Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card vs. Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card [Detailed Comparison]

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Christine Krzyszton's image

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

306 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98U.S. States Visited: 45

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
Jessica Merritt's image

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

78 Published Articles 452 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4U.S. States Visited: 23

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
& Juan Ruiz
Juan Ruiz's image

Juan Ruiz

Compliance Editor & Content Contributor

77 Published Articles 640 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 40U.S. States Visited: 27

Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.

  • Content by Leading Industry Experts
  • Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
  • First-Hand Credit Card Experience
  • Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
  • Methodical “U.P. Rating” System
  • 1020+ Expert Credit Card Guides

You make a lot of purchases as part of your daily life, whether it’s filling up your gas tank, buying socks, or stopping to pick up a few items at the supermarket.

What if all of the everyday purchases you’re making could earn rewards? At the end of the month, you’d be sitting with extra useful cash in your pocket. You’d also have the option to let the cash accumulate or apply it to your monthly credit card statement. This scenario can easily be executed — earnings on everyday purchases can be automatic and result in tangible rewards.

If you’re spending a lot at supermarkets, gas stations, online retailers, or on transit and streaming services, the American Express credit cards we’re talking about today could match up with your spending patterns and be worth considering.

Let’s compare 2 popular cards that do well at rewarding everyday purchases. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express are designed specifically for this task.

If you’re spending a lot on everyday purchases and not currently earning rewards, you’ll be especially interested in hearing about how these cards work.

Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card vs. Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card — Overview

These 2 cards have a lot of similarities in their bonus-earning categories, redemption options, and additional benefits.

However, let’s look closer at how these cards stack up in a side-by-side comparison:

SCROLL FOR MORE
BenefitBlue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Welcome OfferEarn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
Earnings
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (maximum $6,000 in a calendar year)
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations (maximum $6,000 in a calendar year)
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. online retailers (maximum $6,000 in a calendar year)
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases
  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (maximum $6,000 in a calendar year) and on U.S. streaming services
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases
Top Travel Benefits/Protection
  • Secondary car rental insurance
  • Access to Amex Premium Car Rental Protection and Global Assist Hotline
Top Shopping Benefits/Protections
  • Up to $84 in credits for The Disney Bundle ($7 back each month when you spend $9.99+ per month on The Disney Bundle)
  • Up to $180 in credits at Home Chef ($15 per month)
  • Amex Offers, purchase protection, ShopRunner membership
  • Up to $84 in credits for The Disney Bundle ($7 back each month when you spend $9.99+ per month on The Disney Bundle)
  • Up to $120 in Equinox+ credits ($10 per month)
  • Amex Offers, Purchase protection, ShopRunner membership, extended warranty, return protection
Annual Fee$0 (rates & fees)$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (rates & fees)

Bottom Line: When we compare these 2 cards, we immediately see a difference in bonus category earning levels. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card stands out earning much more on supermarkets and streaming services, but you’ll pay an annual fee to receive these greater earnings. Still, if you maximize the spending on groceries alone, you’ll easily offset that fee and come out ahead.

Introductory Welcome Bonuses

Introductory welcome bonuses can jump-start your cash-back earnings. To earn the welcome bonus offered on each of these cards, you need to meet minimum spending requirements within the first few months after card approval:

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$200
$0
19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

Pros

  • 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
  • 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
  • 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
  • Monthly credit towards The Disney Bundle
  • Monthly credit towards Home Chef

Cons

  • Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Card Categories

HIGHEST CASH BACK
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros

  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services
  • 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
  • 1% cash-back on all other purchases

Cons

  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

Earnings Reward Dollars

Amex Blue Cash Preferred card in supermarket
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card earn big on supermarket purchases. Image Credit: American Express

Both the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card earn cash-back in the form of Blue Cash Reward Dollars. When you spend on your card, the applicable earnings percentage for that purchase category is applied, and earned cash-back is deposited into your Reward Dollars account for later redemption.

