In a Nutshell
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers a simpler rewards program for cash back enthusiasts, but rewards optimizers may get more value out of the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card. Depending on what type of rewards you want, one card may be better than the other.This offer is no longer available on our site: Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card vs. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
| Amex EveryDay® Credit Card | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Best rewards rate | 2 points per $1 on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per $1) | 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%) 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. online retailers (then 1%) 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. gas stations (then 1%) |
| Ease of redeeming | Varies | Easy |
| 0% APR promotion | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
Both credit cards offer valuable rewards on U.S. supermarket purchases without charging an annual fee. The right one for you largely depends on how savvy you are at maximizing rewards value and whether you even want to do it.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card: Best for savvy credit card users
On the surface, The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card sounds like it offers less value — you earn just two points per $1 on up to $6,000 you spend annually at U.S. supermarkets (then one point per $1) instead of the 3% cash back you can earn in the same category with the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
But the card has some aces up its sleeve to make those points more valuable. For starters, you’ll earn 20% more points each billing period when you use the card 20 or more times on purchases.
The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card also offers a welcome bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $2,000 in the first 6 months. Depending on how you redeem your points, you could earn up to $100 worth of travel or gift cards.
The rewards come in the form of Membership Rewards points, which give you more flexibility and potential value. You can earn up to 1 cent per point if you redeem them with American Express for things like travel through AmexTravel.com or some gift cards.
But if you transfer your points to one of the card issuer’s hotel or airline partners, you could get a much better redemption rate.
Rewards aren’t the only reason to get the card, though. It also offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening. There’s a balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Just keep in mind that after the intro period is up, the variable APR for purchases and balance transfers goes to 15.24% - 26.24%.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for people who want simplicity
While the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card offers more potential value, it can take a lot of time and research to maximize your rewards through transfer partners. If you prefer a simpler approach, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express may be the ticket.
The card offers a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from your account opening.
You’ll also earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000 you spend each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent each year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent each year at U.S. online retailers (then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit. As you can see, the card’s rewards program is a little less complicated, and you don’t have to do a lot to maximize the value of your reward dollars.
The card also offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening. After 15 months, the variable APR for both goes to 18.49% - 29.49%. There’s a balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. And transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening to qualify for the intro rate.
What to consider when applying for everyday spending cards
The average American household spent $4,643 on groceries in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So having a credit card that offers great rewards on grocery spending is an excellent idea.
If you do, though, it’s important to balance the value of the card’s rewards program with its simplicity. If you don’t want to do a lot of legwork, it may be better to go with a straight cash back credit card. But if you’re an optimizer and enjoy the hunt for more value, a card that offers flexible points or miles may be a better choice.
Along with considering rewards, it’s also important to look at a card’s annual fee, as it may eat into the value of the cash back or points you’re earning. Also, consider other features you may want, like an introductory 0% APR promotion, a welcome bonus or other rewards and perks.
There’s no single best everyday credit card out there, so know what you want out of a card before you start shopping around.
Not sure either card is for you? Consider these alternatives.
Both of these credit cards are solid choices for consumers who want bonus rewards on U.S. supermarket purchases. But there are other cards that may be a better fit for what you need. Here are a few to consider.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card can be a good fit for people who want to maximize rewards on U.S. supermarket purchases and don’t mind paying an annual fee.
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: You may like this card if you want more flexibility with bonus rewards and multiple cash back redemption options.
- Citi Double Cash® Card: Check out this card if you want great cash back rewards on all of your purchases — not just some.