American Express Morgan Stanley Credit Card Review
Updated September 26, 2016.
The Facts
The Math
Amex Morgan Stanley vs. other MR cards with transfer feature: Amex Green carries the same annual fee but doesn't offer any 2x categoires - thus Morgan Stanley is far superior. Amex PR Gold is considered to have the same annual fee if you use its $100 airline credit, and offers 3x on airfare and 2x on groceries and gas. Amex Mercedes-Benz carries the same annual fee, and offers 3x on gas and 2x on dining.
Amex Morgan Stanley vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: we see them as direct competitors since they have the same annual fees and similar 2x categories - Sapphire Preferred offers more in travel such as hotels, parking, and public transportation while Morgan Stanley offer select department stores. In addition, Sapphire Preferred also offers 3x airfare booked through UR (ending December 2015), waived foreign transaction fees, and primary rental car coverage. We say in general, Sapphire Preferred is a better card; however, if you want to accumulate MR points instead of UR or/and you have large department store purchases, Morgan Stanley is a great choice.
The Conclusion
With the added 2x categories in May 2014, Morgan Stanley suddenly became very competitive.
The Facts
- Annual Fee: 1st year free and $95 thereafter
- Signup Bonus: 10,000 points
- Rewards: 2x airfare, car rental, U.S. restaurants, and select U.S. department stores, and 1x everywhere else. You will receive $100 from Morgan Stanley when you spend at least $25,000 each year.
- Best Use of Membership Rewards points: The Morgan Stanley co-branded credit card actually earns Amex Membership Rewards (MR) points, just like Amex Green, Gold, and Platinum Cards. Normally, Amex Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for statement credit, merchandise gift cards, travel, shopping, etc., up to 1 cent per point. However, Amex Morgan Stanley Credit Card, along with some other products, is eligible for the transfer feature that allows points to be transferred to frequent flyer miles or frequent guest points. Please see our featured review on five major programs that have transfer features - SPG vs. MR. vs. UR vs. TY vs CR.
- Other Benefits: (1) Amex Offers - you receive savings in form of statement credit or earn bonus MR points on select merchants when using your Amex card; you need to manually add an offer to your Amex card to be eligible for savings or bonus, and unlike other savings/bonus programs, you don't need to shop through a certain portal. (2) ShopRunner membership for free 2-day shipping with select merchants. (3) Entertainment Access (a.k.a. Membership Experiences) including American Express Presale and Premium Access (Dining Access).
- Other Facts: The card used to be very similar to Amex Green Charge Card, which never interested us since there were better Amex cards that earn MR points. However, in May 2014, Amex added 2x categories which made this card very competitive.
The Math
Amex Morgan Stanley vs. other MR cards with transfer feature: Amex Green carries the same annual fee but doesn't offer any 2x categoires - thus Morgan Stanley is far superior. Amex PR Gold is considered to have the same annual fee if you use its $100 airline credit, and offers 3x on airfare and 2x on groceries and gas. Amex Mercedes-Benz carries the same annual fee, and offers 3x on gas and 2x on dining.
Amex Morgan Stanley vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: we see them as direct competitors since they have the same annual fees and similar 2x categories - Sapphire Preferred offers more in travel such as hotels, parking, and public transportation while Morgan Stanley offer select department stores. In addition, Sapphire Preferred also offers 3x airfare booked through UR (ending December 2015), waived foreign transaction fees, and primary rental car coverage. We say in general, Sapphire Preferred is a better card; however, if you want to accumulate MR points instead of UR or/and you have large department store purchases, Morgan Stanley is a great choice.
The Conclusion
With the added 2x categories in May 2014, Morgan Stanley suddenly became very competitive.