American Express is the issuer and payment network behind several consumer credit cards. It also provides services for businesses, including savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).
The Platinum Card(r) from American Express is a top travel rewards card with many perks for travelers who want a bit of extra luxury. Its annual fee is high, but the benefits can outweigh it.
Earn 5% cash back on all purchases.
If you’re in the market for a new credit card, then you’ve likely noticed that many cards offer 5% cash back on certain purchases. However, these rewards are often limited, so you’ll have to choose which ones you want to use strategically to maximize your savings.
The Blue Cash Everyday(r) Card from American Express is a good choice for those who spend a lot of time shopping online. It offers 3% back on goods bought through websites or apps of select retailers. It doesn’t include “services” like travel bookings and food delivery, but this is still a decent rate for those who use the card to make everyday purchases.
You can also earn 5% back on certain purchases with rotating bonus categories. These bonuses shift periodically, so you’ll have to keep track of what the categories are each quarter in order to take advantage of them.
For example, some cards offer 5% back on streaming services from January through March and on home improvement items from April through June. This is great news for those who love to shop on the internet, but it can be a bit of a pain if you’re not organized enough to keep track of what cards are eligible for those bonuses.
Using a card with multiple spending categories can help you get more than one bonus at a time, so consider adding a few extra cards to your wallet for maximum savings. Ideally, you’ll pick a few cards that reflect your lifestyle and typical expenses.
Some card issuers also have additional ways to earn additional cash back at certain retailers, such as Chase’s Shop Through program. In addition, many of the best cash-back credit cards have no annual fee and come with a welcome bonus.
When it comes to the best cash-back cards for grocery shopping, there are a few that stand out from the crowd. These cards have industry-leading rates for supermarkets, and they also have bonus categories that rotate throughout the year, so you can always save money on your next grocery shopping trip.
No categories to choose from.
Among the many credit card options available to consumers, one of the most compelling choices is the American Express brand. With an impressive roster of award winning products, cardholders are treated to a variety of benefits and services that can trump any major credit card issuer. It’s no secret that the American Express name is synonymous with luxury and the finer things in life. The company is proud to boast a plethora of credit card options including the most popular and most sought after gold plated branded cards in the US.
No points to redeem.
American Express has a variety of ways to redeem your points. These include statement credits, gift cards and transferring them to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Points can also be used to pay for purchases made through the shopping portal Go Shopping, which offers merchandise from major retailers such as Macy’s and Tumi. The value of these purchases is generally 0.5 cents per point, but special offers can get you up to 50% fewer points required.
While it is possible to use Membership Rewards points for non-retail purchases, this is an extremely poor use of your points. You should only do this if you know that you will need the merchandise for a specific reason and are willing to spend more than 0.5 cents per point on it.
The best way to get more out of your points is to transfer them to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program. American Express partners with many of the world’s leading airlines and hotels, and your points will transfer to them at a 1:1 ratio. In addition, Amex periodically runs bonus transfers that can significantly increase the value of your points.
You can also redeem points for travel through the American Express Travel portal. This is the best option if you want to book a vacation that’s not available through the airline or hotel’s loyalty program.
However, the value of your points varies widely depending on which airline or hotel you’re booking through. This is particularly true if you are using your points to book premium cabin tickets or rooms at high-end properties.
Finally, you can transfer your points to one of American Express’s 20 travel partners. These partners can be used to book flights, hotels and car rentals.
However, it is important to note that American Express charges an excise tax on all point transfers. This cost will be reflected in the redemption rate. Fortunately, this fee is only 0.06 cents per point, which isn’t a huge amount, but it is worth considering when calculating your value.
No annual fee.
The annual fee for an express credit card might seem steep, but if you use the card regularly and are able to pay off your balance in full each month, it could be well worth the investment. Depending on the card, you may also be able to request a product change, which can save you money in the long run and help your credit score.
If you’re looking for a solid credit card that rewards you with cash back on everyday purchases, consider the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express. It’s one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards, with a strong welcome offer, cash back on everyday purchases and a great array of perks.
It has a generous bonus for new card members, which can translate to hundreds of dollars in cash back. The card also has an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
This is the perfect card for millennials who aren’t quite ready to make the jump to an annual fee credit card, but still want some perks that they can redeem when they’re ready. Currently, the card offers 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months, which translates to $200 in a cash redemption.
While this card’s perks might not be as luxurious as some other cards on our list, it does have an impressive travel-focused rewards program that pays you for the things you do. You’ll earn points on purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, on dining and shopping, and on certain travel.
For example, you’ll get 7 points per dollar spent on eligible Hilton hotel purchases. Plus, you’ll get 3 points on purchases at U.S. restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets.
Lastly, you’ll get 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. That’s not a lot of points, but it’s an excellent deal for this card.
If you’re a business owner, the American Express Small Business Gold Card might be a good option. The card is designed for smaller businesses and provides some valuable business perks, such as airport lounge access and credit for business expenses. While its spending cap can be frustrating, the card’s rewards and flexible financing features make it a smart choice for businesses that spend at least $50,000 annually.
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