American Express Blue Cards: Which Blue Is For You?

Times certainly have changed for American Express. Gone are the days where the American Express card was simply a charge card that had to be paid off in full every month. Yes, the old workhorse – the green card – is still available and popular too. However, American Express decided to take MasterCard and VISA on directly by offering its own line of credit cards. These “blue” cards have been such a hit with consumers that the admired financial giant is now offering four different blue cards from which consumers can choose. Each American Express blue card is different, so let’s take a look at just what makes each one so special.

American Express Sky Blue, The Ultimate Travel Rewards Card

Sky Blue – If you are tired of all those rewards cards that promise you a weekend in Las Vegas, but can only deliver you an overnight stay in Providence, then the Sky Blue card should appeal to you. Touted by American Express as putting an end to travel reward card restrictions, Sky Blue goes where no other American Express blue card has gone before it. With absolutely no black out dates and no travel restrictions, the Sky Blue card allows for card holders to travel where they want, when they want. But, it even gets better: 0% introductory APR and no annual fee; discounts on airline tickets, hotel stays, and car rentals. You even get free coverage on rental car insurance and travel accident insurance with Sky Blue.

Blue Cash For Cold, Hard Cash

Blue Cash – If it is cold, hard cash that you want, then there isn’t a card that matches the American Express Blue Cash card. This is no 1% or 2% cash back card; the Blue Cash card is one that really works for card holders as it gives back 5% cash on just about everything you buy. Save 5% on gas. Save 5% on drugstore visits, on the bills you pay, and on so much more. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about redeeming your points as every year American Express will give you your earnings back to you in the form of a big fat credit to your account!

The Original Blue: The American Express Blue Card

Blue – The American Express Blue card was the card that got the whole blue movement rolling. Although it isn’t as power packed with the features found in Sky Blue or Blue Cash, the Blue card is still a worthy choice. If you select “Blue” you get 0% APR for up to 15 months, 4.99% APR on balance transfers for the life of the loan, and you will earn points toward the American Express free rewards program. Yes, there is no annual fee with the Blue card either!

Jet Blue: The Airline And The Card

Jet Blue – Named for the airline it represents, the American Express Jet Blue card allows card holders to accumulate points toward free Jet Blue Airways flights. Using the card the very first time nets users a cool 5,000 points right off the bat. You can also get double points at many places where you like to shop or eat.

As you have read, the competition for credit card carrying customers is heating up. With an American Express Blue Card you can receive benefits not available to customers of competing card companies. What are you waiting for? Put an American Express Blue Card in your wallet today and reap all of the rewards!

Copyright 2006 Ed Vegliante. Free use of this article is allowed provided the article and resource box are unaltered with a live link back to credit-card-surplus.com.

The True Colors of American Express Blue Card

Used primarily as a charge card back in 1958, American Express has definitely grown into a more efficient financial institution that renders more services to their clients, serving millions of customers worldwide.

From more than a million of credit cards that were issued since it first started its charge card in 1958, American Express today is growing each year with additional customers gaining notable satisfaction form its services. Dedicated to promote financial support to its clients, American Express has launched its series of blue credit cards to give way to those who wish to those who wish exceptional financial services and complimentary rewards program.

Reflecting the stable growth of the company, American Express blue cards created such a phenomenal hit that the company decided to offer four special blue cards for various choices. The unique benefit of American Express blue cards is that each type of card has its own remarkable advantage.

1. The Original American Express Blue Card

On top of the list of blue cards from American Express, the original American Express blue card is still the base line of all American Express blue cards. Although the new types of blue cards are considered more power-packed and may offer greater benefits, the original American Express blue card is still a good choice.

One of the greatest benefits you can enjoy with this blue card is its 0% APR or annual percentage rate. This means that you get lower calculated interest rates established on the main amount borrowed by an individual. This serves as the main baseline for the initial interest rate charges whenever the credit cardholder makes some transactions such as balance transfers, incurred balances, and cash advances.

On top of the other benefits, you can also enjoy tremendous rewards based on earned points. Best of all, American Express blue card does not have an annual fee.

2. Blue cash

Cash back rewards are always welcome scene for anybody who wishes to save more on their purchases. With Blue cash card from American Express, you can definitely enjoy higher percentages on cash backs. For instance, if other cards are giving you 2% cash back on your purchases, you can get as much as 5% cash back with American Express blue cash card. So you get 5% cash back on your bills, gas, etc.

3. Jet blue

Named after the Jet Blue Airways, the American Express Jet Blue cards are the perfect cards for people who travel a lot. With a jet blue card, you can easily accumulate points and use them to get free flights from Jet Blue Airways.

