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Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express Review: 3% Cash Back at Supermarkets and Gas Stations
If you're looking for high cash back on groceries and gas, the Blue Cash Everyday Card delivers. It has no annual fee, but watch out for its bonus categories' spending limits and exclusions.
![Credit card image](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/v1668007212/Blue_Cash_Everyday_Cardfrom_American_Express_5d2d47b2fd.png)
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Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Casie McCoskey
Content Editor
Casie McCoskey is a professional editor passionate about providing people with accessible information on personal finance. Before MoneyGeek, she worked in the legal field, drafting and editing briefs and motions.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/c_scale,q_auto:eco,f_auto,fl_lossy,w_100,b_white/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
Casie McCoskey
Content Editor
Casie McCoskey is a professional editor passionate about providing people with accessible information on personal finance. Before MoneyGeek, she worked in the legal field, drafting and editing briefs and motions.
Updated: August 29, 2024
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MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a great fit for consumers who spend significantly at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail. The card lets you earn 3% cash back in these common, high-spend categories for up to $6,000 per year, then 1% for each category. With no annual fee (See Rates and Fees), it’s an excellent option for earning cash back from everyday spending. However, if you want higher cash back and spend at least $132 per month at supermarkets, you may want to consider the card’s upgraded version, the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express.
![Credit Card logo for Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/f_auto,c_limit,w_384,q_auto/v1668007212/Blue_Cash_Everyday_Cardfrom_American_Express_5d2d47b2fd.png)
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express lets you earn 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases. If you're looking for financial flexibility, this card offers a 15-month 0% intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR afterward (See Rates and Fees). However, its bonus categories have spending caps. The cash-back rate becomes 1% after you reach the yearly limit.
- PROS
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retailers and U.S. gas stations
- 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR afterward
- No annual fee (See Rates and Fees)
- $200 welcome offer after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first six months of opening your new card
CONS- Spending limits on bonus categories
- Low regular cash back rate
- Longer 0% APR periods are available
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% thereafter.
- Earn 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% thereafter.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first six months of opening your new card.
- Earn a $7 statement credit each month after spending $12.99 or more on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle (including Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+) with your Blue Cash Everyday Card.
- Enjoy up to $15 back each month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday Card (subject to auto-renewal).
- Take advantage of 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After the intro period, a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99% applies. See rates and fees
- 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 and fees.
- See rates and fees.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Blue Cash Everyday Card Overview
The Blue Cash Everyday (also called Amex BCE) is a no-annual-fee card that offers a straightforward way to earn cash back on everyday purchases.
With 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases, this card is well-suited for suburban families. However, the 3% cash back rate is capped at $6,000 per year for each bonus category, but that's expected among cards in this category. All other purchases, including those beyond the spending cap, earn 1%.
The Amex BCE is a solid choice if you want to earn cash back on everyday categories but don't want to pay an annual fee. However, if you're looking for higher cash back, you might consider options that have an annual fee. Notably, the Blue Cash Preferred 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), but has a $95 fee after the first year. (see Rates and Fees)
>>MORE: MoneyGeek's Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Card Uses |
|
Annual Fee | $0 |
Introductory Offer | Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months. |
Introductory APRs | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers |
Rewards |
|
Regular APRs | 19.24%–29.99% variable |
Penalty APR | 29.99% variable, can last over six months |
Balance Transfer Fees | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
Late Fees | Up to $40 |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars |
Other Perks |
|
Rewards Program Overview
The Blue Cash Everyday’s cash back program is simple and focused on providing rewards for your everyday expenses. You earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail and U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year for each category. All other purchases, including those after the spending cap, earn 1% cash back. The bonus categories remain the same and don’t need to be activated, which is a nice bonus.
Whether or not you'll earn the bonus rate depends on the merchant's MCC (Merchant Category Code). Here are some important details:
- U.S. Supermarkets: Conventional supermarkets like ALDI, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods qualify for the 3% rate. However, wholesale clubs such as Costco and Walmart are excluded. You’ll earn a base rate of 1% at these stores.
- U.S. Gas Stations: Only traditional gas stations like Shell, Exxon and Murphy USA qualify. Gas purchased from wholesale clubs is excluded from the bonus rate.
- U.S. Online Retail: To earn 3% cash back, your purchase must be made on a website or app from a U.S. retail merchant that sells physical goods directly to consumers. Major online retailers like Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Chewy.com qualify.
The cash back you earn does not expire and can be conveniently redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout, with no minimum redemption amount required.
Why You Might Want This Card
The Blue Cash Everyday offers several benefits that make it a strong choice for everyday spending:
High Cash Back Rates: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases, up to $6,000 per year in each category (then 1%). You don't have to switch or sign up for categories every quarter. Moreover, because the cap is applied annually instead of monthly or quarterly, you’ll have more flexibility on how you spend the cap throughout the year.
If you spend the full amount on its bonus categories, you can earn up to $180 per category, adding up to $540 in total savings per year. This makes it a great card for those who spend significantly in these categories.
