The American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a versatile cash-back credit card that caters to those who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases without an annual fee.
This card offers 3% cash back on supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 2% on gas station purchases, and 1% on other purchases, making it ideal for consumers who spend frequently in these categories.
Additionally, the card features a sign-up bonus and introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months, which further enhances its value.
Reasons to Choose the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card
Strong Cash Back Rewards:
The American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card stands out with its 3% cash back on supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually), making it one of the best cards for grocery shoppers.
Additionally, you earn 2% back on gas station purchases, and 1% on all other purchases, which ensures that everyday spending earns valuable rewards.
No Annual Fee:
Unlike many other rewards cards, the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card does not have an annual fee, which makes it an ideal option for people who want to earn rewards without paying for the privilege.
This feature ensures that you keep more of your cash, especially for those who don’t want to deal with annual charges.
Introductory APR Offer:
The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
This makes it a great option for those who want to make large purchases or transfer high-interest balances from other cards and pay them off without interest charges during the introductory period.
Sign-Up Bonus:
New cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit after making $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
This provides a significant incentive to use the card and enjoy a boost in rewards from the start.
American Express Benefits:
With American Express®, cardholders gain access to a variety of valuable perks, including purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, return protection, and fraud protection.
These benefits provide added security for your purchases, making it a reliable card for everyday use.
Flexible Redemption Options:
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card allows you to redeem your rewards in several ways, including statement credits, gift cards, or travel rewards.
This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your rewards redemption to your personal preferences and needs.
Cash Back on Everyday Spending:
The card’s 3% cash back on supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually) is particularly beneficial for families or individuals who spend a significant portion of their budget on groceries.
Additionally, the 2% cash back on gas station purchases helps you save on everyday fuel expenses.
Negative Factors of the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card
High APR After Introductory Period:
After the introductory 0% APR period ends (15 months), the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card has a variable APR ranging from 18.24% to 29.24%.
This can be relatively high compared to other cards, so it’s important to pay off any balances before the introductory period ends to avoid high-interest charges.
Supermarket Spending Cap:
While the card offers 3% cash back on supermarket purchases, this rate is only applicable to the first $6,000 spent annually at supermarkets.
Once you hit this spending limit, you earn 1% cash back on grocery purchases, which may reduce the rewards for heavy grocery shoppers who exceed this threshold.
Foreign Transaction Fees:
The card charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, which can be a disadvantage for those who travel internationally and make purchases abroad.
There are other cards that offer no foreign transaction fees, which may be more suitable for frequent travelers.
No Premium Travel Benefits:
Although the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers great rewards on everyday purchases, it doesn’t come with premium travel perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, or concierge services, which are available on higher-tier cards like the American Express® Gold Card or American Express® Platinum Card.
Reward Categories May Be Limited for Some:
The card’s 3% cash back is limited to supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), and 2% back is limited to gas stations.
If your spending is concentrated in other categories, such as dining or entertainment, this card might not be the best fit compared to cards with more diverse rewards categories.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card?
To apply for the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
Credit Score:
Applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score to be approved for this card.
A score of 670 or higher is generally required, though those with higher scores will have better chances of approval.
Income and Employment Information:
You will need to provide your income details during the application process.
This helps American Express assess your ability to manage your credit line.
The higher and more stable your income, the more likely you are to qualify.
U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency:
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents. You will need to provide documentation of your citizenship or legal residency during the application process.
Age Requirement:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
Social Security Number (SSN):
You will need to provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply.
This is required for identity verification and credit history assessment.
Debt-to-Income Ratio:
American Express will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio during the application process.
A lower ratio (meaning you have less existing debt relative to income) will improve your chances of approval.
Fees and Costs
The American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card comes with the following fees and costs:
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of each transaction in U.S. dollars for purchases made outside of the United States
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer, or $5, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance Fee: The greater of $10 or 5% of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
- APR:
- Standard Purchase APR: 18.24% to 29.24% (Variable)
- Cash Advance APR: 26.24% (Variable)
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Introductory APR Offers:
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What rewards can I earn with the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card?
You can earn 3% cash back at supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), 2% cash back at gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Is there a sign-up bonus for the card?
Yes, you can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Does the card have an annual fee?
No, the American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card has no annual fee.
What is the introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers?
The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Is there a foreign transaction fee on the card?
Yes, there is a 2.7% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the United States.
How can I redeem my cash back rewards?
Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or travel rewards.
Conclusion
The American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card offers valuable cash back rewards on everyday purchases, with the added benefits of no annual fee and a generous sign-up bonus.
Its strong rewards on supermarket and gas station purchases make it an excellent choice for consumers who frequently shop at these places.
