Partner OfferThe Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is the perfect card for earning up to 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $ 6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) without worrying about an annual fee (See Rates & Fees). When compared to other cash back cards, the lack of an annual fee is relatively rare, but its rewards categories might not cover expenses you typically spend on, meaning you may have to go out of your way to make purchases from specific businesses. However, the low $ 1,000 requirement for the $ 150 introductory bonus within the first 3 months makes up for this.
What we like about the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Welcome bonus: You’ll get $ 150 when you spend $ 1,000 in the first 3 months after opening an account. This intro requirement is lower than many other cards that require you to spend $ 3,000 or more, so it should be more manageable to earn than some introductory rewards.
- Earn 3% cash back: Get 3% cash back for spending at U.S. supermarkets on up to $ 6,000 every year. After that, you’ll receive 1% back. Also, you’ll get 2% back on U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, as well as 1% back on everything else.
- 0% intro APR in the initial 15 months: If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, this one could be an excellent choice. You won’t accrue interest on your balance for 15 months after you open the account, then 12.99% – 23.99% Variable (See Rates & Fees), which is longer than many introductory zero-interest periods.
- No annual fee: You won’t have to pay an annual fee to be a cardholder.
- Terms Apply
Things to consider
- Limited rewards. The 3% cash back on the highest-earning category — U.S. supermarkets — is limited to $ 6,000 per year. You’ll only earn 1% on all purchases at U.S. supermarkets after you spend over that amount, which can make the card less enticing.
- Few bonus categories. If you don’t spend a lot of money on the bonus categories, this might not be the best card for you. Because the categories are specific, you’ll need to make sure you purchase enough of these items to make this card the right one for your wallet.
- Foreign transaction fees. When you travel abroad and use this card, you’ll pay 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars. This addition may seem small, but foreign transaction fees can add up. (See Rates & Fees)
Cash back details
To get as much cash back from this card as possible, you’ll want to spend $ 1,000 in the first 3 months to get $ 150 cash back for your welcome bonus. This low spending requirement makes the welcome bonus a bit easier to receive than some other cards that require $ 3,000 or more in spending.
To continue maximizing your benefits, you’ll need to spend $ 6,000 each year on the card at U.S. supermarkets to earn the highest 3% cash back (then 1%), which is up to $ 180 back each year. You’ll also want to use the card for all your U.S. gas station and U.S. department store purchases. You’ll get an unlimited 2% back for all of those purchases, so it would be a good idea to buy them with your card.
Fee details
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express carries no annual fee, which makes it an ideal card for many customers. You don’t have to pay to keep the card in your wallet, but you can earn rewards along the way. You also receive a 0% intro APR for 15 months for purchases and balance transfers after you get the card, but after that, the APR will be between 12.99% – 23.99% Variable (See Rates & Fees). You’ll pay up to $ 40 for late and returned payments (See Rates & Fees).
How does it compare to other cash back cards?
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a cash back card that offers 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers and does not have an annual fee. However, other cards have similar — or even more extended — no-interest periods and higher rewards potential. The Citi® Double Cash Card gives you 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers instead of 15 months.
| Card | Ongoing Purchase APR | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Credit Needed | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 12.99% – 23.99% Variable (See Rates & Fees) | $ 0 (See Rates & Fees) | $ 150 welcome bonus when you spend $ 1,000 with the card within three months of opening the account. Terms Apply. | Excellent | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $ 6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, 1% back on other purchases. Terms Apply. |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable) | None | No current offer | Excellent | 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. |
The bottom line
If you have a family and don’t mind putting in a little effort in tracking spending categories, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great fit for you. The categories are specific — groceries, department stores and gas stations — so you’ll have to make sure you spend enough in each of these categories to get the most out of your rewards.
However, you may want to look into other cards that offer higher cash back. The Citi® Double Cash Card could bring you more cash back earnings if you spend in their required categories. However, you may have to pay an annual fee for a different card.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
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