4. Sky blue

As clear as the sky, American Express Sky Blue card can give you clear rewards as stated in your fine print or some American Express brochures. The problem with most credit cards is that they offer false hopes to people who tried to earned or accumulate such points only to find out that the promised place did not turn out the way it was suppose to be.

The good thing about sky blue card is that it can even provide you places that the other credit cards have not offered before. Best of all, sky blue cards offer no restrictions. Hence, travelers can enjoy the destination place of their choice. You can also enjoy other privileges that only American Express blue card can give.

Indeed, colors may not say it all but with American Express blue cards hanging around in almost anybody’s pocket, the credit card industry has definitely a long way to go because people will continue to enjoy cashless shopping.

Low Credit Score Mortgage Loans

Because credit scores are a huge factor in determining our approval for a loan and the interest rate received, many people put forth great effort in protecting their score. This involves paying bills on time, minimizing debt, and so forth. Of course, situations beyond our control may occur which lowers our credit rating. A low credit score may decrease the chances of obtaining a credit card or line of credit. Fortunately, a low credit score does not necessarily disqualify you from acquiring a mortgage. There are several lenders willing to offer mortgages to people with less than perfect credit.

Understanding How Credit Scores and Interest Rates Work

Those with a credit score of at least 660 will easily qualify for a mortgage. Therefore, individuals interested in homeownership should work toward raising their credit score. Having a credit score lower than 660 does not disqualify an applicant. However, these individual can expect to pay higher interest rates. Rule of thumb - the lower the score, the higher the interest rate. Today, most people with good credit can receive rates at about 5 percent. Applicants with a few credit problems may pay 1 1/2 or 2 points higher. This point difference can increase monthly mortgage payments by $50 to $200. This difference greatly effects how much an applicant can afford to pay for their home.

Resolve Credit Issues

Although there are lenders who are willing to offer loans to individuals with bad credit, applicants may consider resolving credit issues prior to applying for a home mortgage. Many factors contribute to improving credit score and obtaining a reasonable interest rate. Work towards paying bills on time. Furthermore, lower your debt to income ratio. This involves paying down credit card balances and avoiding new lines of credit. Nonetheless, if an applicant is unable to quickly improve their credit score, they could obtain a mortgage with a higher interest rate, and refinance later in order to obtain a lower rate.

How to Find a Low Credit Score Lender

To locate a suitable mortgage lender that specializes in low credit score mortgages, applicant may consider working with a mortgage broker. Brokers have relationships with several lenders. Their goal is to find the best rate for your credit situation. Upon submitting an application, applicants will receive multiple offers from several different lenders within a few days.

Accident Claims

Accomplishing accident claims is a hard line to tow. At a crucial time when you need your accident insurance the most, they end up being a disappointment by coaxing you to take less money than what you are entitled to. An accident could mean lost work hours, missed opportunities, and serious physical disabilities. When you have a legit accident claim, you have to make sure that your full right as a policyholder is carried out.

Accident victims go into a transition period from the trauma of the accident until they get back to normal capacity. This process takes time depending on the severity of the accident. A simple personal injury can lead to strain in financial resources due to lost work hours, and it can roll over when you need to pay your major bills, straining your financial situations all the more. Some accident victims are left with no choice but to continue working despite the injury, which can become much worse. This transition period and the cost that comes with it is what make insurance policies very crucial in this juncture of life.

Sadly, not all policyholders hold a hard line as they let their insurance claim be pilloried with endless technicalities until they bully you into taking less money. This stems from the fact that customers do not really understand how accident policies and claims work making them less confident in confronting slick insurance companies who are just looking for a big payday. By knowing your rights and just compensation in an event of an accident, you have more leverage in getting what you deserve. At the same time, accident insurance companies may take a lot of time before your claim is fully processed. By the time they release the money, it is too late.

If you firmly believe that your insurance company cannot be of any help to your predicament, you can go to third party consultants who can help you process your accident claims. Companies who handle accident claims with the request of their clients assess the value of your claim based on the prior agreement with your insurance company. They study each item of the agreement and estimate their clients' just compensation. These allow accident victims to get the maximum benefit that is allowed to them without being involved in unnecessary negotiations.

There are many types of accident claims where a third-party accident claims company is helpful. These claims include personal injuries, accidents during work hours, whiplash injury, industrial disease, accidents due to medical negligence, road accidents, and animal attacks. Whenever you feel that the benefits you are getting are not enough to compensate for the stress that you experienced, accident claims will be ready to assess your situation.

