Review
Updated
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
Offer Status
This offer is currently unavailable through American Express and some offer details may be out of date.
The information for the Blue from American Express® has been collected independently by The Ascent. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Blue from American Express® could be considered to be American Express' starter rewards card with a modest earn rate. But the card is oddly targeted to people with good credit or better and has a feature set that isn't nearly as competitive as other cards marketed to this credit score range. To help you determine if this is the right card for you, our Blue from American Express® review will break down its good points and where it could improve.
Blue from American Express®
Rating image, 2.50 out of 5 stars.
2.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Rating image, 2.50 out of 5 stars.
2.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Best
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= Excellent
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= Good
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= Fair
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= Poor
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
23.99%, variable
Rewards Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points for every eligible dollar you spend.
1X points
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
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There are more competitive cards in the credit score range this card is intended for. The lack of a welcome bonus, 0% intro APR, and great rewards rate explain our lack of enthusiasm.
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- No annual fee
- Earn rewards on purchases
- Car rental insurance
- Low rewards rate
- No welcome offer
- Foreign transaction fee
- Few ways to use points
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- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points for every eligible dollar you spend.
- No annual fee.
- Online Year-End Summary of Purchases.
The information for the Blue from American Express® has been collected independently by The Ascent. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Credit card comparison
We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.
| Offer | Our Rating | Welcome Offer | Rewards Program | APR | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. N/A | 1% - 5% Cashback Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. |
Intro: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months Regular: 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Up to $300 cash back Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. | 1.5% - 5% cash back Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases |
Intro: 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months Regular: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable |
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
|
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
60,000 bonus points Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. |
Intro: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A Regular: 21.49%-28.49% Variable |
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Full Amex Blue Card review
This credit card is a good fit for: Consumers who want to earn rewards while improving their credit scores. Those with good or excellent credit may want to apply for one of the more valuable American Express cards first.
Top perks
These are the top perks that come with this card.
No annual fee
If you're unfamiliar with credit card rewards, starting with a no annual fee card is a smart choice. (See rates and fees.)
Unlimited 1 point per $1
You'll get 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 you spend with your Amex Blue Card, and there's no limit to how many points you can earn. Terms apply.
READ MORE: A Complete Guide to American Express Membership Rewards Points
Earn double points on American Express Travel reservations
If you book travel purchases such as prepaid hotel stays, vacation packages, and cruises through the American Express Travel portal, you'll earn 2 points per $1. Terms apply.
Car rental loss and damage insurance
This covers you if a vehicle you rent is damaged or stolen. For this insurance to apply, you must pay for the rental with your Amex Blue Card and decline the collision damage waiver*. This coverage is secondary. Some exclusions and restrictions can apply. Terms apply.
RELATED: Read The Ascent's list of the Best American Express Credit Cards.
What could be improved
This card has some areas that could be improved upon.
Rewards rate
While other American Express cards come with bonus categories that will net you 2 or 3 points per $1, most purchases with this card will only earn you 1 point per $1. That rewards rate falls short of what some credit cards for average credit offer. Terms apply.
Point redemption options
Although this card technically earns Membership Rewards points, it doesn't offer the full range of redemption options you'd get with other American Express rewards cards. You can't transfer points to any airline or hotel partner in that rewards program, and transfers tend to offer the most value.
Most ways you can redeem your rewards with this card will only get you between $0.005 and $0.007 per point. At best, you can get up to $0.01 per point if you use your points to purchase gift cards. Terms apply.
READ MORE: Best travel rewards credit cards
No welcome offer
You won't get any additional points for opening the Amex Blue Card. When comparing credit cards, other American Express cards provide a welcome offer.
Foreign transaction fee
You'll be charged a 2.7% foreign transaction fee on purchases made abroad, so this isn't a great card to travel with. You'll need to use a different card when traveling abroad to avoid these charges. (See rates and fees.)
READ MORE: Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
Find the best credit card for your needs
Compare credit card rewards, fees, APRs, and more using our side-by-side comparison tool.
Suggested credit score
When applying for the Amex Blue Card, it's recommended that you have a good credit score, which is a FICO® Score of 670 or above. This is one of the easiest Membership Rewards cards to open, and even consumers with average credit scores have a decent chance of approval.
The Amex Blue Card is right for you if:
The Blue from American Express® is hard to recommend for people with good to excellent credit. It's not competitive with other offers in this category, many of which offer lucrative rewards, big bonuses, and 0% intro APR offers. If you have good to excellent credit and want a card with more perks, review our list of the best rewards credit cards to explore other options.
Our Credit Card Methodology
At The Motley Fool Ascent, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how The Ascent rates credit cards.
FAQs
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The credit limit for the Blue from American Express® depends on factors such as your income and credit score. According to American Express, you will be informed of your credit limit when you are issued your card.
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It depends on your credit score. Applicants with a FICO® Score of 670 or above are more likely to be approved for Blue from American Express®.
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Yes, Blue from American Express® can be used internationally. However, you will be charged a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for international purchases. To avoid being charged, use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees while traveling abroad.
Our Credit Cards Experts
Natasha has been a freelance writer since 2015. She specializes in credit card and credit card rewards content. When not busy writing, she's either dreaming up her next credit card rewards redemption or traveling the globe. Her goal is to encourage more people to experience the world around them while making smart financial choices.
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
*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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.
American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, PayPal, and Target. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and recommends the following options: short June 2024 $67.50 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
For rates and fees for the Blue from American Express®, click here
The Motley Fool recommends Amex.