Cash Magnet Card: A Comprehensive Review of Its Benefits and Drawbacks

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The Cash Magnet Card is a popular payment option that offers a range of benefits. It's a type of rewards credit card that provides cashback on purchases.

The Cash Magnet Card offers 2% cashback on up to $25,000 in combined purchases each year. This cashback reward is automatically credited to your account.

One of the standout features of the Cash Magnet Card is its low annual fee of $0 the first year, then $95. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to earn cashback without breaking the bank.

The card also offers a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. This can be a huge help for those who need to pay off debt or make large purchases.

Overview

The American Express Cash Magnet card is a straightforward option for earning cash back on all purchases. It offers a flat 1.5% cash back earning rate.

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This card is great for those who want simplicity in their credit card rewards. You can earn rewards without having to think too hard about bonus categories or points redemption.

The Cash Magnet card is no longer accepting new applications, so it's worth looking into other options for maximizing your spending. However, it's still a good choice for a one-card wallet.

This no-annual-fee product is a great option for those who want a hassle-free cash back experience. Just tap or swipe to pay and watch your reward balance grow.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Cash App No Debit Card

Comparison

The Cash Magnet Card's rewards system is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a great fit for those who value simplicity over maximizing returns. This card offers a universal cashback rate, which is both its biggest strength and limitation.

Many cashback cards offer higher rates in specific categories, but they can be complex and require a lot of effort to optimize rewards. This can be overwhelming for those who don't have a lot of time or patience to track their spending.

The Cash Magnet Card's non-tiered rewards system makes it a strong contender in the cashback card market, especially for individuals whose spending doesn't heavily lean into specific categories.

A different take: Custom Cash Card Categories

Comparison to Others

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The American Express Cash Magnet Card stands out in the cashback card market due to its universal cashback rate. Many cashback cards offer higher rates in specific categories, but they can be complex and require effort to optimize rewards.

The Cash Magnet Card's approach to rewards demystifies the cashback model, making it accessible to a broader audience. This is especially beneficial for individuals whose spending doesn't heavily lean into specific categories.

Its non-tiered, straightforward rewards system is a major advantage, as it eliminates the need to track and optimize rewards. This simplicity makes the Cash Magnet Card a strong contender in the cashback card market.

The absence of an annual fee is another perk that sets the Cash Magnet Card apart from its competitors. This means users can enjoy cashback rewards without incurring additional costs.

Rating Criteria

When evaluating options, it's essential to consider multiple factors. This helps ensure a comprehensive comparison and informed decision.

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For our comparison, we'll be rating options based on their features, pricing, and customer support. Features will be evaluated on their relevance, quality, and overall value.

Our pricing comparison will consider the cost per feature, any additional fees, and the overall value for money. We'll also assess the pricing structure to determine if it's flexible and scalable.

Customer support will be rated on its responsiveness, knowledge, and helpfulness. We'll evaluate the availability of support channels, such as phone, email, and live chat, as well as the support team's expertise and willingness to help.

By considering these factors, we'll be able to provide a fair and accurate comparison of the options being evaluated. This will help you make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Expand your knowledge: Citi Double Cash Card Points Value

Best to Pair

If you're looking to maximize your rewards potential, pairing the American Express Cash Magnet Card with another card can be a great strategy. The best cards to pair with it offer stronger rewards or benefits for purchases in specific categories.

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The Blue Cash Preferred card is an excellent option to consider, as it offers generous cashback rewards on everyday spending categories like groceries, gas, and streaming services. This card can complement the Cash Magnet card effectively, allowing you to take advantage of higher reward rates in specific areas.

The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is another solid pick, offering high cash back rates on select categories such as supermarkets, gas stations, and select online retail purchases. This combination can help you optimize rewards potential across a wide range of expenses.

Here are some great pairing options to consider:

  • Blue Cash Preferred card for higher reward rates on everyday spending categories
  • Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express for high cash back rates on select categories

By pairing these cards strategically, you can take advantage of the best of both worlds and maximize your cash back earnings.

Pros and Cons

The American Express Cash Magnet Card has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key points to consider:

You get automatic cash back at a modestly boosted rate on all purchases with no activation required. This means you can earn cash back without having to do anything extra.

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The card has a relatively low APR, which can help you manage debt in your first year with the card. This is a significant benefit for those who carry a balance.

The card also comes with no annual fee, making it a great option for those who don't want to pay extra for their credit card. This is a major perk, especially for those who only use their credit card for occasional purchases.

However, the flat cashback rate may not yield as high returns as category-specific cards for some users. This could be a drawback for those who have specific spending habits or categories they frequently purchase in.

Additionally, the lack of sign-up bonus might be seen as a missed opportunity to attract new cardholders. This could be a disappointment for those who were expecting a reward for signing up.

Here are some key features to consider:

  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR offer

Pros

The American Express Cash Magnet Card has some great benefits that make it a solid choice for those looking for a no-frills rewards card. You can get automatic cash back at a modestly boosted rate on all purchases with no activation required.

