What's The Catch? Blue Cash Everyday Review
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If you want a cash back credit card with the same rewards categories year-round, then consider the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, a CreditDonkey partner.
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Overall Score | 3.9 | ||
Rewards | 4.5 | ||
Interest Rates | 3.0 | ||
Fees | 4.0 | ||
Benefits | 4.0 | ||
Pros and Cons
- Bonus cash back
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/year in purchases, then 1%)
- No annual fee
- Not a Visa/MasterCard
Bottom Line
Great cash back card for cardholders who pay in full
LOOKING FOR AN EVERYDAY CREDIT CARD?
Here's why you may want to consider this credit card:
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. - No annual fee (See Rates & Fees)
Note: Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
WHO THIS CARD IS RIGHT FOR
- If you eat at home a lot: You earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
on up to $6,000 a year in purchases (then 1% after that).
Counterpoint: If you spend more than $61/week on groceries, consider the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express (a CreditDonkey partner) instead. The Blue Cash Preferred earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases as well) but has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (See Rates & Fees). Note: Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Read our review for this card.
Counterpoint: Blue Cash Preferred
Earn 6% cashback at U.S supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- If you shop online a lot: You earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Bonus Cash Back
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Current American Express Promotions
| For | Card |
|---|---|
| Cash Back / No Annual Fee | Blue Cash Everyday |
| Groceries and Gas | Blue Cash Preferred |
Cash Back: What You Need to Know About Rewards
Here's why this card is a standout:
The Blue Cash Everyday Card stands out because their rewards structure is simpler to follow than many other cash back credit cards that change rewards categories four times a year. It can be tough to keep up with which credit card has which rewards at any given time. This Amex card has a much simpler structure without rotating bonus categories to think about.
Cardholders receive extra cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases, some of the most common expenses for many families. As its name implies, using this card on "everyday" purchases really makes the cash start to add up.
Redemption is also straightforward: Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
CAN YOU GET BETTER REWARDS WITH ANOTHER AMEX CARD?
While you could get higher percentages for some purchase categories with other American Express cards, those cards often have an annual fee. Can't decide between the Blue Cash Everyday and another Amex card? Take a look at your purchases in the past 3 months and see how much you would have earned with this card versus another one.
Did you buy a lot of groceries? Or spend a lot at the gas pump? It's important to consider whether your estimated rewards would make up for an annual fee. If so, you may want to consider the Blue Cash Preferred.
Blue Cash Preferred
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Supermarket List: What is a "U.S. Supermarket"?
It may seem obvious, but the definition of a "supermarket" can actually differ according to the credit card company. American Express considers a supermarket as a store that offers a variety of food and household products, including produce, meat, and dairy as well as cleaners and pet food.
Chances are if a store sells groceries in addition to clothes and electronics, it is not - in Amex's view - a supermarket. So-called big-box stores (like Wal-Mart and Target), online superstores (like Amazon), and warehouses (like Costco) are NOT considered supermarkets. Your mom-and-pop corner grocery store or specialty shop that only sells cheese or meat are also NOT considered supermarkets. Retailers that qualify include Whole Foods, Meijer, Shoprite, Winn-Dixie, Stop and Shop, Vons, Pathmark, and online supermarket FreshDirect, among others.
Gas Station List: What is a "U.S. Gas Station"?
The good news about this card's cash back for gas station purchases is it goes beyond just gas. If the gas station you frequent also functions as a convenience store, consider using your Amex at the pump and inside the store to get your milk or other last-minute items (but keep in mind that items you buy in a gas-station store are usually more expensive than the same items at other merchants).
Amex views qualifying gas stations as those in the United States that primarily sell gasoline, so supermarkets (like Safeway) and warehouse clubs (like Costco) do NOT fall into this category even if they have their own pumps. Shell, Mobil, Hess, Exxon, Gulf, and Murphy are some of the gas stations where you can get 3% back with this card.
Foreign Transaction Fee
Unfortunately, the Blue Cash Everyday has a 2.7% foreign transaction fee (See Rates & Fees), so it will charge you extra on every purchase you make with it outside the U.S. If you plan to travel internationally, you'll need to remember to bring a no foreign transaction fee credit card with you.
Pros
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- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. - No annual fee
Cons
- Not a Visa/MasterCard
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
HOW IT COMPARES
How About the Blue Cash Preferred? If you spend more than $3,167/year (or ~$61/week) at U.S. supermarkets, consider the Blue Cash Preferred, which offers 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%). Note: Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. It has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee.
If you spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets, be sure to check Blue Cash Preferred's latest promotions.
Blue Cash Everyday | Blue Cash Preferred | |
|---|---|---|
Interest Rates and Fees | ||
| Introductory APR for Purchases | 0% introductory APR on Purchases for 15 months | 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months |
| Introductory APR for Balance Transfers | 0% introductory APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months | 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 12 months |
| Purchase APR | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors |
| Balance Transfers APR | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors |
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | |
| Terms Apply. | Terms Apply. | |
Benefits and Features | ||
| Cash Back Deal | Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. |
| Cash Back | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. |
| Gas | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. |
| Grocery | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. |
| Apply Now | Apply Now | |
How About Chase Freedom? If you prefer a Visa credit card, consider Chase Freedom, a no annual fee, cash back credit card.
Blue Cash Everyday | |
|---|---|
Interest Rates and Fees | |
| Introductory APR for Purchases | 0% introductory APR on Purchases for 15 months |
| Introductory APR for Balance Transfers | 0% introductory APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months |
| Purchase APR | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors |
| Balance Transfers APR | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors |
| Annual Fee | |
| Terms Apply. | |
Benefits and Features | |
| Cash Back Deal | Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. |
| Cash Back | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. |
| Gas | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. |
| Grocery | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. |
How about Chase Freedom Unlimited®? If you prefer a Visa credit card that earns 1.5% on all purchases, then consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Blue Cash Everyday | Chase Freedom Unlimited | |
|---|---|---|
Interest Rates and Fees | ||
| Introductory APR for Purchases | 0% introductory APR on Purchases for 15 months | 0% introductory APR for 15 months |
| Introductory APR for Balance Transfers | 0% introductory APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months | 0% introductory APR for 15 months |
| Purchase APR | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors | 19.74% to 28.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors |
| Balance Transfers APR | 18.49% to 29.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors | 19.74% to 28.49% Variable based on your creditworthiness and other factors |
| Annual Fee | ||
| Terms Apply. | ||
Benefits and Features | ||
| Cash Back Deal | Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. |
| Cash Back | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. | Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases. |
| Gas | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. | |
| Grocery | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. | |
| Restaurant | Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services | |
| Apply Now | Apply Now | |
Bottom Line
Blue Cash Everyday is a good credit card for people who pay their balance in full each month and want cash back without the complexity of rotating rewards categories. Remember, as with all credit card offers, terms and limitations do apply.
Next Step: View the issuer's official application, terms, and details
Meghan C is a contributing writer at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison and reviews website. Write to Meghan C at meghan@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. This site may be compensated through the Advertiser's affiliate programs.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express card, please click here.
Disclaimer: The information for the Chase Freedom has been collected independently by CreditDonkey. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
