Credit Cards Cash Back Credit Cards

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Review [2024]: Easy Cash Back, No Annual Fee

Earning money back on everyday purchases is one of the best ways to earn rewards, and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express makes it simple.

Updated Nov. 11, 2024
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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
4.9
info

OUR VIEW

I strongly believe everyone should have a no annual fee credit card that offers simple rewards in their wallet, and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a strong contender.

While I don’t like its annual cap on bonus categories, it’s nice to know I can earn elevated rates in three of the categories where I spend the most without worrying about rotating categories, annual fees, or even how I’ll spend my rewards. This card is simple and user-friendly.

Pros

$0 annual fee, but still pays healthy bonus rewards
Makes gas purchases more affordable
Great welcome offer that you can earn with everyday spending

Cons

The spending limit on earning elevated rewards is low
Charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, which is a downside if you travel abroad often
How we evaluate products

Card basics

Card type Cash Back
FinanceBuzz star ratings
4.9
info
FinanceBuzz value calculation1 Year one earnings: $1,019

Year two earnings: $819

Annual fee $0
Welcome bonus Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
Reward rate 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
Recommended credit score Excellent, Good
Intro APR 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 18.49% - 29.49% (variable)

0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% - 29.49% (variable)

Foreign transaction fee 2.7%

Because the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express doesn’t have an annual fee, there’s nothing to lose by trying it. I personally like the 3% earned back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%), because U.S. supermarket prices have inflated so much lately.

Who should get the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express?

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a rewards credit card great for anyone who regularly charges everyday purchases, including U.S. supermarket, U.S. gas station, and online purchases. If you can commit to paying your balance in full each month, you could save a decent amount of money on these purchases.

I like to think of this card as a no-brainer because you don’t have to stop and think about which card suits a purchase the best. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express covers all the bases, and if you purchase something outside of the bonus categories, you still earn 1% back on other eligible purchases. While that’s not incredible, it’s better than getting nothing back, and you’re not paying an annual fee.

Who shouldn’t get this card?

I feel like it’s important to mention that this card doesn’t offer travel benefits outside of car rental loss and damage insurance or the Global Assist Hotline to help coordinate services when you have an emergency. It doesn’t offer travel rewards, such as airline miles or even benefits like free checked bags or airport lounge access. If you’re in the market for travel benefits, check out the best travel credit cards to better meet your needs.

Benefits and perks

  • Generous welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
  • Great intro APR: With a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, this is a good credit card for large purchases and transferring high-interest balances. New cardholders can pay those purchases and transfers off over time without incurring interest charges. After the intro period has ended, then the regular 18.49% - 29.49% (variable) APR will apply.
  • Cash back on everyday items: Earn cash back on items you buy every day: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. This is a good way to earn cash back on items already in your budget.
  • Statement credits for the Disney bundle: Get $7 back each month in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. You must enroll in this benefit.
  • Home Chef statement credits: Receive up to $15 back per month in statement credits for eligible Home Chef meal solutions purchased online with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express card. You must enroll in this benefit.
  • $0 annual fee: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has a $0 annual fee.
  • Car rental coverage: If you use this card to book a rental car and decline the collision damage waiver, then Amex will cover you with rental car insurance if the vehicle is stolen or damaged. 2
  • ShopRunner benefits: As a cardholder, you will get a complimentary ShopRunner membership. This can get you free two-day shipping on eligible purchases through participating online retailers. You must enroll in this benefit.
  • Additional free cards: You can order additional free cards for family members (over 13) and earn rewards on their spending.
  • Cash back at Amazon.com: You can use your Amex earnings to check out at Amazon. The value is the same as if you requested a statement credit.
  • Events with Amex™: You may get access to special events, ticket presales, exclusive merchandise and fan experiences with the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
  • Amex Offers: Get access to exclusive offers that you can activate before shopping and increase your cash back.

Earning & redeeming cash back

Potential earnings in years one and two

Here's a look how your cashback rewards can add up with the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. All cash back earned comes in the form of statement credits.

Remember, this is an estimation. The actual value will be determined by how much you spend and in which categories you spend.

Year one earnings: $1,019

Year two earnings: $819

These values are based on the FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model which takes a look at points earned via spending, the welcome bonus, and the annual fee.

Maximizing earnings

Categories Rewards rate
U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%) 3%
Other eligible purchases 1%

The earnings structure is simple. Maximize your earnings by using the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express for all U.S. supermarket, U.S. gas station, and online retail purchases until you hit the cap in each category.

