For some of us, finding a travel rewards credit card that isn’t a lot of hassle to deal with can be challenging. I’ve already looked into the American Express Delta credit cards, so this time around, I’m taking the opportunity to see just how the Blue Sky credit card from American Express stacks up.
Blue Sky Credit Card from American Express: A Review
The Blue Sky credit card can make it easy for you to accumulate the points you need for travel rewards without blackout dates or seat restrictions. The program is called Points from Blue Sky and it’s possible to earn these points with almost any purchase. You can earn at a rate of one point per dollar spent. The more a member uses this card, the more points he or she can acquire. This means that my next few trips to the grocery store and gas station would get me at least halfway to Jamaica or another destination.
Redeeming your rewards can begin as soon as you gather 7,500 points. 7,500 points can be redeemed for a $100 statement credit. That statement credit can be applied to your airline travel, hotel rooms, or car rentals. This benefit also applies toward cruise lines, tour operators, travel agencies, and online travel sites as long as your purchase is eligible.
Although some programs may warn that their points will expire after a certain time, your Blue Sky points won’t expire. Also, you won’t feel pressured to spend them on something you don’t really want, because the program doesn’t cap the number of points you can accrue. This is great for those of us who’ve been forced to let thousands of miles expire in the past. You can compare the Blue Sky program with the rewards programs of other travel credit cards or with what’s covered in this best credit cards list.
Introductory 0% APR on Purchases
Another good factor about this card is the 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. After the introductory period, the rate will rise within the range of 17.24% to 22.24% variable. There’s no annual fee for this card, either. If you like, you can ask for an additional card for no extra charge.
The APR for balance transfers can be as low as 17.24%, depending on your credit history and other factors. Cash advances, with their APR of 25.25%, aren’t as appealing as that introductory 0% APR for purchases. The penalty APR is a somewhat punitive 27.24%, but it will only apply in situations where you have a late payment or if your payment’s been returned.
Travel Savings & Other Benefits
Then there’s the Travel Savings program. It allows you to benefit from discounts and savings from providers such as popular hotel chain Marriott. You can also look for up to 20% savings from car rental company Hertz.
If your travel plans include weekend stays at JW Marriott and Renaissance Hotels and Resorts, you might be eligible for a free continental breakfast and $100 off your next stay.
Other travel benefits include access to foreign currency and American Express Traveler’s Cheques; car rental loss and damage insurance; and a Global Assist Hotline for emergencies or other issues. There’s also up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, guaranteed hotel reservations, and an Express Cash feature that lets you withdraw money at ATMs around the world.
When you want tickets to sporting events, shows, or concerts, you can check for exclusives and benefits through the American Express Ticket Savings Center and its partnership with Ticketmaster. Events available may include popular shows like Mary Poppins, seasonal sports like basketball, and museum exhibits like the King Tut exhibit in San Francisco.
For your shopping needs, you can check out the deals and savings through American Express Selects. Categories include electronics, dining, clothing, and travel.
You also have the backup of purchase protection and extended warranties on qualified purchases. If you need it, you can turn to return protection of up to $300 per item. There’s also fraud protection for those times when mysterious purchases show up on your statement.
Parting Thoughts
One perk I would’ve appreciated is a stack of bonus points each time I book travel. However, with so many opportunities to grab points on everyday things, most people might not miss anything extra here.
Bear in mind that you may still bear responsibility for any fees or taxes, so factor those amounts into your budget. Also, check the fine print on any offers for restrictions that may apply. All in all, the Blue Sky credit card can make it simple to acquire and redeem the travel rewards you want — I do think it’s worth checking out.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. There are the author’s opinions and not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Copyright © 2010 The Digerati Life. All Rights Reserved.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmm… This card has some nice advantages. I might consider it.
American Express cards always seem to have some nice perks, but since it’s less commonly accepted than some of the other credit cards out there like Visa and Master card, I find it difficult to depend on an American Express card as my main credit card. Thanks for the review!
I have always been a fan of American Express, however, sometimes they are not as widely accepted as some other cards.
While I do not have this card, it sounds reasonably good. It is very similar to the AMEX blue cash card, where you get cash back.
AMEX customer service is very good in my opinion, and I prefer them over most other card issuers.
I love AMEX. They seem to give the best rewards.
Really very fabulous post. Blue Sky from American Express is one of the top travel rewards credit cards because of the freedom its membership rewards program offers cardholders to.
Be aware that there is a bit of a gimmick with this card. If you do not have any single travel expenses that are over $100 each, when you use points on the card you will waste $’s because AMEX does not allow you to select more than one travel expense per 7500 points. This seems like either poor programming or purposely built to lose $’s.
If you’ve got any questions, and would like to compare and shop for cards in the travel rewards realm, then you can check out our list of great travel cards here: