Let's Lose the Concept of Qualified Purchases

I know what I am about to write does not rate as a News Flash, but I just have to warn you about the American Express EveryDay credit card. In particular, they need to be exposed on the surreptitious and deceptive way they promote their 25,000 welcome points offer.

Amex appears to be willing to give card holders 25,000 welcome points for $2000 worth of purchases if said purchases are made during first three months of card membership. As you can see from the pic of the offer we received via snail mail, the digit 4 is next to the offer which we all know is equivalent to a footnote that must be read to find out the true terms of the offer. This footnote indicates that only qualifying purchases apply to the $2000. 

The meaning of qualified purchases was not made clear, so we called an Amex phone rep who did not seem to really know what constitutes a qualified purchase. We asked her if paying rent and bills would count as qualified purchases towards the 25,000 points. She said everything but yes which made us think she must be new to the job and not yet fully trained.

Something else that sucked about the experience was that even if we were satisfied with the qualified purchases part, the 25,000 "free points" is redeemable ONLY via one of those lame gift cards that sparked all those lawsuits. Also the gift card can only be used at participating merchants.

Sorry Amex, just step back and let the Visa 3-2-1 cash back rewards card continue to dominate you. They really pay cardholders cash back or let it apply to their outstanding balance.