Since the average household spends $14,000 on groceries annually, you may want to consider the other best credit cards for groceries to continue earning. While you still earn 1% back on other eligible purchases after hitting the cap, there are cards that offer much more.

While you can earn 1% back on other eligible purchases, you may want to consider other options as that’s a pretty low rewards rate.

Maximizing your redemptions

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a straightforward and easy card to carry. Without an annual fee, it’s a no-brainer, and its redemptions are just as simple. Your only decision is whether you want them as a statement credit or to use when you checkout on Amazon.

FAQ

Is the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express a charge card?

No, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is not a charge card. A charge card is one that must be paid off at the end of each month. Instead, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express card is a credit card. If you carry a balance, you’ll pay interest.

What credit score is needed for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express?

To get the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, you will likely need to have a good to excellent credit score. Learn how to view your free credit report so you have an idea of where your credit stands.

What is the difference between the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express?

There are a few differences between the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. First, instead of getting cashback rewards, the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card offers American Express Membership Rewards points.

Additionally, the two cards offer different rewards rates. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card offers 2X points per dollar (on the first $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year, after that 1X), and 1X on all other eligible purchases. While the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by FinanceBuzz. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is no longer accepting applications.

Neither card has an annual fee, but the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card offers a few more benefits including:

  • 2x Membership Points® on purchases through AmexTravel.com
  • 20% more points when you use your Amex EveryDay® Credit Card card more than 20 times in a month
  • You can use points to cover charges on your credit card

Does the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express have an annual fee?

No, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express card has a $0 annual fee.

Other cards to consider

If you’re interested in other cashback credit cards, you may consider another Amex card such as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, or a card from a completely different credit card issuer such as the Citi Double Cash® Card. Here's why these rewards credit cards might be a better fit for you:

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, cash back comes in the form of Reward Dollars, which you can redeem as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. This card does have a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter. But if you spend anywhere close to the national average on groceries, your cashback earnings from this category alone will more than cover twice the annual fee.

Since you can earn double the rewards on groceries compared to the Blue Cash Everyday® card, it may be worth the annual fee. The card also offers extended warranty protection, offering a one year extended warranty after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, and return protection that allows you to return a purchase to Amex within 90 days if the seller won’t accept it.

Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a better fit for people who want ample cash rewards but don't want to track their spending or use multiple rewards cards. The Citi Double Cash earns you a rewards rate of 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25. This means you earn that reward rate on your spending whether you're shopping at Amazon, Kohl's, or a one-of-a-kind boutique shop. This card also has a $0 annual fee.

The earnings rate is much lower on the Citi Double Cash card, but you don’t have to worry about categories or an annual fee. There also isn’t a cap on the rewards, so you don’t have to worry about earning a lower earnings rate after a certain amount of spending.

A Simple Cashback Card for Day-to-Day

4.9
info

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Why We Like It

Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months

See rates and fees | Terms Apply

See how these cards compare:

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • High cashback rates at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, eligible transit, and U.S. streaming subscriptions (cash back is in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit)
  • Introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers
  • $7 monthly statement credit toward an eligible Disney bundle subscription (subject to auto renewal) of $9.99 or more (enrollment required)
  • See rates and fees | Terms Apply
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
  • Simple flat-rate cash back on all your purchases
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR
  • No annual fee
  • Rates and fees

Bottom line

I think the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a good card if you like simplicity. Sometimes I don’t want to mess with categories or worry about which card will offer the best options, and the Blue Cash Everyday card is it.

While the cap is somewhat disappointing, you can determine how many months it would take you to hit that cap and when you do, switch to one of the other great cash back credit cards that will reward you for your purchases.

A Simple Cashback Card for Day-to-Day

4.9
info

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Current Offer

Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details

Author Details

Miranda Marquit

Miranda Marquit has covered personal finance for more than a decade and is a nationally-recognized financial expert and journalist, appearing on CNBC, NPR, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, FOX Business, and numerous other outlets.

Author Details

Samantha Hawrylack

Samantha Hawrylack is a writer with more than five years of experience. Her work has been published in Newsweek, MarketWatch, USA Today, Rocket Mortgage, BiggerPockets, Crediful, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and she was previously a brokerage investment professional with Series 7 and 63 licenses at Vanguard.