Most cardholders with rewards plans are high-flying, big-spending travelers.
Many business travelers, however, aren’t really part of the jet set. Traveling on the company’s budget is fine, but when it comes to personal travel, it’s tough to spend that cash.
For smart credit card users who want the benefit of a travel card but without the expensive costs and fees, American Express offers its Blue Cash Everyday card. You’ll get plenty of benefits at an affordable price.
Key Features
- Sign-Up Bonus. You get a bonus of $100 after you spend $1,000 on the card during the first three months.
- Earn Cash Back. Instead of granting frequent flyer miles or loyalty points that you’ll compile and forget to use, you’ll get cash back for common purchases. In fact, true to its name, the Blue Cash Everyday card provides the most cash back of any cash rewards program. You’ll earn 3% cash back at supermarkets (on the first $6,000 in purchases in a calendar year), 2% at gas stations and department stores, and 1% on most other purchases.
- No Annual Fee. Most rewards cards come with some kind of fee that balances out the benefits you’ll receive. This card is one of the few rewards cards without an annual fee.
- Introductory APR. You’ll get an introductory APR of 0% for 12 months you have the card.
- Travel Protection. Though it is not a travel rewards credit card, the Blue Cash Everyday card comes with several travel protection policies, including guaranteed hotel reservations, travel assistance, and travel accident insurance. American Express has a great reputation not just for its cards, but also for its travel assistance.
- Foreign Transaction Fees. Like most American Express cards, cardholders will face a 2.7% annual fee on all purchases processed outside of the United States. At the very least, frequent travelers to foreign destinations should look for credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
Advantages
- Simple Value Equation. You don’t have to bother calculating whether or not your rewards will justify this card’s annual fee, because unlike other rewards cards, this one doesn’t charge an annual fee.
- Good Cash Back Rates. If you’re going to use this card for most of your daily purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and department stores, then you’ll really see the higher reward rates pay off.
- 0% Introductory Rate. Especially if you’re planning to finance a major purchase – and if you know you’ll pay it off within 12 months – this feature is a huge plus. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full before the end of the introductory period, or else you’ll have to deal with very costly interest charges.
- American Express Travel Protections. Amex has long been known for its exceptional travel support services and this card is no exception. You’ll be able to take advantage of their support for reservations and promotions, and you’ll have a leg up on other travelers who don’t have the card.
Disadvantages
- High Interest Rates. Like any of the other cash back programs, this card comes with a high interest rate. Unless you always pay your balance in full, you should instead be looking for low interest credit cards.
- Modest Returns. The cash back rates in the higher categories are competitive, but beyond the supermarket, gas station, and department store rates, the standard 1% for other purchases is mediocre. Some of the other best cash back rewards cards offer higher rates. Even the similar Blue Cash Preferred card has a 6% return on supermarkets and 3% on gas and department stores. Unfortunately, with that card you’ll have to justify paying the $75 annual fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fees. These fees are just pure profit for American Express. The expense provides no benefit to you as a cardholder, and the 2.7% is on the high side. It’s a big downside if you plan to carry the card on international travel, but if you’re not going abroad on personal travel or buying lots of goods overseas, you don’t have to worry too much about it.
- Less Acceptance. To get the most out of the card, you’ll want to use it for your daily purchases. That means you’ll face plenty of disappointment from stores and merchants who only accept Visa and MasterCard.
Final Word
With the American Express Blue Cash Everyday card, you’ll learn that rewards programs aren’t just for frequent travelers and high rollers. Cards like this one fill the need for a product with simple cash back rewards and no annual fee. If you spend modestly and are not into travel rewards, then American Express’s Blue Cash Everyday can be a comfortable way to earn a little bit back from your daily spending.
Do you use the Blue Cash Everyday card for your daily purchases? How has the rewards program benefited you?
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