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One of the key advantages of this card is its relatively low APR, which can help you manage debt in your first year with the card. This can give you some peace of mind and help you avoid overspending.

Here are some of the key benefits of the Amex Cash Magnet Card:

  • Car rental loss and damage insurance: You'll receive secondary coverage for a rental car when you decline the collision damage waiver at the counter and pay for the entire rental with your card*
  • Purchase Protection: You'll be reimbursed for up to $1,000 per covered incident and up to $50,000 per year for theft, loss or accidental damage to eligible items that occurred within 90 days of purchase when you pay for the item with your card**
  • Global Assist Hotline: Available to assist you with travel planning 24/7***
  • Amex Offers: Earn additional rewards on some purchases with targeted Amex Offers
  • Amex Send and Split: Allows you to split purchases with people using Venmo

Additionally, you can take advantage of the Plan It program, which allows you to pay off purchases of $100 or more in monthly installments. To use this feature, you must first be deemed eligible per your credit history.

Cons

The American Express Cash Magnet Card has its downsides, and it's essential to consider them before deciding to keep the card. A 2.7% fee is charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

This fee can add up quickly, especially for frequent international travelers. The cash back rewards come in the form of a statement credit, but there's a minimum redemption requirement of $25.

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This can be a hassle for those who prefer to receive their cash back in a more flexible manner. The lack of a sign-up bonus is another drawback, as it's a common incentive offered by other cashback cards.

This might be a missed opportunity to attract new cardholders, but it's not the only consideration. American Express's acceptance rate is also a factor to consider, particularly in international markets.

While it's improving, there are still instances where AmEx cards are not as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard. This could be a concern for frequent travelers who rely on their credit cards for everyday purchases.

Rewards

The rewards on the Cash Magnet card are straightforward and simple. You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track and no limits to how much cash back you can earn. This means you can earn cash back on your groceries, gas, dining out, travel, utilities, and general purchases, all at the same rate.

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The cash back rewards can be redeemed as "Reward Dollars" that can be used toward statement credits and at Amazon.com checkout. You can also cash in your rewards for gift cards or merchandise from select merchants, but this is not always an option.

Here's a breakdown of how much cash back you can earn in each category, annually:

  • Groceries: $78
  • Gas: $33
  • Dining out: $55
  • Travel: $34
  • Utilities: $73
  • General purchases: $59
  • Total: $332

The average American can earn an estimated $482 in the first year of card membership, including the welcome bonus offer, and $1,810 over five years, assuming you redeem cash back for a typical value of 1 cent each.

Alternatives and Conclusion

If you're not sold on the Cash Magnet Card, there are other options to consider. The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on various categories throughout the year, like gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Some cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can give you a head start on earning rewards. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card offers a one-time $150 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

For another approach, see: Where Can I Add Cash to My One Card

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You can also consider using a cash back app like Ibotta, which offers cash back on groceries and other purchases. Ibotta has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of participating stores and brands.

The key to maximizing your rewards is to use the right card for your spending habits. For example, if you spend a lot on gas, a card that offers 5% cash back on gas stations might be a good choice.

You might like: Apple Card Gas Cash Back

Application and Services

The American Express Cash Magnet Card offers a range of services to help you manage your finances.

You can apply for a cash-back credit card with confidence, as the American Express Cash Magnet Card has no annual fee.

The card allows you to earn cash-back rewards on every purchase, making it a straightforward option for those who want simplicity.

Here are some of the services you can expect from the Cash Magnet Card:

  • Business Credit Lines
  • Equipment Financing
  • Term Loans

These services can help you access the funds you need to manage your business or personal finances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the cash magnet card being discontinued?

The American Express Cash Magnet Card is no longer accepting new applications, but existing cardholders can continue using their cards. Discontinuation does not affect current cardholders, but new applications are no longer being accepted.

What is the bonus on the cash magnet card?

The American Express Cash Magnet Card offers a $200 bonus for spending $2,000 in the first 6 months after opening an account. This bonus is a great incentive for new cardholders to reach the spending threshold and start earning rewards.

What credit score do you need for Amex cash Magnet?

To get approved for the Amex Cash Magnet Card, you'll need a credit score of at least 700. Good credit is required for approval, so check your score before applying.

Is Amex cash Magnet hard to get?

The Amex Cash Magnet approval odds are relatively good for those with good to excellent credit, but may not be the best option for rewards and perks. Approval is possible, but it's worth considering other options for a more rewarding experience.

What is the Amex cash magnet card?

The American Express Cash Magnet Card is a cash back credit card that offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months and rewards new cardholders with $200 back after meeting a spending requirement. It's a simple and lucrative option for those seeking interest savings and cash back benefits.

Percy Cole

Senior Writer

Percy Cole is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Percy has established himself as a trusted voice in the insurance industry. Their expertise spans a range of article categories, including malpractice insurance and professional liability insurance for students.

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