Love Travel, But Hate Airline Miles? Try AmEx's Blue Sky Preferred
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Sometimes, the best way to earn a free flight with a reward credit card is to avoid frequent flyer miles altogether. Cards that offer cash back and other benefits are often more valuable than frequent flyer miles, as these rewards can be used for any flight at any time. In addition, those who make advanced reservations and those who travel shorter distances rarely see as much value from their airline reward card spending as they would from a good cash back card.
American Express offers its Blue Sky Preferred card that returns 1x points on purchases and 2x points at US restaurants, hotel rooms purchased directly from hotels, and with car rentals purchased directly with select car rental companies. In addition, it offers features and benefits not found on many airline reward cards.
How This Card Works
Most purchases earn one point per dollar spent, while transactions at U.S. restaurants, hotels, and car rentals earn two points per dollar spent. Once 7,500 points are accumulated, cardholders can redeem the points for a $100 statement credit towards travel expenses such as airfare, hotel rooms, and rental cars. Terms apply.
Other Benefits
Annual airline allowance. Cardholders will receive a statement credit up to $100 for airline incidental fees such as checked baggage charges, in-flight food, and entertainment.
Return protection. If a retailer will not accept a returned item within 90 days of purchase, American Express will reimburse cardholders for up to $300 per eligible item, with a limit of $1,000 annually.
Extended warranty coverage. When you use this card for eligible purchases, this policy will extend a manufacturer's warranty coverage for up to one year if the original warranty is five years or less.
Travel accident insurance. This policy provides a benefit for death or dismemberment resulting from an accident on any plane, train, ship, or bus.
Who This Card Is Best For
This is the ideal card for domestic travelers who have had enough of frequent flier miles that are hard to redeem. And although other similar cards may offer more valuable rewards for most purchases, the airline fee credit and other benefits may make this card a winner for those who plan on utilizing them.
Terms apply.
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