When you experience an accident, you must understand that you have more options than you think. Accident claim companies do not only work with you against your insurance company. They can also handle claims in cases where you feel another party is responsible for the accident. If the accident claims company believes that you have good reason to make a claim upon assessment, they will support your claims against anyone responsible for your accident.

Accident claim companies do not directly charge for their services. If your claim is successful, you get your full compensation as we recover our costs from the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident. Most companies will not charge you if you lose your accident claim. They also give you free assessment and consultation before you commit to the process. That is why reputable accident claims companies are very instrumental when these situations arise.

Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Claim Guide

This is a FREE Insurance Claim Guide

Your “Motor Vehicle” can be a truck, car, motorcycle - - you name it! If it’s powered by a motor and has one, two, three, four (or even more) wheels this “Guide” is for you.

The information below is a bare-bones “Guide” for those who have had such a motor vehicle accident. It details the basics of how one should with their property damage and/or personal injury claim.

AFTER IMPACT CHECKLIST

We heartily suggest you make a copy of this "Impact Checklist" to be kept handy within the confines of your motor vehicle. A “Guide” to refer to so you’ll be certain, should an accident take place, that you’ve covered everything.

Other than the fact that one must obtain from the other operator, both their drivers license and motor vehicle registration information, you should also proceed to do the following:

IMMEDIATELY MAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF: Names and addresses of eye witnesses. And later the investigating police officers name and badge number. WEATHER CONDITIONS: Snow, rain, fog, mist, sleet, etc. ROAD SURFACE: Dry, wet, slippery, icy, etc.IMPACT AREA: City, suburban, business, wooded, etc. VISIBILITY: Sunny, cloudy, dusk, night, moonlight, etc. (Was the sun in the other driver’s face)? TRAFFIC CONTROLS: Were there overhead lights? Posted speed limit signs? Stop or warning signs? Hospital or school zone signs? CREATE A DIAGRAM: Driving area: Flat, crowned, straight, curved, macadam, asphalt, concrete, cobblestone, dirt, etc. Indicate the width of street. Show the location of impact, gouge and/or skid marks. CONDITION OF MOTOR VEHICLE THAT STRUCK YOU: Age and general overall condition. Is their state inspection sticker displayed and up to date? Were chains or snow tires needed? AS SOON AS POSSIBLE RETURN TO THE SCENE AND SNAP PHOTOGRAPHS: It’s most important to take pictures of: Skid or gouge mark’s on the road surface plus the damage to both vehicles. PHOTOS OF YOUR BODILY INJURIES: It's crucial to the ultimate value of your claim to snap a multitude of colored photos (up close and from different angles) of your bodily injuries - - especially all black and blue marks or bruises.

INSIGHTS INTO HANDLING YOUR CLAIM (There Are Six Areas You Must Be Familiar With) 1. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses 2. Lost Time From Work - Lost Wages 3. Property Damage Losses 4. What Your Medical Doctor And/Or Chiropractor Reports Should State 5. Medical Payments Coverage 6. What To Do If An Adjuster Refuses To Cooperate

You Should Go Into Detail Regarding These (Below Listed) Six Areas:

(1) OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES:These are expenses that can be measured in definite sums of money. They are the foundation of the calculations used to award damages (including that often great and extra amount paid to you for your “Pain and Suffering”) regarding any financial loss flowing directly from the injury you may have sustained.

MEDICAL EXPENSES: Obtain all bills and services rendered. (Prior to their being sent out, you have ever right to ask for and read the crucial Final Reports regarding your physical condition from your Doctor, Chiropractor, “Medical Specialist” and/or Dentist).Medical Expenses Typically Include: Ambulance ~ Emergency Room ~ Hospital or Clinic ~ Laboratory Fees and Services ~ Diagnostic Tests: (X-rays and/or CT Scan) ~ Registered or Practical Nurse Fees ~ Medicine and/or Prescription Medications ~ Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus (Canes & crutch, etc.) ~ Physical Therapy ~ Ace Bandages, Gauze & Tape ~ Heating Pads ~ Creams, Ointments, Balms & Salves. As you read them make sure these Medical Reports include the length of time of your “Total Disability” and/or your “Partial Disability”. These are of enormous value because they justify the often HUGE, extra payment made for your “Pain and Suffering” . (Plus this information will also prove your claim for Lost Wages).

NON-MEDICAL DAMAGE EXPENSES. These include: Lost Wages and Earnings ~ Lost Vacation Time and/or Sick Leave ~ Travel Expenses: (Transportation costs incurred getting to and from The Doctor and/or Hospital, etc.) ~ Household Help During Disability ~ Child Care During Recuperation.