Here’s a look at how the cards compare in the earning categories:

SCROLL FOR MORE
Everyday Purchase CategoryAmex Blue Cash Everyday CardAmex Blue Cash Preferred Card
U.S. Supermarkets3% cash-back up to $6,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1%6% cash-back up to $6,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1%
U.S. Gas Stations3% cash-back up to $6,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1%3% cash-back
U.S. Online Retailers3% cash-back up to $6,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1%1% cash-back
Streaming Services1% cash-back6% cash-back on select services
Transit1% cash-back3% cash-back
All Other Purchases1% cash-back1% cash-back

It’s clear that the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is the winner when comparing bonus category earnings. If you focus on supermarket purchases alone, you’ll see the potential for double the earnings over the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card.

While the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card charges an annual fee, you would need to spend $1,584 in 6% cash-back categories on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card each calendar year to offset the current annual fee. This may be something to consider when deciding between an annual fee card compared to a no-annual-fee card.

If you prefer to not pay an annual fee, all of the cash-back you earn on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card turns into cash-back earned on purchases you’re already making.

Bottom Line: There are no losers in this credit card battle. Either card could be a winning choice depending on your preference of paying (or not paying) an annual fee and how bonus category earnings match up with your personal spending mix. 

Redeeming Reward Dollars

Cash-back Blue Cash Reward Dollars earned on either card can easily be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout. This means you can wipe out any purchase you make with your cash-back funds.

There is a requirement that redemptions must be made in $25 increments.

In addition to redeeming cash rewards for statement credits, cardholders have the option to purchase merchandise or gift cards. However, these options may not deliver good value for your rewards.

Travel Benefits and Protections

White car in the desert
Both cards come with secondary rental car insurance and the option to purchase premium coverage for 1 low fee that covers the entire rental period. Image Credit: Matthew T Rader via Unsplash

You can count on both the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card to offer some of the same travel benefits.

These common benefits include:

Secondary Car Rental Insurance

Reserve and pay for your rental car with your eligible card, decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage, and receive protection for theft, damage, and loss of use charges. Coverage is secondary to other insurance, which means you must file a claim with your own insurance first.

Access to Amex Premium Car Rental Protection

American Express Premium Car Rental Protection is available to cardholders for a flat fee of $12.25 to $24.95 depending on your chosen coverages. The fee covers the entire rental period, up to 42 consecutive days, and includes primary protection for your rental car.

Best Rate Hotel Guarantee

Book a qualifying prepaid hotel with AmexTravel.com, and if you find the same room advertised for less, you could receive the difference.

Global Assist Hotline

Receive assistance 24/7 while traveling more than 100 miles from your residence. Get help with English-speaking doctor referrals, translators, legal or other medical referrals, emergency transportation, and more. Cardholders are responsible for the actual cost of services, but referral assistance is provided complimentary.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Washer and dryer
Purchase protection offered by both cards can help protect your appliance investment. Image Credit: Sears

Both the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card deliver a long list of shopping benefits that can save you money and provide additional protections that cover eligible items purchased with either card.

Here are some of the shopping benefits and protections you’ll find on both cards.

Amex Offers

Receive online Amex Offers that can be utilized for savings on select purchases. Savings can be significant — up to hundreds, even thousands of dollars per year on everything from utilities, retailers, travel, and services.

American Express Car Purchasing Program

Cardholders receive a discount when purchasing a new vehicle from participating dealerships. You will also be able to charge at least $2,000 of the purchase price on your card.

ShopRunner Membership

Receive 2-day free shipping and free returns with your complimentary ShopRunner membership. Receive special offers and shopping privileges at dozens of retailers. Normally, a ShopRunner membership costs $79 annually.

Purchase Protection

Purchase an eligible item with your card and get theft and damage protection for 90 days from the purchase date. Coverage limits are $1,000 per covered item and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card — Additional Coverages

Extended Warranty

When an eligible item is purchased with your Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, you will receive 1 additional year added to the manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less. Coverage limits are $10,000 per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Return Protection

Purchase an eligible item entirely with your card and receive up to $300 if the merchant will not accept a return within 90 days of the purchase date. Coverage is limited to $1,000 maximum per card account per calendar year.

