The American Express SmartEarn Credit Card is a rewards-based credit card that allows you to accumulate Membership Reward Points through retail purchases. You can earn accelerated reward points by spending on specific popular websites and platforms. This card offers 10X Reward Points on transactions made with AJIO, Flipkart, Myntra, Uber, PVR, BookMyShow, and Zomato, and 5X Reward Points on purchases from Amazon and Paytm.
As an entry-level card, the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card is a great option for beginners who want to experience the benefits of using an American Express card. It also offers a waiver on the annual membership fee if you spend over Rs. 40,000 in a year. This card is particularly appealing to young professionals looking to enjoy the brand value and rewards associated with American Express. For a detailed overview of its features and benefits, read our full review of the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Rewards and Cashback Credit Card |
| Reward Rate | Up to 10X Membership Rewards points on select spends |
| Reward Value | 1 Membership Rewards point ≈ ₹0.25 |
| Annual Fee | ₹495 + GST (waived in the first year) |
| Unique Selling Points | High reward rates on popular online platforms, fuel surcharge waiver |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.5 |
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card Welcome Benefits
| Welcome Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Offer | 500 Membership Rewards points upon spending ₹10,000 in the first 90 days |
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card Charges
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹495 + GST (waived for the first year) |
| Renewal Fee | ₹495 + GST (waived on spending ₹40,000 annually) |
| Finance Charges | 3.5% per month (42% per annum) |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹300 to ₹1,000 based on the outstanding balance |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.5% + GST |
| Rent Payment | 1% fee using third-party apps like CRED, Paytm |
| Education | 1% fee using third-party apps |
| Utilities | No additional charges |
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card Benefits
This card provides various benefits:
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹200 to ₹5,000.
- Interest-Free Credit: Up to 51 days of interest-free credit from the date of purchase.
- EMI Options: Convert big purchases into easy monthly installments.
Rewards
| Spend Category | Reward Rate |
|---|---|
| Amazon and Flipkart | 10X Membership Rewards points |
| Swiggy, Uber, BookMyShow | 5X Membership Rewards points |
| All Other Spends | 1 Membership Rewards point per ₹50 spent |
| Reward Value | 1 point ≈ ₹0.25 |
| Rewards Expire in | Never |
Milestone Benefits
| Spending Milestone | Reward Earned |
|---|---|
| Annual Spend of ₹40,000 | Renewal fee waiver |
Redemption
Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for:
- Statement Credit: Offset the card bill using earned points.
- Gift Vouchers: Redeem points for vouchers from leading brands.
- Travel Rewards: Use points for travel bookings through the American Express Travel portal.
Gift Vouchers Available
| Category | Brands |
|---|---|
| Shopping | Amazon, Flipkart, Lifestyle |
| Electronics | Croma |
| Travel | MakeMyTrip, Yatra |
| Dining | Zomato, Swiggy |
| Entertainment | BookMyShow |
Airport Lounge Access
| Access Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Domestic Lounges | Not available |
| International Lounges | Not available |
Forex Markup Fee
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Forex Markup Fee | 3.5% + GST on all international transactions |
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card Eligibility
To apply for the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18 to 65 years
- Income: Minimum annual income of ₹4.5 lakh
- Documents Required: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, proof of income (latest bank statements/salary slips, ITR), and residence proof.
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card Review
The American Express SmartEarn Credit Card is an excellent choice for young professionals and online shoppers who want to maximize their rewards on everyday spending. The high reward rates for shopping on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, combined with the fuel surcharge waiver, make this card a practical choice for daily use. The annual fee is reasonable and can be waived off upon meeting the annual spending requirement, making it a cost-effective option. The ability to earn 10X rewards on select categories ensures that users can quickly accumulate points, which can be redeemed for statement credits or gift vouchers.
Overall Rating: 4.5
- Benefits: 4.6
- Fees: 4.3
- Customer Service: 4.4
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High reward rates on popular online platforms. | No airport lounge access. |
| Annual fee waiver on meeting spend criteria. | High foreign transaction fee. |
| Fuel surcharge waiver. | Limited travel benefits. |
Similar Cards to American Express SmartEarn
| Feature | American Express SmartEarn Credit Card | HDFC Millennia Credit Card | Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹495 + GST | ₹1,000 + GST | ₹500 + GST |
| Lounge Access | Not available | 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits | Not available |
| Reward Rate | Up to 10X points on select categories | 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, etc. | Up to 5% cashback |
| Reward Value | 1 point ≈ ₹0.25 | Cashback credited as statement credit | Direct cashback credited to account |
| Special Benefits | High rewards on popular e-commerce sites | High rewards on popular online stores | High cashback, fuel surcharge waiver |
Relevant Links
To help our readers navigate our website and find additional relevant content, here are some internal links you might find useful:
- Best Rewards Credit Cards in India
- How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards
- American Express Credit Cards
For more detailed information about American Express credit cards and other financial products, you can visit the official American Express website.
FAQ
What is the annual fee for the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card?
The annual fee is ₹495 + GST, waived in the first year and on spending ₹40,000 annually.
How can I earn reward points with the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card?
You can earn up to 10X Membership Rewards points on Amazon and Flipkart spends, and 5X points on Swiggy, Uber, and BookMyShow.
How can I redeem the Membership Rewards points earned with the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card?
Points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift vouchers, or travel bookings.
Does the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card offer any fuel benefits?
Yes, the card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹200 to ₹5,000.
What are the milestone benefits of the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card?
The card offers a renewal fee waiver upon spending ₹40,000 annually.
Is the American Express SmartEarn Credit Card worth it for online shoppers?
Absolutely. With high rewards on Amazon, Flipkart, and other popular platforms, this card provides excellent value for those who frequently shop online.
