Blue from American Express®

Our Rating: Intro APR: 0% Intro Period: Up to 15 Months Annual Fee: $0 Setup Fee: $0 APR: As low as 8.99% Terms and Conditions
Key Features 0% APR on Purchases for Up to 15 Months No Annual Fee Low Balance Transfer APR — 4.99% Fixed APR for the Life of the Balance Earn Points That Can be Redeemed for Gift Cards, Travel, Merchandise, and Unique Entertainment Experiences Membership Rewards Express® Program Express Approval. Get a Decision in Less Than 60 Seconds APPLY NOW

The American Express Blue Card is one of their simpler cards, but that doesn't mean it's not a solid, useful card. It offers good rates, good rewards and a few special benefits for
cardholders.

Blue from American Express offers a point-based reward program for its cardholders. For every dollar spent on the card, one point is earned that can be put towards lots of different kinds of purchases. Offers change often so there's always lots of neat stuff coming and going for cardholders. When I checked last, the tope line of exclusive offers included a 24-speed bicycle, a miniature digital camera, and a hotel stay in Prague.

In addition to the rewards program, the card offers great percentage rates across the board. The introductory APR is 0% and it lasts up to 15 months. For those who qualify, Blue can be a great way to make large purchases that will require an extended period of time to pay off. If you don't have any large purchases planned, the long introductory rate makes it easy to carry a balance while paying off other cards. There are lots of ways to take advantage of such a long introductory APR.

Once the introductory period is over, the rate stays very competitive. Cardholders can still afford to carry a balance for a month or two for as long as they have the card. Other numbers include an introductory 4.99% on balance transfers requested during the application process, and no annual fee.

As with most American Express cards, the substantial rewards program is enticing. Cardholders can take advantage of buyer protection, purchase protection, extended warranties, and Internet account management services. Travelers get car rental damage insurance, travel accident insurance, emergency card replacement and assured hotel reservations.

Blue from American Express is a good basic card for someone who wants a reward program but needs good rates. The card may not have as many frills as some of the other
American Express Rewards cards, but it makes up for it with it's extremely competitive rates and long introductory period.

Review Date: 9/4/2006