Amex SPG, Blue Cash or Everyday Card?

There are currently several decent Amex offers going around. Doctor of Credit has reported on better non-affiliate links for Amex Blue Cash and Amex Everyday cards (come with no annual fee). This is significant news because both products can potentially be converted to premium versions that happen to be my top picks in “Keeper” collection.

Of course, there is also the increased offer on  Amex SPG card set to expire September 14th, the only one of the three that pays me referral. Which one should you choose? Does it make sense to get an Amex product right now?

First, if you don’t have any American Express cards, it may be worthwhile to sign up for one. You get access to “Offers for you” program in your profile where you get various discounts on popular retailers.  Of course, Amex is also known for their superior purchase protection.

So, you are convinced! Now, which Amex to choose?

Go for Amex SPG if:

1. You need AA miles for a specific award. SPG is the only transfer partner of American Airlines.
2. You plan to stay in Category 1 or 2 SPG property. Here is my post with just a  few examples. Also, look at this page to see all SPG properties and corersponding award tiers.
3. You want to have flexible points that transfer to Amtrak 1:1 as well as to variety of other programs.
4. You don’t want to pay an annual fee in order to keep your points in a state of flexibility. You don’t need to have Amex SPG open in order to maintain your SPG stash. As long as you have some activity (earning or redeeming) every 12 months, you won’t lose your points. You can transfer them to  your spouse (and back) for free, and that should count.
5. You really want SPG points and won’t be able to get this card for a few years due to a house purchase etc. Amex raises this bonus only once a year. Right now you have to spend $3,000 in 3 months in order to collect 30,000 points. After September 14th, it will go back down to 25,000 points.

Go for Amex Everyday if:

1. You plan to cancel another Amex Membership Rewards’ earning card and don’t want to speculatively transfer your points to an airline program. Amex Everyday doesn’t have an annual fee and can help you maintain your MR stash.
2. You’ve been wanting to apply for Everyday Preferred version, but have been holding off due to its lackluster sign-up bonus. This no-fee card comes with 25,000 points bonus after spending $2,000 in 3 months.  I’m fairly certain that you can eventually upgrade it to Preferred version (read my post where I compare the two). Or not. The choice is yours.
3. You have applied for Citi Thank You Premier or Prestige and need  extra points to transfer to Singapore or Flying Blue programs. Both are transfer partners of Citi as well as Membership Rewards. Here is a non-affiliate link.

Go for Amex Blue Cash if:

1. You need cash! Yes, it’s fairly obvious, I know.  You get $250 after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
2. You want to eventually get it upgraded to Amex Blue Cash Preferred. This is one of the best long-term cards for a middle-class family. Since the sign-up bonus on the no-fee version is higher, no reason not to get that offer instead.
3. You want something with low minimum spending requirements. Not everyone is comfortable with putting $2,000 or $3,000 on a card within 3 months. If that describes you, this may be your type of offer. Here is a non-affiliate link.

 Bottom line

As always, which card you decide on (if any) is up to you. My goal is to make this process easier for readers since everyone is unique and has different goals. I also try hard to avoid choice overload, so only cover products that pertain to a middle-class family.

Readers, did I miss anything in this analysis? Please, chime in!

Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses