Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
In the past few weeks and months, you’ve probably had to cancel or reschedule an upcoming trip due to the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 has caused airlines to cancel flights and end routes. Cruise lines around the globe have suspended operations and hotels have remained vacant. The outbreak also forced the closure of many businesses and the cancellation of major festivals and events worldwide. And while we’re starting to see travel pick back up again, we are a long way away from seeing the levels of travel we did in 2019.
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You’re likely working from home and physically distancing yourself from others. You’ve probably checked your investments and been … disappointed. Your spending habits potentially look very different than they did six months ago.
And while you may not be focusing on travel right now, it might be a perfect opportunity to think about how you can save money. Here at TPG, we often report on Amex Offers that give you bonus points or cash after spending a certain amount in a spending category or at a specific retailer. Recently, however, I’ve been checking my Amex Offers to find ways to get statement credits for my everyday purchases, such as my cell phone bill, meal prep and small home improvement projects.
Related reading: Guide to using Amex Offers
Here are some Amex Offers to look out for that may save you money right now.
Meal- and food-delivery services
Even as states slowly begin to reopen, health and government officials continue to encourage social distancing, which means avoiding large crowds. Restaurants and bars still have limited service to takeout, delivery and/or low-capacity dining.
Personally, I’m a take-out girl and rarely cook. But I’m now making an effort to cook at home. Anyone who is a fan of Goldbelly, where you can order gourmet food from around the country, will be happy to see a new Amex Offer for $10 back on orders of $50 or more (up to three times) that’s been launched across a number of Amex cards.
My Amex Offers portal also has several meal prep and food delivery companies to choose from right now, including Boxed (20% back, up to $150), HomeChef ($10 back after spending $45 or more, up to three times) and Sun Basket ($25 back after spending $70 or more, up to two times).
It’s also easy to run to the bodega (they’re still open here in New York), so I’m making a conscious effort to cook healthy meals instead of relying on frozen pizza. This period of social isolation will end eventually, and I want to be healthier coming out of it than I am going in.
Related reading: 8 easy strategies to save money on food delivery and takeout
Supermarkets
Several TPG staffers discovered a sweet offer to spend at U.S. supermarkets. This is great if you need to stock up on groceries as we all stay at home for the time being. TPG Senior Travel Editor Andrea Rotondo found an offer for 5% back on supermarket purchases, up to $10, on the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express. The information for The Amex EveryDay card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Amex Everyday card earns 2x points per dollar on your first $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1x). It’s not the highest-earning card, such as the 5x points on flights that you’d get on The Platinum Card® from American Express when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel or even the 4x you’d earn on U.S. supermarket spend with the American Express® Gold Card (on the first $25,000 in purchases each year; then 1x). That said, if you max out the supermarket bonus category on the Amex Everyday alone, that’s $240 in rewards value throughout the year.
Other TPG staffers saw the same offer on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. This is a good chance to stack this offer with the Blue Cash Preferred’s cash-back bonus categories, which include U.S. supermarkets. The card earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), meaning you can earn 11% back total.
The offer is valid for in-store and online supermarket purchases, which is a nice perk especially if you’ve practicing social distancing. I’m not seeing any language about how many times you can use the credit, but keep in mind it’s capped at $10 total. Note that this offer excludes gas and gift card purchases and must be redeemed by Aug. 31, 2020.
Related reading: Amex announces limited-time perks for select Amex Membership Rewards, Delta, Marriott and Hilton cards
Amazon
While not a cash-back offer, here’s a way to easily earn a ton of Membership Rewards points for a future redemption. Several TPGers saw a targeted offer for 5x bonus points on Amazon.com orders on various American Express accounts.
Cardholders who are targeted and add the offer to their Amex account will earn five bonus points per dollar spent at Amazon by July 22, 2020. The offer is capped at an additional 2,000 Membership Rewards points, which would mean you’ll earn the extra 5x on up to $400 spent at Amazon on your enrolled card by July 22. Based on TPG point valuations, that’s like earning 10% in bonus rewards per dollar spent at Amazon.
