• Page :
  • 1
  • Text Only

I'm leaning toward my AMEX Blue cash since the last I recall they had a 5K threshold to get 5% back, does that offer still exist or has it changed? I haven't used my AMEX Blue in years. If I do go with AMEX how long do I get that 5% back, is it a year from hitting the threshold or is it until my annual membership renews? I believe my annual membership renews in January. So that would give me 5% for only about 4 months. Not sure if it's worth it for just 4 months. There were a couple of cash returns cards available a couple of years ago that offered 5% back on everything for 3 months, that would be ideal but I can't find any cards like that around anymore, do they still exist? My other thought is to use my Chase Freedom because it gives 3% Cash Back in top three categories but their listing of categories makes it vague some/any of my purchases will qualify. One of them is my yearly insurance payment (home/car/umbrella), the other is an oil tank replacement in my basement. Neither of them seem to fit into the categories they offer.



I think a straight 2% Cash Back card (Fidelity or Schwab) would make more sense unless you have a lot of grocery/gas/Drugstore expenses in the remaining 4 months.
Blue Cash rebate is credited on membership anniversary, not within twelve months since hitting the threshold. Then the clock resets itself. It's possible to meet the threshold in month 8, earn 5% Cash Back in bonus categories and 1.25% in other categories for 4 months. Then the card goes back to earning 1.5% in bonus categories and 0.5% in other categories until the $6500 threshold is met for the next year.
Chase Freedom would give you just 1% on insurance and auto maintenance.


The AMEX Blue Cash doesn't go to 1.5% for all other purchase until the $6500 limit, correct? The Schwab sounds like the best bet out there but I'm not sure I have the time to open a Schwab account and get the card with the window I have open - insurance is due on 9/5, but I guess it's possible. (I was secretly hoping someone would post with a 5% or 3% card on everything for a limited time but I suppose those days are over).


MisterMe said: The AMEX Blue Cash doesn't go to 1.5% for all other purchase until the $6500 limit, correct? The Schwab sounds like the best bet out there but I'm not sure I have the time to open a Schwab account and get the card with the window I have open - insurance is due on 9/5, but I guess it's possible. (I was secretly hoping someone would post with a 5% or 3% card on everything for a limited time but I suppose those days are over).

Blue Cash recently downgraded the second tier of Cash Back for other purchases to 1.25%. After the first $6500 in any purchases (on which you earn 0.5% on other purchases and 1.5% on grocery/gas/Drugstore), the second tier of Cash Back is 5% on grocery/gas/Drugstore purchases and 1.25% on other purchases on spending in excess of the first $6500. Not such a good deal unless you plan to spend a lot on grocery/gas/drugstores purchases after reaching $6500.




Disclaimer: By providing links to other sites, FatWallet.com does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to FatWallet.com.


While FatWallet makes every effort to post correct information, offers are subject to change without notice.
Some exclusions may apply based upon merchant policies.
© 1999-2012