The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a popular cash back credit card that offers a range of benefits to cardholders. As one of the many credit cards in the American Express portfolio, this card stands out for its generous cash back rewards program and low fees. If you’re in the market for a new credit card and are considering the Blue Cash Everyday Card, this review will give you a comprehensive overview of the card’s features, benefits, and drawbacks, so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Generous cash back rewards program, with 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those who want to earn cash back rewards without paying for the privilege.
- Welcome bonus of $200 cash back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months of card membership.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months (then a variable APR of 13.99% – 23.99% applies).
- Wide range of travel, shopping, and entertainment benefits, including car rental loss and damage insurance, roadside assistance, and access to Amex Offers.
Cons:
- Limited bonus categories for earning cash back rewards, which may not suit everyone’s spending habits.
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee, making this card less attractive for international travel.
- Cash back rewards can only be redeemed in $25 increments, which may be inconvenient for some cardholders.
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval, so it may not be accessible to everyone.
- Limited acceptance outside of the United States, particularly in some parts of Europe and Asia.
Why you might want the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
If you’re considering the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, there are several compelling reasons why it might be the right choice for you:
Earning cash back
The card’s generous cash back rewards program is a major draw for many cardholders. With 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases, the rewards can quickly add up. If you do a lot of grocery shopping or commuting by car, for example, you could earn significant cash back rewards with this card.
Introductory bonus
In addition to the ongoing cash back rewards program, the Blue Cash Everyday Card also offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months of card membership. This is a great way to jumpstart your cash back earnings and make the most of the card’s benefits from the outset.
Redeeming cash back
One of the benefits of the Blue Cash Everyday Card’s cash back rewards program is that you can redeem your rewards in a variety of ways, including statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise. However, it’s worth noting that rewards can only be redeemed in $25 increments, which may be a drawback for some cardholders who prefer more flexibility in how they use their rewards.
Intro APR for new purchases and balance transfers
If you’re looking to make a big purchase or transfer a balance from another credit card, the Blue Cash Everyday Card’s introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months (then a variable APR of 13.99% – 23.99% applies) could be a major advantage. This can help you save money on interest charges and pay down your balance more quickly, especially if you’re able to make larger payments during the intro period.
Other Features
In addition to its cash back rewards program and introductory APR offer, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express comes with a range of other features that can make it an attractive choice for many cardholders. These include:
Car rental loss and damage insurance:
When you use your Blue Cash Everyday Card to rent a car, you’ll be covered for theft or damage to the rental vehicle, as well as any loss-of-use charges the rental company may impose while the car is being repaired. This can save you money and give you peace of mind when you’re on the road.
Roadside assistance:
If you have car trouble while you’re out and about, the Blue Cash Everyday Card’s roadside assistance feature can come in handy. This includes services like towing, jump-starts, and lockout assistance, as well as emergency fuel delivery if you run out of gas.
Amex Offers:
As an American Express cardholder, you’ll have access to Amex Offers, which provide discounts and other perks on a variety of purchases from participating merchants. These offers can change frequently, so it’s worth checking the Amex Offers section of your account regularly to see what deals are available.
ShopRunner membership:
When you enroll your Blue Cash Everyday Card in ShopRunner, you’ll get free two-day shipping and returns on eligible items from a network of over 100 online retailers. This can be a great perk if you do a lot of online shopping and want to save on shipping costs.
Entertainment access:
Finally, the Blue Cash Everyday Card gives you access to a range of exclusive entertainment experiences, including presale tickets and VIP packages for concerts, sporting events, and more. If you’re a music or sports fan, this feature could be a major selling point for the card.
Customer Service
Customer service is another area where the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express excels. American Express is known for providing excellent customer service to its cardholders, and the Blue Cash Everyday Card is no exception. Cardholders can contact customer service 24/7 by phone or through the online chat feature, and the representatives are typically knowledgeable, courteous, and helpful. In addition, American Express has a reputation for resolving disputes quickly and fairly, which can give cardholders added peace of mind. If you value top-notch customer service and support, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express could be a great choice for you.
Why you might want a different card
While the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express has many attractive features, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are a couple of reasons why you might want to consider a different card:
Credit score requirement for qualification:
American Express is known for being a bit more selective with its cardholders than some other credit card issuers. To qualify for the Blue Cash Everyday Card, you typically need to have good to excellent credit (a FICO score of 670 or higher). If your credit score isn’t quite up to par, you may have trouble getting approved for this card.
