2009 Credit Card Study
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Credit Card Exclusive: American Express

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American Express
CardAmerican Express Blue

American Express Blue Cash

Any time, any reason; universal defaultAny time, any reason.Any time, any reason.
Average daily balance or two-cycle?Average daily balance (including new purchases).Average daily balance (including new purchases).
Late fee range$19 on balances less than $400; $38 on $400 or more.$19 on balances less than $400; $38 on $400 or more.
Overlimit fee$35.$35.
Balance transfer fees: % of amount; minimum and maximum3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum, $99 maximum.3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum, $99 maximum.
Cash advance fees: % of advance; minimum and maximum3% of each advance; $5 minimum.3% of each advance; $5 minimum.
Payment related fees: phone, expressPhone: No fee.Phone: No fee.
Other fees (annual, returned check, etc.)Annual: $0
Returned check: $35-$38
Wire transfer: $15
Stop payment order: $29
Copy: $5
Annual: $0
Returned check: $35-$38
Wire transfer: $15
Stop payment order: $29
Copy: $5
Grace period20 days20 days
Introductory rate for purchases and balance transfersPurchase: 0% for six or 12 months depending upon credit history. Balance transfer: 2.99% for 12 months.Purchase: 0% for six or 12 months depending upon credit history. Balance transfer: 2.99% for 12 months.
Default APR rangeDefault APRs (excluding cash advances): 18.24%; for seriously defaulted accounts: 27.24%.

APR for defaulted and seriously defaulted accounts is determined monthly by adding 14.99% and 23.99%, respectively, to the prime rate.
Default APRs (excluding cash advances): 18.24%; for seriously defaulted accounts: 27.24%.

APR for defaulted and seriously defaulted accounts is determined monthly by adding 14.99% and 23.99%, respectively, to the prime rate.
How payments applied to balance?Payments will be applied to balances with lower APRs before balances with higher APRs.Payments will be applied to balances with lower APRs before balances with higher APRs.
How is interest rate set?The prime rate for each billing period is the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal on the first day of that billing period or two days prior to the closing date of that billing period, whichever is higher. For either of those days that is not a customary publication day for The Wall Street Journal, we will substitute the closest preceding customary publication day.The prime rate for each billing period is the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal on the first day of that billing period or two days prior to the closing date of that billing period, whichever is higher. For either of those days that is not a customary publication day for The Wall Street Journal, we will substitute the closest preceding customary publication day.
Minimum payment charge2% of balance due or current finance charges or $15 minimum. If finance charges are more than the 2%, the payment would be total finance charges plus $15 minimum. There would always be the $15 minimum to be applied to current balance due (if less than the 2%).2% of balance due or current finance charges or $15 minimum. If finance charges are more than the 2%, the payment would be total finance charges plus $15 minimum. There would always be the $15 minimum to be applied to current balance due (if less than the 2%).
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Credit Card Averages
Product Rate
Balance Transfer Cards 14.54%
Cash Back Cards 14.71%
All Variable 11.68%
Low Interest Cards 9.71%
Compare rates:  
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