Related reading: Best credit cards for Amazon purchases
Pet services
It’s been a stressful time for my dog, Migo. He’s not used to me being home during the week and is often confused when I can’t play with him while I’m focused on work. I’ve seen Bark Box offers on my Amex cards (though the one I used most recently expired in early June).
But there are some other pet-related offers still available. For example, those interested in trying new dog food can get $10 back after spending $50 or more at The Farmers Dog.
I also saw other Amex Offers on various cards to help save money on pet purchases Migo will love, including a $15 statement credit after spending $100 or more at 1-800-PetMeds (an online pet pharmacy) from now through Sept. 11, 2020, and a $12 statement credit from Petco.
Related reading: Get Your Paws Off My Miles — How the Points Pups Earn Points
Furniture and home improvement purchases
I’m not used to working from home (WFH) for an extended period of time. Occasionally, I’ll spend a day or two doing remote work, but as I’m practicing social distancing, it means I need to be better about my WFH habits. I found an Amex Offer on The Platinum Card® from American Express for a $15 statement credit on Wayfair, available through March 31. That’s expired now, but keep an eye out for a similar offer for 2,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $100.
Luckily, the offer is available on several Wayfair brands, including Joss and Main and AllModern. I intend to purchase a desk, chair and desk lamp on clearance to improve my productivity and comfort at home.
Related reading: TPG reader credit card question: Which credit cards should I use to buy household furnishings?
Cell phone and insurance bill statement credits
One reason I keep The Business Platinum Card® from American Express open, despite its high $595 annual fee (see rates and fees) is for the statement credits I often get for my cell phone and insurance bills. I added both offers to my account recently, and I’m looking forward to saving at least $80 over the next few months on bills I have to pay anyway.
I pay roughly $70 for my T-Mobile plan, which I put on my Business Platinum each month. That means I’ll get a one-time statement credit of $55, which will cut my bill down to just $15 for one month after the third payment.
I also cover the insurance bill for my three-bedroom apartment in New York City. Our insurance bill isn’t high, but I’m putting this charge on the card as well. Those who insure entire houses and vehicles will likely hit that $60 maximum pretty quickly.
Wine deliveries
There are several Amex Offers available through a number of different cards for wine purchases.
Right now, there’s an offer on the American Express® Gold Card for getting $20 back on purchases of over $20 (up to three times) at Wine Insiders.
Also seen on one TPGer’s Amex Gold card is an offer for $50 back a purchase of $250 or more at First Bottle Wines through Aug. 23, 2020.
Finally, an offer for $50 back after $250 spend at vinfolio.com appeared on my Platinum Card® from American Express.
Related reading: Wine lovers rejoice — your credit card could unlock perks and savings
Apparel and accessories
I was pleased to discover two offers on my American Express® Green Card for Gap Brands (which include Banana Republic, Old Navy and more). For the first, you’ll get a $20 statement credit after spending $100 or more. Keep in mind that this excludes gift card purchases. For the second, you’ll earn 1x additional Membership Rewards point per dollar spent. Note that this offer is only for online purchases.
EyeBuyDirect has an Amex Offer for $10 back after spending $50. I’ve purchased eyeglasses through the website for years now, and it’s not hard to find frames for $50 to maximize your savings. As it’s an online retailer, all you have to do is submit your prescription through the site and then start shopping. I also see offers from Glasses.com (spend $175 or more, get $35 back) and ContactsDirect.com (spend $100 or more, get $20 back).
For the tall men among us, DXL Men’s Big and Tall is offering $30 back after spending $150 or more through June 30.
Levi’s also has a cash-back offer, for $25 back after spending a minimum of $125 if you’re tired of wearing pajamas to your daily Zoom meeting.
Related reading: The best credit cards for buying clothes
Business services
There’s currently an offer for Pinterest Business on the Amex Gold.
Streaming services
If you’re like me, you probably have a lot of free time on your hands all of a sudden. I feel like I’ve exhausted Netflix and Hulu at this point, so I’m glad to see several offers for other streaming services, including a three-time offer for $5 back after spending $8 or more at Showtime on my Amex Platinum. This is similar to a (now-expired) offer for $5 back after spending $10 that I saw on my Amex Green.
