Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Amex Everyday® Card vs Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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Amex Everyday® Card vs Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Cash back or Amex membership rewards? Annual fee with higher rewards or no annual fee? Here's our full analysis - which is better for you?
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann’s areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

Review & Fact Check: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Financial Expert, The Smart Investor CEO

Experience

Baruch Mann (Silvermann) is a financial expert and founder of The Smart Investor. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

All information about American Express Everyday® Card has been collected independently by The Smart Investor. American Express Everyday® Card is no longer available through The Smart Investor.

Table of Content

American Express is one of the leading credit card providers in the world today. It has numerous great cards on offer, each with its own specific advantages. Two of the remain options are the American Express Everyday® Card and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

While there are similarities between these two options, there are also some key differences that you need to be aware of. This article will allow you to figure out which of these options is going to be most suitable card for you.

General Comparison

American express everyday card review 2021

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Amex Everyday
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Annual Fee
$0. See Rates and Fees.
$95 ($0 intro for the first year). See Rates and Fees.
Rewards
2X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each year), then 1x on all purchases . Terms Apply.
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases .Terms Apply.
Welcome bonus
10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
0% Intro APR
15 months on purchases
12 months on purchases and balance transfers
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.7%. See Rates and Fees.
Purchase APR
17.49% – 28.49% variable
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
Read Review
Read Review

Compare Rewards: Which Card Gives More?

There are going to be different advantages that a given card has over the other when it comes to cashback. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to get when it comes to each of these Amex cards.

As you can see, the Preferred Card makes that most of having higher redemption rates for the likes of U.S. supermarkets. There is not much of a major difference between the other costs. Therefore, the Preferred Card will be suited to those people who make plenty of purchases at U.S. supermarkets during the course of the year. However, you do need to factor in the annual fee for this card.

However, keep in mind to adjust the numbers to your regular spending categories, which may be different – so the exact calculation depends on your personal habits.

American express everyday card review 2021

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Spend Per Category
Amex Everyday Card
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$270
$450
$3,000 – Restaurants
$30
$30
$1,500 – Airline
$15
$15
$1,500 – Hotels
$15
$15
$4,000 – Gas
$80
$120
Annual Value
$410
$630

Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more

Welcome Bonus And Fees

For the Amex Everyday Card, you will earn 10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months. For the Preferred Card, you will get $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

The Everyday card has a 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and the BCP has 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers . For the Blue Cash Preferred Card and the Everyday Card, the APR will then be 19.24% – 29.99% Variable when it comes to making purchases.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred annual fee is $95 ($0 intro for the first year). The Everyday Card never has an annual fee. You will be charged a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% and there are penalty fees for making late payments through both cards.

Compare Perks

There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards. We will now highlight some of the similarities and differences when it comes to the extra features that are commonly seen with credit cards.

Here are the additional benefits you'll get on both cards (Terms Apply):

  • Amex Send and Split: This gives you the ability to send money and split purchases with any other PayPal or Venmo user. This can be done directly through the Amex App.
  • Exclusive access to ticket presales. American Express Experiences provide card member only events in cities and exclusive ticket presale access. You can browse concert tours, sporting events and even Broadway shows for exclusive deals.
  • Fraud Protection: You will not have to be responsible for any fraudulent charges. If you see a charge that is suspicious, just get in touch with the Amex team.
  • Pay It Plan It: This allows you to control how you pay for purchases. For payments under $100, you can make payments over the course of a month. For purchases of at least $100, you can split these payments into monthly payments, having a fixed fee and no interest rate. You also earn rewards as normal.

Unique Perks

Amex Everyday Card

American express everyday card review 2021

  • Extra Cards: You are able to add an additional card for anyone who will make a purchase on your behalf, such as an employee, spouse, or child (at least 13 years old).
Amex Blue Cash Preferred

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

This could see American Express giving you back the full purchase price but not the handling and shipping fees. This is up to $300 per item and up to a max of $1,000 in a calendar year.

Compare The Drawbacks

No financial product is without potential drawbacks, and these two cards are no exception. So, here we’ll highlight some possible negatives so you can make an informed decision.

High FX Fee: You will need to pay a 2.70% foreign exchange fee, which is higher than many other cards, so this is not the best suited for travel-related purchases.

No Balance Transfers: Although both cards offer 0% intro APR, the Everday card is limited to purchases only, as balance transfers are impossible. So, if you were hoping to take advantage of this low APR to consolidate your credit card balances, you may prefer the Blue Cash Preferred card.

Amex Everyday Card

American express everyday card review 2021

For U.S. supermarkets, there are certain chains that are excluded and the cashback rewards are sometimes capped.

Compared to the Blue Chase Preferred, the Everyday card offers less attractive rewards rate. For high spenders, it can be a significant difference overall.

 Blue Chase Preferred's welcome bonus are much more attractive than the Everyday card.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Unlike the Everyday Card, you will need to pay an annual fee of $95 ($0 intro for the first year)

For U.S. supermarkets, there are certain chains that are excluded such as Amazon, Target and Walmart.

Compare Redemption Options

Amex offers several ways to redeem your rewards. These include:

How to Maximize Cards Benefits?

