The American Express Essential Credit Card is the latest offering on the market from American Express that has all the trappings expected from Amex without the cost.
The card boasts a $0 annual fee and interest rate of 14.99% making it a popular choice for the everyday credit card user who wants to earn points without paying high fees.
With a minimum gross income of $40,000 required to apply and the minimum credit limit set at $2,000 the American Express Essential Credit Card has burst on to the market as a widely popular and accessible rewards card.
Fees for American Express Essential Credit Card
The American Express Essential Credit Card has a $0 annual fee which is a welcome change for …show more content…
a card offering so much in the way of rewards points.
There is a $30 late payment fee that will be charged if you pay your balance after the 55 interest free period and the over limit fee is $15.
Features of American Express Essential Credit Card
The American Express Essential Credit Card comes with some attractive features and considering it has no annual fee there is a lot of bang for your buck. These features include:
For new sign-ups the card offers a $50 credit when you apply online and spend $500 on your card within the first 2 months
For every $1 spent on the card you can earn up to 1 Membership Rewards point
These points can be transferred to be used on one of 8 airline rewards partner programs
If you purchase a smartphone or pay for your contract with your American Express Essential Credit Card you will eligible for Smartphone Screen Insurance up to $500
0% balance transfer offer available for the first 12 months
Purchase rate of 14.99%
Travel with American Express Essential Credit Card
The currency conversion fee for payment with the American Express Essential Credit Card is 3% of the total.
There is no set fee for ATM charges but the estimated cost to withdraw $300 is $9.00.
Travel insurance is not included with this card but there is a 48 hour emergency card replacement service available almost everywhere in the world.
Other things to note
Even though the American Express Essential Credit Card is the entry level card for those who want to access the perks of an Amex card it seems no perks have been spared.
Cardholders will be part of the Amex Offers program where discounts are offered on a range of top brands as well as the American Express Invites program which offers pre-sale and exclusive tickets to music, theatre and film
events.
The card is also eligible for use with Apple pay and has the option of supplementary cards being added to the account for free.
Monthly bills will come with the option of using points earned to pay in conjunction with cash using the Select + Pay with points option.