I got another one, this time from CBS All Access, for $5 back after spending $9 or more up to two times.
Related reading: Make sure you’re using the right card for your streaming service subscriptions
Best American Express cards
Before you can even think about which Amex Offers to add to your account, you need to have an Amex credit card — and there are several to choose from.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the most valuable cards available thanks to a hefty welcome bonus and a long list of luxury travel perks that can more than offset its $550 annual fee (see rates and fees). The current welcome offer is 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months. TPG values Membership Rewards points at 2 cents each, making the bonus worth $1,200.
Apply here: The Platinum Card from American Express (60,000-point bonus offer). Also, use the CardMatch Tool to see if you’re targeted for a 100,000-point Platinum Card or 50,000-point Gold Card offer. These offers are subject to change at any time.
The American Express® Green Card is a great mid-tier card for beginner travelers. Amex expanded the bonus categories to include a wide range of travel purchases, including public transportation and vacation rentals, on top of traditional airfare and hotel purchases. You’ll now earn 3x points per dollar spent on worldwide travel, transportation and restaurants. The card also got some upgraded features, such as an up to $100 Clear membership credit and an up to $100 LoungeBuddy credit (terms apply). The annual fee is $150 (see rates and fees).
Apply here: American Express Green Card (30,000-point bonus offer after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening). Use the CardMatch Tool to see if you’re targeted for a 100,000-point Platinum Card or 50,000-point Gold Card offer. These offers are subject to change at any time.
The American Express® Gold Card is my go-to card for eating out, ordering in or shopping at the supermarket (and pretty much everyone falls into at least one of these categories). The 4x earning rate on worldwide dining equals a stellar 8% return on your spending, according to TPG’s most recent valuations. Factoring in the $100 airline fee credit and up to $120 in annual dining credits, this card effectively costs just $30 per year. For more related content, visit our Amex Gold card hub. Terms apply. Annual fee is $250, (see rates and fees)
Apply here: American Express® Gold Card (35,000-point bonus offer after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening)
The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express has a relatively low annual fee compared to the cards I mentioned above ($95) and offers 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new card to make $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
You’ll earn 3x points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1x); 2 points per dollar spent at U.S. gas stations, and 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else. If you make 30 or more purchases in a billing period, you’ll earn 50% more points on those purchases. Terms apply.
The information for The Amex EveryDay Preferred card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Read our full Amex EveryDay Preferred card review.
If you’re looking for a card with no annual fee at all, The Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express is your best bet. You’ll still earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points after you use your new card to make $1,000 in purchases within the first three months. You’ll also get 2x points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar after that) and 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
Read our full Amex EveryDay card review.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has a slew of perks for business travelers. Cardholders will enjoy automatic Gold status in both the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs along with numerous other benefits — including Centurion Lounge access, Priority Pass lounge access, Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta), up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and a 35% points rebate for flights booked through Amex Travel in first or business class on any airline, or economy on the airline of your choice each year. Terms apply.
Right now, there’s a 75,000-point bonus after you spend $15,000 on qualifying purchases within the first three months of account opening, valued by TPG at $1,500. The card has a $595 annual fee (see rates and fees). For more details, check our American Express Business Platinum Card review.
Apply here: American Express Business Platinum Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card earns 4x points on the two spending categories your business spends the most each billing cycle (from a list of six), on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in these two categories per calendar year (then 1x point). One of the options is purchases at U.S. restaurants, so if this is a top spending area for your business, you can get an 8% return on these purchases based on TPG valuations. (terms apply). The annual fee is $295 (see rates and fees).
Right now, you can earn 35,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card
Keep in mind that Amex has also offered a number of temporary perks to a number of its cards to help make them more valuable while travel spending has been replaced with higher grocery bills, streaming costs, and more.
Related reading: Choosing the best American Express credit card for you
Bottom line
The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a lot of uncertainty and fear. The market is volatile, schools and businesses are just now starting to reopen and the travel industry appears to be at a standstill. In these trying times, it’s essential to take note of where you can save money in the short run so you can get back to planning your dream trip when the moment is right.