Potential fees:
While the Blue Cash Everyday Card has relatively low fees compared to some other cash back credit cards, it’s still important to be aware of the potential costs. For example, if you carry a balance on the card, you’ll be subject to interest charges, which can quickly add up.
There’s also a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%, which can make the card less appealing if you frequently travel outside the US. Finally, while there’s no annual fee for the card, there is a penalty APR of up to 29.99% if you make a late payment, which can be quite high. If you’re concerned about fees and want a card with lower costs, it’s worth shopping around to compare your options.
How does the Blue Cash Everyday compare to other cash back cards?
When comparing the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express to other cash back credit cards on the market, there are a few key factors to consider, such as rewards rate, sign-up bonus, annual fee, and other perks. Here’s how the Blue Cash Everyday Card stacks up against a few popular competitors:
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers a flexible rewards program that allows you to choose your own cash back categories, including gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings.
You’ll earn 3% cash back on the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. There’s also a $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. The card has no annual fee and offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. However, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Citi® Double Cash Card:
The Citi® Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill. There’s no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn, and the card has no annual fee. While there’s no sign-up bonus, the card does offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months (then a variable APR of 13.99% – 23.99% applies). However, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card:
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). You’ll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
There’s a $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. The card has no annual fee and offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. However, there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
General Card Comparison
Overall, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers a strong rewards rate on groceries and gas, as well as a competitive introductory APR offer. While it doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus, it does have a range of other perks and features, such as roadside assistance and access to Amex Offers. However, depending on your spending habits and priorities, one of the other cash back cards mentioned here might be a better fit.
What do Blue Cash Everyday cardholders say?
Overall, Blue Cash Everyday cardholders have positive things to say about the card’s rewards program, low fees, and customer service. Many appreciate the 3% cash back on groceries and gas, as well as the 2% cash back at select department stores. Cardholders also note the ease of redeeming cash back rewards and the flexibility of using them for statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. Additionally, customers often praise American Express’s customer service, noting that they receive prompt and helpful assistance when needed. Some users have reported issues with acceptance of American Express cards at smaller merchants, but this seems to be less of an issue in recent years as more retailers accept the card. Overall, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express has a strong reputation among its cardholders for its rewards program, low fees, and reliable customer service.
Why get the Blue Cash Everyday card?
- If you spend a lot on groceries and gas, the card’s 3% cash back rate can help you earn rewards quickly.
- The $0 annual fee means you won’t have to worry about paying to keep the card.
- The introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers can be a valuable feature if you’re looking to make a large purchase or consolidate debt.
- The card’s access to Amex Offers and other benefits, such as roadside assistance and travel accident insurance, can provide additional value.
How to use the Blue Cash Everyday card:
- Use the card for all your grocery and gas purchases to maximize your cash back earnings.
- Be sure to spend at least $1,000 within the first three months to qualify for the welcome bonus.
- Redeem your cash back rewards regularly, either as statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise.
- Take advantage of the card’s additional benefits, such as Amex Offers, to save money on everyday purchases.
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain good credit standing.
Is the Blue Cash Everyday card right for you?’
Whether the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is right for you depends on your spending habits, financial goals, and preferences. If you spend a significant amount on groceries and gas each month, the card’s 3% cash back on these categories can provide a substantial boost to your rewards earnings. Additionally, if you’re looking for a card with no annual fee and an introductory 0% APR, the Blue Cash Everyday Card can be a good option. However, if you don’t spend much on groceries or gas, or if you prefer a card with rewards in different categories, such as travel or dining, there may be better options for you. Ultimately, it’s important to evaluate your spending and financial needs to determine if the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express aligns with your goals and can provide the most value for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which card is better, the Blue Cash Everyday or Blue Cash Preferred?
The answer to this question depends on your spending habits and preferences. The Blue Cash Everyday Card has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card has a $95 annual fee but offers higher rewards rates, including 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (such as taxis, ride-sharing services, parking, tolls, trains, and buses), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
If you spend a lot on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred Card may be the better option for you, as it offers higher cash back rates in that category. However, if you don’t spend enough to justify the annual fee, or if you don’t use the other bonus categories, the Blue Cash Everyday Card can still provide good value.