Amex Blue Cash Bonus Offers
American Express recently changed the offer on two of their Blue Cash products. Many will say that they increased the bonus on these cards, but I don’t think it is quite that simple. Let’s look at the cards, the offers and what you should consider before applying.
Blue Cash Everyday
- Bonus Offer: $100 after $1K spend in 3 months plus 5% cash back on eligible travel purchases in the first 3 months up to $200.
- Card Features: 3% back at supermarkets on up to $6K spending per year, 2% at gas stations.
- Annual Fee: None
Note: Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product.
Blue Cash Preferred
- Bonus Offer: $150 after $1K spend in 3 months plus 5% cash back on eligible travel purchases in the first 3 months up to $200.
- Card Features: 3% back at supermarkets on up to $6K spending per year, 3% at gas stations.
- Annual Fee: $95 (recently increased from $75)
Note: Welcome bonus offer not available to applicants who have or have had this product.
Analysis
First off, the cash part of the respective bonuses is the same as it was before and has not increased. The only new part of the bonus is the 5% earnings on travel. That is indeed a nice return but there are a couple of things to consider:
- Will you have $4K in travel spending in the next six months?
- How much could you earn for travel spend on a card you already have?
For example, I have a Citi ThankYou Premier card which earns 3X ThankYou points on travel. While I often get much higher value than 1 cent each, to be conservative let’s use that value. If I can earn 3% back with my ThankYou Premier, then these offers only give me a 2% premium. If I max out the $4K spending, then I only get an actual 2% bonus of $80.
Finally, both of these cards have had higher cash bonuses in the past. Both cards have had a $250 bonus after $1K spend but those offers haven’t been seen since last October. One could argue if you have enough spend on travel and if you don’t have another great travel earning card, then this offer comes close or is even better. That will of course depend on your situation.
Conclusion
Neither of these sign-up offers is bad, but given that they aren’t entirely straightforward, it is important to look at the details and see how they apply to you. My guess is that most people won’t maximize the travel bonus and thus waiting for a better offer might be a good idea. With that said, this could be a “best ever” offer for the right person.
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Bro. I was totally confused. I think theres a typo.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Special Offer – Earn 5% cash back on eligible travel purchases in the first 6 months, up to $200. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits. Everyday Cash Back: 3% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 2% at U.S. gas stations; 1% on other purchases.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Special Offer – Earn 5% cash back on eligible travel purchases in the first 6 months, up to $200. You will receive cash back in the form of statement credits. Everyday Cash Back: 6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 3% at U.S. gas stations; 1% other purchases.
Maybe I missed something…
YOU DA MAN!