No Annual Fee: With a $0 annual fee, you can enjoy the card's benefits without worrying about an additional yearly cost.
Introductory APR Period: Enjoy no interest on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, easing the burden of big-ticket items or existing debt. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to transfer your existing balance from other American Express cards to this card.
Why You Might Want a Different Card
The Blue Cash Everyday offers strong rewards, but if you're looking for the highest rewards or the longest no-interest period, there are better options out there.
Low Base Cash Back Rate: The 3% cash back applies only to the first $6,000 spent per year in each bonus category. After that, you earn just 1%. This is lower compared to the 1.5% cash back rate you find from flat-rate cash back cards. If your spending covers diverse categories, consider flat-rate cash back cards like the Citi Double Cash® Card, which lets you earn 2% cash back on all purchases.
Bonus Categories Have Exclusions: If you frequently shop at big-box stores like Costco, Target and Walmart, you won’t be able to take advantage of the card’s 3% cash back rate. If this is the case, consider store cards like the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi or the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®.
How Blue Cash Everyday Compares
We compare the Blue Cash Everyday with similar cash back cards to help you decide if it meets your needs.
Blue Cash Everyday vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and on streaming platforms and unlimited 3% on U.S. transit and U.S. gas stations. It has a higher cash back potential but charges a $95 annual fee after year one (see Rates and Fees). However, if you spend heavily on its bonus categories, the cash back you earn can offset this fee. Maximizing the $6,000 cap at U.S. supermarkets alone gives you a $360 cash back. Study your spending habits to decide if you’ll get more value with the Blue Cash Preferred. Cash back is provided as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or used at Amazon.com checkout.
Blue Cash Everyday vs. Citi Double Cash®
The Citi Double Cash Card provides a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. This is lower than the bonus rate of Blue Cash Everyday, but you get unlimited cash back for all categories with Citi Double Cash. The Citi Double Cash card is an excellent alternative if you want a no-fuss card that provides consistent rewards.
Cards to Pair With Blue Cash Everyday
You can maximize your savings by pairing the Blue Cash Everyday with a credit card offering complementary cash back features. We reviewed cards that pair perfectly with the Blue Cash Everyday so you can boost your rewards earnings.
Pairing With the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you want to get more cash back from your purchases, it can be a smart strategy to pair the Blue Cash Everyday with other cash back cards. The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card is a good fit, covering several categories that are outside of the Blue Cash Everyday’s bonus categories. It offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores. This pairing allows you to earn 3% cash back across a broader range of everyday spending categories.
![Credit Card logo for Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/f_auto,c_limit,w_640,q_auto/v1634794604/Capital_One_Savor_One_Cash_Rewards_Credit_Card_4597a4722e.png)
Is Blue Cash Everyday Right for You?
The Blue Cash Everyday is a great choice for those who spend significantly on groceries, gas and online shopping. Its combination of 3% cash back categories is hard to beat, especially among no-annual-fee cards. You can also pair it with other cash back cards to increase categories where you’ll earn high cash back rates. However, it’s not the best card for people with diverse spending habits. Additionally, if you’re a high spender, cards with annual fees like the Blue Cash Preferred can earn you more cash back.
Still unsure about the Blue Cash Everyday? We rank the best cash back credit cards to help you find the best card for your spending habits and lifestyle.
How We Evaluated the Blue Cash Everyday Card
We evaluated the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express by comparing it to 60 similar cash back cards. The card's Cash Back Score of 3.79 reflects its performance in the following weighted categories:
- Effective Reward Rate (50%): Measures the card's rewards rate.
- Annual Fee (10%): Rates annual fees, where a perfect score represents no annual fee.
- Offer ROI (10%): Measures the return on investment of the card's offers.
- Intro Purchase (5%): Rates the presence of a 0% APR offer on purchases.
- Recommended Credit (5%): Examines the recommended credit score for applying, where a perfect score represents availability to almost all credit scores.
- Issuer Satisfaction (5%): Evaluates the card's performance in J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study.
- Penalties (5%): Reviews penalty rates and fees, where a perfect score translates to no penalty rates or fees.
- Regular APR (5%): Measures the regular APR of the card.
- Foreign Transaction (5%): Measures applicable foreign transaction fees.
By systematically rating cards using the above criteria, MoneyGeek can directly compare card offers and help you find the best option for your wallet.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
![Doug Milnes, CFA headshot](https://res.cloudinary.com/moneygeek/image/upload/f_auto,c_limit,w_256,q_auto/v1585262247/bbgpw5eliaweh29jfpd8.png)
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
sources
- American Express. "Blue Cash Everyday® Card." Accessed July 5, 2024.
- American Express. "Blue Cash Preferred® Card." Accessed July 5, 2024.
- Capital One. "SavorOne Rewards from Capital One." Accessed July 5, 2024.
- Capital One. "Walmart Rewards Mastercard." Accessed July 5, 2024.
- Citi. "Citi Double Cash® Credit Card." Accessed July 5, 2024.
- Citi. "Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi." Accessed July 5, 2024.
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