The FINANCIAL — Just in time for the peak holiday travel season, American Express is launching a new travel rewards Card — the Blue Sky Preferred Credit Card.
According to American Express, the new Card is the first to offer travelers an annual $100 Airline Allowance to cover fees such as checked baggage, in-flight meals, entertainment or Wi-Fi purchases on any airline. It also offers double points on hotel, car rental and dining purchases, and one point on all other eligible spending. The Blue Sky Preferred Card is available for an annual fee of $75, which travelers can quickly recoup by using the $100 Airline Allowance.
"Blue Sky Preferred is a timely addition to our family of Cards that brings superior value to travel seeking consumers and helps build business for our merchant partners," said E-Bai Koo, vice president, American Express. "With this new Card, we're giving consumers a flexible, rich rewards program plus an airline allowance to help them reduce the cost of flying throughout the year."
The $100 Airline Allowance is an exclusive benefit for Blue Sky Preferred Cardmembers created to take care of airline incidentals that can add to the overall cost of a trip. To use the allowance, travelers must book their flight using their Blue Sky Preferred Card and also use the Card to pay for any eligible incidental fees such as checked baggage, in-flight meals, entertainment and Wi-Fi purchase. To be reimbursed, travelers simply contact American Express within 60 days after the airline incidental is first billed to their Card.
Points earned on the Blue Sky Preferred Card can be redeemed for travel on any airline, any hotel, any cruise, any car rental and more with no travel restrictions and no blackout dates. Redemptions start at just 7,500 points and represent one of the best values of any travel rewards card. These 7,500 points can be redeemed for a $100 statement credit. The value of this reimbursement is 33 percent greater than most travel rewards cards. To redeem points, Cardmembers purchase travel and contact American Express online or by phone to be reimbursed. There is no need to transfer points to frequent flier programs. Point redemption requests must be made within 60 days after charges are first billed.
If Cardmembers aren't traveling, they can also redeem points for gift cards and cash back. There is no expiration date or cap on the number of points a Cardmember can earn as long as the account remains open and in good standing.
Blue Sky Preferred Cardmembers are also eligible for even more money-saving benefits through the Blue Savings ProgramSM. In addition to earning double points on car, hotel and dining purchases, Cardmembers will also receive exclusive savings, hotel room upgrades and food and beverage credits at the following travel and dining partners: Hertz Car Rental, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Atlantis Paradise Island, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Dunkin' Donuts, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
Blue Sky Preferred Cardmembers can also enjoy the peace of mind and security that comes with carrying an American Express Card with benefits such as:
Emergency assistance when Card members are 100 miles or more away from home with Global Assist Hotline
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance(1)
24/7 Roadside Assistance Anywhere
Baggage Insurance Plan(1)
Purchase Protection(1)
Extended Warranty(1)
Return Protection
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