Blue from American Express card review

Find card offers for you: This card is not currently available on CreditCards.com, but you can still find a great card offer for you! Our CardMatch tool can help match you with prequalified offers and cards that align with your credit history – with no harm to your credit score. Get personalized offers from our partners in seconds.

The Blue from American Express card isn’t entirely without merit. With perks like no annual fee, an easy-to-navigate redemption policy (with plenty of ways to cash in points), free ShopRunner membership and a myriad of travel benefits, it’s a respectable pick if you’re in the market for a starter Amex card or trying to build your credit score. But if you’re looking to capitalize on a big sign-up bonus, take advantage of bonus rewards categories or have the option to transfer points to potentially increase their value, you’re better off checking out an alternative no-annual-fee card with a far better earning scheme.

Unimpressive rewards

At 1:1 for general purchases, the Blue card offers the bare minimum rewards, with no bonus categories like gas or groceries giving you the opportunity to earn additional points beyond the base rate. Though the card’s simplicity saves you from keeping track of rotating bonus categories, most cardholders probably wouldn’t mind putting in extra effort to accrue points faster.

A high APR for some

The Blue from American Express card’s lowest APR of 24.24 percent variable is much higher than the national average APR. Indeed, it’s close to the average APR for a credit card designed for someone with bad credit. With an even steeper APR for cash advances, a 2.7-percent foreign transaction fee and hefty charges for late or returned payments, you could easily find yourself in over your head if you don’t use your credit line wisely. In other words, try to use the Blue card only for what you’d usually buy or pay for with cash.

Nonexistent intro bonus

Though no-fee rewards cards aren’t typically known for substantial welcome bonuses, the Blue card’s lack of any bonus whatsoever puts it toward the bottom of the barrel. Other American Express credit cards, such as the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, offer some kind of introductory bonus while still saving you the added cost of an annual fee. Considering the card’s flat rewards structure, it will likely take average spenders quite some time to earn a useful amount of points.

Flexible redemption options

Redeeming points for flights, hotels, vacations, cruises, merchandise, gift cards or statement credits is easy with American Express’ Membership Rewards program. All you need to do is log in to your regular Amex account, from which you can navigate to the awards portal through the menu in the top left corner or by clicking on the links in the “Membership Rewards” box.

One tip: Refrain from using points to purchase event tickets, take a statement credit or buy merchandise at Amex’s Membership Rewards online shopping mall. These options can cut your point values by up to 50 percent.

Why get the Blue from American Express card?

• You’re a beginner when it comes to rewards points and want a basic, uncomplicated credit card to help you get started.
• You’re searching for an American Express card with a lower barrier to entry.
• You’re looking for a card that comes with travel benefits such as roadside assistance, car rental insurance and travel accident protection.
• You prefer a variety of options when it comes to redeeming rewards.
• You’d rather not have to keep track of rotating bonus categories.
• You don’t plan to carry a balance from month to month.

How to use the Blue from American Express card:

• Keep your account open until you’ve redeemed all rewards.
• Leave the card at home while traveling internationally, as you’ll incur a 2.7-percent foreign transaction fee on every purchase.
• Pay your balance in full every month to avoid paying above-average interest.

Our reviews and best card recommendations are based on an objective rating process and are not driven by advertising dollars. However, we do receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Learn more about our advertising policy

Information about the Blue from American Express card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is responsible for their accuracy.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.