(2) LOST TIME FROM WORK - - LOST WAGES - - YOUR "LOSS EARNING CAPACITY": The weeks, hours and/or days you were unable to work (thus the money you may have lost) is added up and documented on company letterhead. You’re often entitled to compensation for “Lost Time and Earnings” even if you have no actual loss of money ! Such as, for example, if your salary is paid by some other insurance coverage you may have or by taking sick leave or some other similar arrangement. It doesn’t matter if you're employed full time, part time, self-employed, own your own business, retired, unemployed, or a housewife not employed outside the home, you should keep a written record of all household help and/or child care needed during your disability period.

All of these constitute an element of your “SPECIAL DAMAGES” mainly "Lost Wages". Insurance companies usually don't view your time away from work (because of an injury) as “Lost Time And Earnings” but as “Lost Earning Capacity”. In most states one is entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings even if they have no loss of money. For example, when your salary is paid for by another insurance coverage you have or by taking sick leave and/or some other similar type of arrangement. There are specific situations to be considered and called to the forefront when it comes to being employed either full-time or part-time. More detailed information (regarding these above stated area’s of your loss) are found in CHAPTER FOUR “Damages” within the book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.

(3) PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: “AGREED COST TO REPAIR”: This figure has been negotiated between your damage repair person and the insurance adjuster. Be sure you know (and possess a written copy of) exactly what that figure is.COLLISION: There's usually a deductible. Read your policy. (If you’re not at fault you should eventually be able to get this money back).PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY: Protects you for damages you do to the property of another (i.e. his or her trees, lawn, shrubs, mailbox, etc.) EXCLUSIONS: These are stated in your policy. A good rule of thumb is, “If it’s not excluded, it’s covered”. Read your policy closely to discover your exclusions and how they apply. TOTAL LOSS: A “Total Loss” is when the motor vehicle damage exceeds the value of the vehicle, as stated within all of the up-to-date and “Official” Property Damage books and/or documents. OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE LOSSES: Clothing, jewelry, watches, eye or sunglasses, etc. You can also collect for your (or any other individuals) personal property which happened to be in the car and was damaged. (Be sure to have written proof of the cost of each item damaged plus the date it was purchased). Never forget: You’re entitled to be reimbursed for any charges you may have incurred for towing, storage and/or substitute motor vehicle rental, or for that matter - - any other alternate transportation.

The above is a very brief review. For more in-depth information read CHAPTER FIVE: PROPERTY DAMAGE found in AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM.

(4) WHAT YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR AND/OR CHIROPRACTOR REPORT SHOULD STATE: Each “Injury Evaluation Factor” should be clearly stated within each of your final Medical Reports. For example: That your disability is solely the result of the accident. If there were any pre-existing conditions aggravated by your injuries? What treatments were administered and for what duration? What medications were prescribed, in what amounts and for how long? What symptoms or medical problems were such medications meant to relieve? Were there any adverse reactions demonstrated? Ask to read them before they're sent to the adjuster so you're sure it explains the nature, plus the extent and frequency of the pain that an injury, such as yours, will likely cause.

PROGNOSIS: This is the clearly stated information (regarding your personal injury progress) and should include: The part played by a pre-existing condition, if any? Their prediction of any possible future temporary disability/impairments? Does the individual attending you anticipate any further or future treatments? LENGTH OF YOUR “TOTAL” DISABILITY: Why? Because it's so important (when it comes time to settle) this is clearly stated in weeks and days. LENGTH OF YOUR “PARTIAL” DISABILITY: Again (and for the same reason as above) this too should be clearly stated in weeks and days. (Specific details, regarding both “Partial” and “Total” Disability , and the incredible value it provides for you in your claim, are found in CHAPTER SIX: YOUR BODILY INJURY).

(5) MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE: If you have this coverage in your motor vehicle policy, it will pay (up to the limits stated) for all medical bills arising out of the accident - - regardless of who’s at fault! (You must read your policy carefully because the “Who”, “Why” and/or “How” of this often differs).

A WORD ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS: In certain instances, it may be possible to have your medical bills paid and yet avoid any repayment by tapping into your health insurance coverage, or some other plan you may have. (Yes, this means, under certain circumstances, you may be able to collect twice for the same medical bills)!

(6) WHAT TO DO IF THE ADJUSTER REFUSES TO COOPERATE? These Are Your Usual And Routine Choices: a. Threaten that you're going to obtain the services of a lawyer to represent you. b. Go over the adjuster’s head. c. Resolve your loss in Small Claims Court. d. Contact the proper people (working through the State Department of Insurance) implementing the time honored principle of “Good Faith” vs. “Bad Faith”.