For new Amex Card Members, the entry-level American Express Essential Card offers a $100 statement credit. It is a no-annual-fee product that gives customers access to a variety of insurance alternatives while earning Membership Rewards points on purchases.
When you apply online for a new American Express Essential Credit Card, get accepted, and charge $1,500 in the first three months, you will receive $100 back. Get free extras and money-saving features without paying an annual fee.
Every $1 you spend on purchases earns you 1.25 Membership Rewards points. Profit from the $500 Smartphone Screen Cover for screen repairs. Just new American Express Cardholders. Applying T&Cs.
Card Details
Card: American Express Essential
Loyalty Program: American Express Membership Rewards
Points earned from spending:
- 1.25 Membership Rewards points earned per $1 on everyday spend, and
- 1 Membership Rewards point per $1 on government spend
Included insurances: Smartphone Screen Cover, Buyer’s Advantage Cover, Card Purchase and Refund Cover (PDS)
Overseas transaction fee: 3% of the converted amount
Mobile wallet: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
Annual fee: $0
Pros:
- When you apply, are accepted, and use your card for $1,500 within the first three months of card membership, you will receive $100 back. Just new American Express Cardholders.
- No yearly charge.
- Get 1.25 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent, with the exception of transactions made on behalf of the government, where you will only receive 1 point.
- When you purchase your phone or contract with your Essential Credit Card, you are eligible for a Smartphone Screen Cover of up to $500 for screen repairs.
- Get a 16.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases.
- Points can be transferred to one of eight airline partner programs.
- Add up to 4 more cards without paying extra.
- With Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, you can check out quickly.
Cons:
- There is no initial balance transfer discount.
The American Express Essential Card is intended for whom?
This card is most likely appropriate for:
- Who prefer cards with low or no annual fees and are seeking a card that earns rewards points but has a lower annual charge.
- Someone might not have enough money to qualify for premium credit cards.
- Where the cost of a premium credit card is more than the value of its extra features. For instance, your income or expenditures are too modest to get the most out of premium cards.
- People who wish to begin easily earning points from credit card spending.
Benefits
Unparalleled integration with mobile wallets.
You can use this card on your smartphone to make payments more easily because American Express cards support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Learn how to add your American Express card to Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or Apple Pay by reading the Point Hacks guides for those services.
In the event that your actual card is lost, stolen, or temporarily unavailable for replacement, you might still use your NFC-capable phone to make purchases with your American Express account if this feature is configured.
Plan It by American Express.
Midway through 2020, American Express introduced “Plan It,” which enables Card Members to design installment plans that let equal payments to be dispersed over a 3, 6, or 12-month payment period. For access to this function, there is a set monthly cost. It is possible to construct up to 10 Plan It plans with a minimum balance of $150.
More rewards for using American Express Essential.
This is where American Express is attempting to invent a little with this card, outside of points. The Card offers Smartphone Screen Protection, a credit card insurance option that is relatively distinctive on the market. With a 10% claim excess, the insurance will cover screen repairs up to a $500 maximum.
Alternatively, you can use points to reduce charges on your credit card statement or pay for purchases at David Jones.
There are further advantages of insurance, such as:
- Breakage or theft of an item is covered by Card Purchase Cover for 90 days following purchase.
- Buyer’s Advantage Cover, which prolongs products’ manufacturer warranties.
- If you are refused a return for an unused item within 90 days of purchase, you can purchase Card Refund Protection.
- Below is the PDS for the entire package of insurance for the Essential.
- Remembering that you have access to these insurances is half the battle with them. Make sure to read the PDS if you are a Card Member and take note of the information.
Why should you choose this card?
This card is worth taking a closer look at if you want a rewards card but don’t want to pay a fortune for it. It has a ton of features and has no annual fee. It offers a huge variety of bonuses in addition to a rewards program and an introductory discount.
You can get a free Smartphone Screen Cover for that phone if you use the card to pay for your phone contract or purchase one. With a 10% excess fee every claim, this offers up to $500 for smartphone screen repairs.
With the unique Amex Offers program, American Express cardholders may also take advantage of money-saving offers from leading companies. In the meanwhile, American Express Experiences gives you access to a variety of popular events, including as movies, concerts, and plays, frequently before general public sales begin.
In addition, you can take advantage of the Card Purchase Cover, Buyer’s Advantage Cover, Card Refund Cover, Online Fraud Protection, Emergency Card Replacement, and the new Plan It™ Instalments feature, which lets you shop at your preferred stores and then pay the balance off in fixed monthly fees and monthly installments at 0% p.a. In addition, you are eligible for up to 4 additional cardholders at no additional cost and up to 55 days of interest-free shopping.
Conclusion
If you want frequent flyer miles and travel perks, the American Express Essential Card is for you. Although you might not be completely dependent on rewards like frequent flier miles, you still want to be sure you are getting something in return for using their credit card for regular transactions.
The Membership Rewards program offers a wide variety of airline and hotel partners for those looking for travel rewards. Those looking to make purchases at David Jones are drawn to the Card. Alternatively, they can utilize points to reduce charges on their card statement.
In conclusion, this Card enables consumers who might not be eligible for or choose not to pay for a more expensive Card to earn frequent flyer miles on their everyday purchases.