If you want to make the best use of your Amex  Everyday there are some tips to help you:

  • Know the Exceptions: There are some exceptions to the U.S. supermarkets and U.S. department stores in which you can use this card. Make sure that you are aware of these exceptions.

  • Meet Welcome Offer Minimum Spending: You should make sure to make the most of the welcome bonus so you can get a statement credit. Terms Apply.

  • Add Extra Cards: You have the ability to add cards to this plan from the likes of employees, spouses, and children. This can lead to you getting even more rewards over the long haul.

American express everyday card review 2021

If you want to make the best use of your Amex Blue Cash Preferred there are some tips to help you:

  • Track Progress: There is a cap on how much you can get from U.S. supermarkets, so be aware of how many rewards you have left before it drops back to the 1% cashback rate. Terms Apply.

  • Know the Exceptions: There are some exceptions to the U.S. supermarkets and department stores in which you can use this card. Make sure that you are aware of these exceptions. 

  • Take Advantage of the Welcome Offer: You should make sure to make the most of the welcome bonus so you can get a statement credit.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Customer Reviews: Which Card Wins?

Amex Everyday
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
App Rating (iOS)
4.9
4.9
App Rating (Android)
4.2
4.2
BBB Rating (A-F)
A+
A+
WalletHub
3.5
4
Contect Options
phone/social
phone/social
Availability
24/7
24/7

Customers regularly rank American Express as the best provider of credit cards in the US today. They enjoy the very user-friendly mobile app, as well as the quality customer support team.

For the Everyday Card, customers like the good range of purchases that you can make and get a cashback rate that is superior to 1%, as well as having a flexible repayment plan and being able to add an extra card as needed.

There are no major issues that users have with this card option, except that it is not well suited to travel and there is a cap and some exclusions to U.S. supermarkets and U.S. department stores that are eligible for premium rewards.

For the Preferred Card, people enjoy the great level of heightened redemption rates of the likes of U.S. supermarkets purchases. They also enjoy the welcome offer and the fraud protection that is in place. In terms of drawbacks, the annual fee has to be considered, as well as the 2.70% foreign exchange charge.

When You Might Want the Everyday Card?

The Amex Everyday Card is a great option that could be good if you:

  • Want to add cards: You have the ability to add extra cards to this offering, meaning that you can earn rewards for purchases made by the likes of your spouse, children, and employees. 

  • Don’t Spend Enough: If you do not spend enough to justify the annual fee of the Preferred Card, then the Everyday Card will be suited to you.

  • Want Something General: The Everyday Card is a good general card that is ideal for everyday purchases rather than being very niche.

  • Cost-Effective: There is no annual fee with this card and you also get a good welcome offer.

When You Might Want the Preferred Card?

The Amex Blue Preferred Card is a solid choice if you:

  • Will Maximize the Rewards: If you will be able to get the most out of the premium cashback rates when compared to the annual fee, then this card will be worthwhile.

  • Enjoy Welcome Offers: There is a lucrative welcome offer that gives you $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

  • Spend on Travel or U.S. supermarkets: This card is great for people who spend a lot on transit costs or groceries at U.S. supermarkets during the course of a year.

Bottom Line

Both of these cards are from one of the best issuers in the business and have a lot going for them. The Everyday Card has no annual fee and offers a good range of cashback rewards, as well as having some good perks.

The Preferred Card does carry an annual fee, but you will get much higher rewards for certain types of purchases, as well as a generous welcome offer. Both of these cards are good options, so you need to decide which one is best suited to your particular situation.

Compare The Alternatives

Both cards offer some interesting rewards, particularly for every day purchases.

However, there are some alternatives that you should know as well before making a decision of what's best choice for you.

Wells Fargo active cash card

chase freedom unlimited card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
$0
Rewards
2% 2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited)
1.5% – 5% 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
1% – 5% 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
Welcome bonus
$200 $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Up to $300 additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)- worth up to $300 cash back
$200 $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
3%
3%
Purchase APR
20.24% to 29.99% variable APR
20.24%–28.99% variable
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers

FAQ

Yes, you can get pre-approval when it comes to the Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card by filling out a simple form, with no hard credit check needed.

The initial credit limit that you will get with the Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card will be at least $1,000 and it will usually be greater. 

The Blue Cash Preferred Card will be a good potential fit for your needs If you will get the most out of these rewards and justify the annual fee of $95 ($0 intro for the first year).

If you will not get enough back from the rewards to justify the annual fee then the Blue Cash Preferred Card might not be for you and it might be a good idea to look elsewhere for no annual fee cards.

Review American Express Credit Cards

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor, which helps consumers make better financial decisions.  Silvermann's areas of expertise include investing, banking, and credit cards. Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more. Aside from being a finance expert, his background includes working as a business and financial analyst. Above all, he is passionate about teaching people how to manage their money and helping millions on their journey to a better financial future.
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AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus: $250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
citi-custom-cash_
Rewards Plan:
1-5% 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent and 1% cash back thereafter
Welcome Bonus: $200 $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening (20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back)

Rewards Plan:
1% – 4% unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus: $300 $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

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The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. 

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.