American Express Blue Vs Blue Sky
by Mr Credit CardI got the following question from a reader :
What is the difference between the Amex Blue and the Blue Sky? I am thinking of getting a card to use for airline rewards. My understanding is that the Blue card has membership rewards and that it is a great program. I also know that you can use points for other things other than travel rewards for the Blue. Which is the better card for me if I want to use it for travel rewards?
Answer : There is a major difference between the two cards. So let’s take a look at both of them.
Firstly, the Amex Blue card is actually not geared towards travel rewards. The traditional Amex charge cards (like the Green, Gold and Platinum Cards) is linked to the Membership Rewards program, which has 20 airline partners at present. For these cards, you earn one point for every dollar you spend on the card. You can transfer one point into one airmile for most airline partners. The amex charge cards all have an annual fee.
The Blue Card is based on a scaled down version of the Membership Rewards program, which is the Membership Rewards Express Program. This program is exactly identical to the Membership Rewards program except the airline rewards program. You cannot transfer points to airline partners. But instead, you can use points to buy airline tickets and you can pay an airline ticket with part points and the rest with your card if you do not have enough points. In a way, this functions more like a regular credit card reward program.
The Blue Sky is specially targeted at people who just want to use points for airline travel. You simply have to book your travel expenses on the card and if it qualifies, then you will rebates from those expenditure. These rebates will then appear in your next statement as a credit. The advantages of the Blue Sky is that it is really hassle free – no blackout dates or any of the other restrictions that are common in other programs.
So my advice to this question is if you want to use the card solely for travel, the Blue Sky is probably the better card. If you intend to use reward points for other rewards, the the Blue Card will probably be the better bet.
June 6th, 2008 at 04:04
So, on the same note is there any difference between the ‘travel rewards’ option between ‘blue’ and ‘blue sky’. I understand in ‘blue’ you have to book the ticket through the american express website (is it correct?) only then it will be eligible for reimbursement. Also, there is no blackout dates issue here, since you are just booking the ticket and then requesting for reimbursement just like the ‘choice miles’ program of united.
Doesn’t it work the same way in ‘blue sky’ ? If that is the case, what exactly is the advantage of ‘blue sky’ because then it seems with blue you have more options.