Last edit by: TheDapperDon
Bonus category spending is now capped at $50k per year for new accounts. For now, this does not apply to existing cardholders, although Amex may continue to close accounts for excessive spend in bonus categories. This card is less viable as an MS instrument. Consider factors that may have led to these closures when sharing personal experiences.
Oct 22, 2014 onwards: Many people getting cancellation email from Amex. As of Dec 13, 2014, shutdown reports continue. Shutdowns appear to be triggered by spending on the card or upon statement closure, but not always
Some who have been shutdown are reporting back that AMEX is declining new non-OBC card applications due to "unsatisfactory relationship". (However, see here for an example where reconsideration was successful.) It is unclear at this time the length/extent of this Adverse Action/Ban.
Others have succeeded in getting new cards, including new OBCs, but consider your relationship with Amex and how much you value that and this card when deciding how to use it.
There might be some impact with other issuers. If AMEX sends you a cancellation it goes on your record as a cancellation by AMEX, not a cancellation by cardholder. While FICO score does not distinguish between closed by issuer and closed by cardholder, on manual review it may raise questions. However, issuers close cards for benign reasons as well (such as non-use) so unless several cards have been closed it probably won't cause a rejection by itself.
So, if you still feel it is worth it:
Application Link: Copy & paste the following link into a incognito window in Chrome or InPrivate Browsing in IE, Private Session in Firefox. There have been reports of people who got the card in the last couple of months getting shut down because of the rush to spend the initial $6,500.
Do NOT post "Link isn't working" until you have tried it incognito/private browsing and it fails there.
Up to 5% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & select U.S. drugstores (Everyday Purchases). Up to 1% Cash Back on other purchases. For your first $6,500¹ spend in a reward year², you will earn 1% on Everyday Purchases³ (5% after 6500⁴), and 0.5% on other purchases (then 1%).
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, balance transfers, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Additional terms and restrictions apply. (Presume these T&Cs are standard and that all credit cards state this)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
¹ First '$6,500' is spend on all purchases.
² 'Reward year' is the 12 billing periods in a row beginning with the one in which the anniversary of your Card Account occurs.
³ 'everyday purchases' refers to U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & select U.S. drugstores, not all purchases.
* Read the fine print for 'gas' purchases! Right from AMEX T&C's:
...Everyday Purchases are: ... $400 or less of gasoline at gas stations located in the U.S. (superstores, supermarkets and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline are not considered gas stations)... A >$400 purchase at a gas station will get 5% for the first $400 and 1% thereafter. E.g., for something, say, $503.95, you would earn $21.04 CB [($400*5%)+(103.95*1%)].
⁴ 5% kicks in immediately after hitting $6500.(mid-statement). In fact, it will even kick in mid-purchase and a portion of the purchase will credit at the higher rate.
* Reward dollars for the previous statement period show up a day or two after the current statement period closes.
* Most cash back redemptions will be applied to your statement within 2–3 days.
* Helpful post regarding moving CL between cards. Thanks lad2
* How to Visually Distinguish the Three Types of Blue Cash Cards:
Blue Cash (old) has a "<" character to the left of the word CASH
Blue Cash Everyday has a circle to the right of the word CASH, with the "Everyday" wording at the back.
Blue Cash Preferred has the word PREFERRED printed vertically on the extreme left side.
If you get the error message "You cannot be logged in. Please contact the number on the back of your card." when trying to redeem Reward Dollars online, it may be because you have too many closed accounts still showing in your scrolling images of cards. Delete the closed ones, then try to redeem again.
Oct 22, 2014 onwards: Many people getting cancellation email from Amex. As of Dec 13, 2014, shutdown reports continue. Shutdowns appear to be triggered by spending on the card or upon statement closure, but not always
Some who have been shutdown are reporting back that AMEX is declining new non-OBC card applications due to "unsatisfactory relationship". (However, see here for an example where reconsideration was successful.) It is unclear at this time the length/extent of this Adverse Action/Ban.
Others have succeeded in getting new cards, including new OBCs, but consider your relationship with Amex and how much you value that and this card when deciding how to use it.
There might be some impact with other issuers. If AMEX sends you a cancellation it goes on your record as a cancellation by AMEX, not a cancellation by cardholder. While FICO score does not distinguish between closed by issuer and closed by cardholder, on manual review it may raise questions. However, issuers close cards for benign reasons as well (such as non-use) so unless several cards have been closed it probably won't cause a rejection by itself.
So, if you still feel it is worth it:
Application Link: Copy & paste the following link into a incognito window in Chrome or InPrivate Browsing in IE, Private Session in Firefox. There have been reports of people who got the card in the last couple of months getting shut down because of the rush to spend the initial $6,500.
Do NOT post "Link isn't working" until you have tried it incognito/private browsing and it fails there.
Code:
https://www304.americanexpress.com/credit-card/blue-cash/25330
Up to 5% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & select U.S. drugstores (Everyday Purchases). Up to 1% Cash Back on other purchases. For your first $6,500¹ spend in a reward year², you will earn 1% on Everyday Purchases³ (5% after 6500⁴), and 0.5% on other purchases (then 1%).
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, balance transfers, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Additional terms and restrictions apply. (Presume these T&Cs are standard and that all credit cards state this)
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
¹ First '$6,500' is spend on all purchases.
² 'Reward year' is the 12 billing periods in a row beginning with the one in which the anniversary of your Card Account occurs.
³ 'everyday purchases' refers to U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & select U.S. drugstores, not all purchases.
* Read the fine print for 'gas' purchases! Right from AMEX T&C's:
...Everyday Purchases are: ... $400 or less of gasoline at gas stations located in the U.S. (superstores, supermarkets and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline are not considered gas stations)... A >$400 purchase at a gas station will get 5% for the first $400 and 1% thereafter. E.g., for something, say, $503.95, you would earn $21.04 CB [($400*5%)+(103.95*1%)].
⁴ 5% kicks in immediately after hitting $6500.(mid-statement). In fact, it will even kick in mid-purchase and a portion of the purchase will credit at the higher rate.
* Reward dollars for the previous statement period show up a day or two after the current statement period closes.
* Most cash back redemptions will be applied to your statement within 2–3 days.
* Helpful post regarding moving CL between cards. Thanks lad2
* How to Visually Distinguish the Three Types of Blue Cash Cards:
Blue Cash (old) has a "<" character to the left of the word CASH
Blue Cash Everyday has a circle to the right of the word CASH, with the "Everyday" wording at the back.
Blue Cash Preferred has the word PREFERRED printed vertically on the extreme left side.
If you get the error message "You cannot be logged in. Please contact the number on the back of your card." when trying to redeem Reward Dollars online, it may be because you have too many closed accounts still showing in your scrolling images of cards. Delete the closed ones, then try to redeem again.
Old Amex Blue (2013-2014)
#2821
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 584
I've made several payments, but my available credit was stuck on $500, and then got zapped down to $0 after the last payment. I assume it is related to a returned check on the 24th (long story, but not my fault as TD bank had a 6 week freeze on my account that I was not told about, yet allowed me to push a billpay, send it through, and then clawed it back).
Any thoughts on when my credit line will reset itself, or if I need to do anything about this? Is this the sort of thing that could get my account looked at more closely?
Any thoughts on when my credit line will reset itself, or if I need to do anything about this? Is this the sort of thing that could get my account looked at more closely?
#2822
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 920
I've made several payments, but my available credit was stuck on $500, and then got zapped down to $0 after the last payment. I assume it is related to a returned check on the 24th (long story, but not my fault as TD bank had a 6 week freeze on my account that I was not told about, yet allowed me to push a billpay, send it through, and then clawed it back).
Any thoughts on when my credit line will reset itself, or if I need to do anything about this? Is this the sort of thing that could get my account looked at more closely?
Any thoughts on when my credit line will reset itself, or if I need to do anything about this? Is this the sort of thing that could get my account looked at more closely?
#2823
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
I'm actually in this same situation right now too. Made 3-6 charges over my CL over the past 3 months. Now my available CL has been stuck at 0 for 3 days even though I've made all payments and they have all posted to my account. Definitely not going to call it in... Just gonna wait it out. Maybe they'll only let me know 1x CL from here on out? Idk.
#2824
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 299
old amex blue
too many new people not reading threads or experimenting in the field.
#2825
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 77
man i keep going back and forth on this card...only the extra inquiries stop me from applying (loans coming up soon).
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
Last edited by tnguyen29; Jul 1, 2014 at 5:27 pm
#2826
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 322
man i keep going back and forth on this card...only the extra inquiries stop me from applying (loans coming up soon).
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
#2827
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AA, SPG, MR, UR, Cash Back!
Posts: 606
man i keep going back and forth on this card...only the extra inquiries stop me from applying (loans coming up soon).
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
#2828
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
man i keep going back and forth on this card...only the extra inquiries stop me from applying (loans coming up soon).
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
#2829
Suspended
Join Date: May 2014
Location: ILG/PHL
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Gold, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold
Posts: 1,075
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
#2830
Formerly known as FTRox87
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TX
Programs: AA/US 1M, AS, BA, CX, EK, EY, JL, KE, LH, NH, OS, QF, QR, TG, UA/CO | *$G
Posts: 1,428
#2832
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: DL DM Hub Captive, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, PC Plat, and other stuff.
Posts: 904
.....
Last edited by thegasguru; Jul 2, 2014 at 9:20 pm
#2833
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 77
Sorry guys, i should have specified...i was trying to make the case for an "average consumer" I know you guys are capable of much, much more than that. hahahah please forgive me if anyone was offended
#2834
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 174
These guys are amateurs. Professionals don't peddle their wares by regaling passersby with tales of easy money. That job is left for the flimflam men.
#2835
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,375
man i keep going back and forth on this card...only the extra inquiries stop me from applying (loans coming up soon).
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
in theory, if you weren't loyal to any particular airline/hotel and just typically flew/stayed at the best rates...couldnt this card somewhat be your end-all-be-all card?
even the designated freedom-of-travel cards like Venture & Arrival are only 2-2.2cents per point, whereas this can be up to 5cents "per point" almost all the time? (except for certain non-bonus categories like Dining, I suppose). basically, couldn't you just replace all of your Venture/Arrival spending with this card except for dining/online purchases, etc.?
edit:
and even then...you could sort of rationalize buying restaurant gift cards from a grocery store and still sort of getting 5% back when applicable. also, assuming i takes you 3 months to hit the initial 6500...then you still have 9 months of 5% earning, for a rough equivalent of being a 4% card?
But yes theoretically, you could use this card for 3.8-5% everywhere.