American Express - Blue Review

When I got my first credit card, I wanted something with no annual fee that also let me earn rewards.  I found it in American Express Blue.  I've never been charged any kind of a fee in the three years I've had the card.  But, I have managed to earn several hundred dollars worth of free gift cards using my points.  I use the card whenever possible, even if I have cash in my pocket, then pay off the whole bill every month.  One percent of my purchases comes back to me in gift cards.  I wish they had a wider selection of gift cards to choose from, but I've settled on Home Depot and Borders cards.  So, my credit card pays for all my home repairs and reading!  It's a great deal!  The number one drawback to American Express in general, though, is that it isn't accepted everywhere.  So, I have to have a backup card.  When places don't accept it (usually small stores) I use my MasterCard debit instead.