Let’s get straight to the point…some of the links on this site pay 1TattedPassport a referral bonus for anyone that is approved. For our complete advertising policy and details about our partners, please click HERE. Although using the links are completely optional, we are eternally grateful when you do.
One of the most misunderstood concepts about credit cards is understanding an annual fee. Often, I hear people say something like “I don’t like credit cards because you have to pay an annual fee.”
It’s true. Some of the best credit cards do have an annual fee. However, it’s also true that some of the best credit cards DO NOT have an annual fee. And if you’re doing your research (which you should be doing), it’s easy to spot the cards that have perks that off-set the annual fee.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
Recently, I wrote an article about my 3 Favorite Amex Cards. Every credit card comes with it’s list of “perks.” Some are more eye-catching than others but one of my favorite perks of American Express credit cards are ‘Amex Offers.’
If you’re not familiar with Amex Offers, it’s a program where your American Express credit cards are targeted for various savings and bonus offers. In many cases, these offers can save you big money.
HOW DO I SEE MY ‘AMEX OFFERS?’
To view your Amex Offers, login to your Amex account and scroll to the bottom of your account summary page where you’ll see a list of eligible offers for that specific card. It should look like this…
The offers vary from person to person and can come in different forms. For example, one individual may be offered points for spending a certain amount of money, while another individual may be offered a dollar credit for spending the same amount of money.
AMEX OFFER HIGHLIGHTS
Spending habits differ from person to person but one aspect is true of everyone, you’re going to be spending money somewhere. Cell phone bill, gas for your car, groceries (and/or meal delivery service), amazon, travel, etc.
The ultimate goal is to choose a card that awards you for your normal spending habits and you’re able to off-set that annual fee.
STOP TALKING…GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE!
Typically, most standard entry level cards (from any bank), have an annual fee of less than $100 but let’s just stick with $100 for easy math.
Currently, these are the Amex Offers that I see on one of my Amex cards…
Anyone planning to buy something from Best Buy on Black Friday (or Cyber Monday)?
Not interested in going to a brick and mortar store and would rather shop from your couch?
Shopping from your couch takes a lot of energy. Planning on having food delivered?
Don’t forget, you need dinner for the week…
Not feeling Blue Apron and prefer Sun Basket (which can be used twice)?
Promised yourself that 2020 was going to be different and you were actually going to use that PTO instead of letting your job stress you?
…or just take that staycation and eat up all the free, warm chocolate chip cookies in the Doubletree lobby…
Speaking of vacations, you just remembered that your good friend planned a bachelor/bachelorette party in Las Vegas and you want to save some money (I did when I went to Vegas)…
What are you going to do with your dog if you go to Vegas?
Bae, who lives ALL THE WAY on the other side of town, just called and wants to go out to eat. Contrary to your original plans, you have to leave the house and need to fill that gas tank…
I said “ALL THE WAY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN,” you have to fill that tank on the way back too…
FINAL STAMP
Again, every offer is not going to “fit” your lifestyle but let’s return to the annual fee discussion. Would you pay $100 annually to save $500 (or more) on items that you’re already going to purchase?
Have you ever purchased anything from the grocery store? Amex offer!!
Have you ever paid your cell phone bill? Amex offer!!
Have you ever purchased anything on Amazon? Amex offer!!
Have you ever filled the gas tank on your car? Amex offer!!
Have you had food delivered? Amex offer!!
Have you stayed in a hotel? Amex offer!!
Why pay full price for anything!?
As I always say…if you’re a numbers person, you’ll recognize that utilizing one (and hopefully more) of these Amex Offers can more than offset the annual fee for a card.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: There are Amex cards that do not have an annual fee and still have Amex offers. CLICK HERE AND CHECK THEM OUT. You’re welcome! 😉
Have you ever used an Amex offer? If not, do you plan on taking advantage of the offers now that you are aware of them?
1TattedPassport 