Statement Credits

Both the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offer a statement credit benefit on The Disney Bundle, which could net you up to $84 in value every year:

  • The Disney Bundle — Use your card to spend at least $9.99 per month on an eligible Disney Bundle subscription, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, and receive a $7 statement credit each month. Enrollment is required.

Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card comes with 1 additional monthly statement credit perk that can really add to the value of the card, especially considering the lack of an annual fee.

  • Home Chef — Use your card to order online from Home Chef and receive up to $15 back each month (up to $180 annually). Enrollment is required.

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred also offers up to $120 in additional value through its Equinox+ benefit:

  • Equinox+ Credit — Use your card to earn $10 in statement credits each month on membership fees for a stand-alone monthly membership to the Equinox+ app, up to $120 annually.

Annual Fees and Additional Users

Annual Fees

As with the cards’ benefits, these cards also vary in annual fees. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card has an annual fee of $0 and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card has an annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

It’s important to consider the annual fee, along with the card’s benefits, to determine which card might be right for your wallet.

Additional Users

Adding an authorized user to your card helps you earn more rewards faster. There is no charge to add additional users to either the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card (rates & fees) or Amex Blue Cash Preferred card (rates & fees).

Alternative Cards for Everyday Purchases

While the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card could either serve as a productive addition for earning rewards on your everyday purchases, you should also check out these 2 additional options:

American Express® Gold Card

Everyday spenders can enjoy earning cash-back at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants, and travel with the Amex Gold card.

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

In addition to bonus category earnings, the card earns valuable Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel or transferred to one of the Amex transfer partners for even greater potential value.

You’ll also receive up to $10 in monthly dining credits, as well as many other benefits with the Amex Gold card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
  • Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
  • Ability to pool points

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an 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!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Freedom Unlimited card makes a perfect choice to ensure you’re always earning rewards, regardless of the purchase category.

Final Thoughts

Comparing the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card to the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card boils down to simple math.

If you spend $6,000 on groceries in a calendar year, you’re going to earn $360 in cash-back rewards on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card. You will earn just $180 on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card for the same level of spending ($6,000 x 3%). Even after paying the annual fee on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, you’re still ahead by $265.

If your spending mix is different, or at lower levels, and you are averse to paying an annual fee, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card can still deliver value.

As we mentioned earlier, there are no losers with these 2 cards, there’s just a little math involved to determine which one is a better fit for your situation.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the cards will not live up to the role a travel rewards card needs to play. Both cards charge foreign transaction fees, do not offer flexible travel redemption options, and do not earn elevated rewards on travel purchases.

One of these 2 cards could be a perfect match for your everyday purchasing card, but if you’re looking for a travel rewards card, there will be better options.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. 

For the return protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card or the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card?

For the consumer looking for a card that rewards everyday purchases, either card could be a match.

The better card will be the one that matches rewards earning to the mix of your spending so that your greatest expenses earn maximum rewards.

In addition, you must be comfortable paying the annual fee. While the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card does not charge an annual fee, its earning levels are lower than the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card.

If you spend $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets in a year, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card would be the better card. You would be earning $360 in rewards and paying a $95 (current) annual fee, for a net gain of $265. With the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, your earnings on $6,000 spending at U.S. supermarkets would be net $180 ($6,000 x 3%).

Can I get both the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card?

Yes, generally you can. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card are credit cards and although American Express does not publish a maximum number of cards it allows you to have, data points reveal that the maximum number of credit cards allowed is generally 5.

There are also data points that you cannot apply for more than 2 credit cards within a 90-day period and the applications should be spaced at least 5 days apart.

You will need a good to excellent credit score to apply for either card.

Can I upgrade the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card to the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade, but reports are that you would need to have had the card for 1 year prior to being able to make the change.

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status