.
  • Late Payment Fee: The fee for a late payment is n/a.
  • Over-The-Limit Fee: The fee for spending over this card's limit is $35.
  • Application Fee: There is no application fee.

Rewards:

  • You will earn Rebates for using this card.
  • General purchases earn up to a 1.5% rebate; "everyday purchases" made at drugstores, gas stations, and supermarkets earn up to a 5% rebate.
  • What's the expiration policy for miles? none
  • Is there a yearly point limit? none

Card Features and Perks:

  • Full Featured Online account management tools.
  • Year-end financial statement.
  • Built-in ExpressPay feature to make purchases without having to swipe the card.
  • No liability for unauthorized Internet transactions.
  • Shop easy with merchandise return protection.
  • Don't worry. Merchandise purchased with credit card will be automatically insured.
  • Up to double the warranty on merchandise bought with card.
  • Complimentary car rental insurance.
  • Card replacement in case of emergency.
  • Trip planning assistance.
  • Medical referral services.
  • Legal referral services.
  • Free travel insurance for up to $100,000 just by being a cardmember.
  • Guaranteed hotel and motel reservations.
  • Complimentary emergency and travel assistance services.
  • Details and more benefits and perks can be found at the card's website.