s/o AmEx or Discover rewards cards?

[gnomesweetgnome]

We're thinking of applying for a rewards credit card, since our basic card (MasterCard from Citi) doesn't earn much in the way of rewards (just points towards merchandise, but nothing we're really interested in buying). We got an offer for an AmEx Blue Freedom card (or something like that) last week, which seemed like a pretty good deal, but I'm wondering what else is out there.

Both of our parents are long-time Discover cardholders, but I'm not sure if they get any cash back or other rewards on those cards. Does anyone have a Discover with rewards?

[LoveTrains]

All discover cards come wiht a pretty standard cash back program, I believe.

The program is 0.25% cash back until you spend $XXXX/year, then 1% cash back after that. Then they have 5% cash back on certain categories quartery/monthly throughout the year. You have ot sign up for th eoffer online.

[LoveTrains]

Here are the terms from the website:
How can I earn Cashback Bonus?
You can earn 5% Cashback Bonus on category purchases up to the dollar amount cap specified with each program. Cashback categories change through out the year and may include such categories as travel, home improvement stores, department stores, gas, and groceries. Please remember you need to sign up for the 5% program each quarter.

You can also earn 5%-20% Cashback Bonus at online retailers through ShopDiscover, our exclusive online shopping mall.

For all other purchases you will earn a full 1% after your total annual purchase total exceeds $3,000. Purchases that are part of your first $3,000 earn .25%. Purchases made at select warehouse clubs, discount stores, and their affiliates also earn .25%. We do not include warehouse purchases or 5% category purchases in calculating your total annual purchases.

[M]

I only use my Discover Card for their quarterly incentives on things like gas, grocery, movies, restaurants, etc. Their shopdiscover is pretty awesome. It's like ebates. If they give me more cashback than ebates or mr. rebates then i'll pay with my discover.

I just bought a washer/dryer through their site and got 10% ($143) cash back and another 5% ($72) cashback because this quarters incentive is for all online shopping.

Here's a list of their bonuses: www.discover.com/credit-cards/cashback-bonus/shopdiscover.html

[Deleted]

I don't know if Amex Blue Freedom is different than just the Amex Blue I have, but I personally think the Amex Blue card stinks. We have a Delta Amex now, just because their hub is in my city, but I've heard people say they like the Costco Amex too if you shop there.

[auberge]

I prefer my Discover rewards over my Amex. Discover has way more options.

[sporky]

I have the AmEx Blue Sky and love it. We earn tons of points and it's easy to redeem them for our travel expenses.

[chaichacha]

I like my Amex Costco. Amex has excellent customer service and the one year beyond manufacturer extended warranty is nice though I've never called them to use it.

[mollybrown]

I love my Discover Card! I rack up a ton of cashback rewards. They deposit it into my checking account within 3 days, or I can use it towards gift cards or other merchandise (you can get a $50 gift card for $40, for example). You can also use any amount of cash back towards your Amazon purchases, rather than having to wait until you accumulate $50 to get cash. Discover also has great customer service. I've had the card for 12 years, and they've always been great. I also think the website is very user friendly.

My Costco Amex is my backup card.

[FWP]

We have been very happy with our Discover cards (I have one and we have a joint one for joint expenses). I am always amazed at how much cashback I accumulate. We do have the problem that it's not accepted everywhere - especially small businesses and when we travel (example, Canada, Ireland...).

I actually also have a Chase Freedom Visa that is pretty equivalent in terms of the rewards program, and I love that it's a Visa.

[megalicious]

I've earned over $800 in the last 3 years with my Discover.

[protozoa]

Amex Fidelity Retirement/Investment rewards - 2% in to your Fidelity account, no annual limit.

[blackcat]

Dec 11, 2012 17:59:49 GMT -5 mollybrown said:

I love my Discover Card! I rack up a ton of cashback rewards. They deposit it into my checking account within 3 days, or I can use it towards gift cards or other merchandise (you can get a $50 gift card for $40, for example). You can also use any amount of cash back towards your Amazon purchases, rather than having to wait until you accumulate $50 to get cash. Discover also has great customer service. I've had the card for 12 years, and they've always been great. I also think the website is very user friendly.

This. I've had mine since 1999, love it.

[dr.girlfriend]

I love my Discover. I use it for everything, and get a TON of cash back. It sounds like the Chase one...1% on everything, and 5% on certain categories during they year. Now I'm "one of their best customers" so I get automatically enrolled in all the 5% ones. You can credit the cash back to your account, use it to pay for Amazon purchases, or trade it in for greater-value gift cards.

[thatgirl]

I have both a Amex Blue Sky and Discover between the 2 Discover probably has a better cash back program but Amex is also great. Either one is a good option.

[ladygrey]

We love our Discover card. The cash back is great, especially the bonuses during the holidays - 10-20 percent through Shop Discover sure beats eBates. The customer service is also excellent.