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

Key Takeaways

• The Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express earns 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retailers on up to $6,000 per calendar year in each category.
• The American Express^® Gold Card focuses on dining and groceries, earning 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year).
• The Amex Gold card is ideal for frequent restaurant visitors and those who spend a lot on groceries, while the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is a solid choice for those who want cash-back on everyday purchases without an annual fee (rates & fees).

If you’re interested in earning rewards on all or most of your everyday spending, you’ll want to read today’s card challenge.

The 2 popular American Express cards we’ve selected today focus on rewarding everyday spending, including purchases you make at U.S supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, restaurants, and U.S. online retailers.

But there is no “one-size-fits-all” card. While both of these products focus on everyday earnings, each card has a unique earning structure, redemption options, and a list of travel and shopping benefits.

These differences are typical between different card products and can make it difficult to sort through the options — that’s why we’re here.

Our 2 featured cards, the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express and the American Express^® Gold Card have similarities, but also some important differences.

Join us as we look closer at these 2 everyday earning cards to uncover which fits your idea of the perfect match-up for your spending habits. We’ll also talk about redemption values and provide a helpful list of benefits you can expect from each card.

Overview

It’s always good to look at the big picture when you’re selecting a rewards card.

Let’s summarize all of the earning, redeeming, and benefits information we’re about to review in detail for our featured cards:

Enrollment is required for certain benefits and credits on both cards.

Bottom Line: Your first inclination may be to avoid a card with an annual fee and select the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card. But depending on your spending mix, the Amex Gold card, even with its annual fee, has the potential for greater earnings if you’re spending a lot at supermarkets or dining and airline tickets. The card also offers greater travel and shopping benefits and protections. 

Comparing Welcome Offers

Welcome offers are a great way to earn rewards quickly. The size of the bonus depends on the current offer in place when you’re approved for the card.

To receive the welcome bonus, you’ll need to meet the specified minimum spending requirements within a given amount of time. For this reason, it’s important to plan the timing of your card acquisition accordingly.

Here’s a snapshot of bonuses currently offered on our featured cards. You’ll notice that the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card also offers an introductory bonus that includes a 0% APR promotion on purchases and balance transfers.

Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card

Terms 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 ins and outs 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!

Apply Now(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!

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months

Credit Recommended

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

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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.

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.

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 20.24% to 29.24% 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.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Amex Gold Card

NEW OFFER

Terms 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 ins and outs 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!

Apply Now(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!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

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

Why We Like This Card

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

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, 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 & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer as high as 100,000 points with the Amex Gold card. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Earning Rewards Comparison

While the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card earns rewards in the form of Reward Dollars that can subsequently be redeemed for cash-back, the Amex Gold card earns Membership Rewards points that have additional redemption options.

We’ll compare those redemption options next, but first, let’s look at how each of our featured cards compares when it comes to earning rewards.

The level of rewards you earn depends on the mix of your spending. If you can estimate your highest annual purchases, you can determine which card may be a better fit for your circumstances.

Here are a couple of spending scenarios that illustrate the process.

Spending Scenario #1 — High Spending at U.S. Supermarkets

Annual Spending Breakdown:

• $12,000 at U.S. supermarkets
• $2,000 at U.S. gas stations
• $2,000 at U.S online retailers
• $1,800 at restaurants

Spending Scenario #2 — Moderate U.S. Supermarket and Travel Spending

Annual Spending Breakdown:

• $9,000 at U.S. supermarkets
• $3,000 on flights booked directly from airlines
• $2,400 spent at restaurants
• $2,000 at U.S. online retailers
• $1,500 at U.S. gas stations

Since you can redeem Membership Rewards points for 1 cent each through the AmexTravel.com portal, the translated value for the above total net earnings on the Amex Gold card would be $592 and $581, respectively. Keep in mind, however, that if you leverage the flexibility of Membership Rewards points and transfer them to partners, you could get much more value from your points on a cent-per-point basis. We’ll get into this more below.

You’ll also notice the Amex Gold card charges an annual fee and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card does not. The actual total net earnings for the Amex Gold card would need to consider this factor and subtract it from gross earnings.

Your actual earnings will be determined by the specific bonus categories on the card and how your spending mix aligns with those categories.

Bottom Line: The Amex Gold card comes with higher earnings at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants, and airline tickets, but it also comes with an annual fee. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card doesn’t charge an annual fee, but its earning rates are lower. To determine which card is better for you, apply an estimate of your highest spending categories to the applicable rewards earning level of each card, remembering to take into account the annual fee. 

Redeeming Rewards

Whether you prefer the liquidity of earning cash-back rewards or earning rewards that can be redeemed for travel, you’ll find several available options with our featured cards.

While you can redeem cash-back for a statement credit against purchases via the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, greater value can potentially be found when Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Gold card are transferred to the Amex transfer partners.

Bottom Line: Redeeming cash-back earned on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is simple and straightforward. Redeeming Membership Rewards points earned on the Amex Gold card may require slightly more effort due to the options available, but the results could potentially yield more value. 

Statement Credits Compared

Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card

• The Disney Bundle — Use your card to spend at least $9.99 per month on an eligible Disney Bundle auto-renewing subscription, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, and receive a $7 statement credit each month (up to $84 annually). Enrollment is required. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• 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 Gold Card

• Uber Cash — Receive $10 each month in Uber Cash that can be used for Uber rides in the U.S. or Uber Eats orders, up to $120 total each year. Add your Amex Gold card to your Uber account to be eligible for the monthly benefit.
• Monthly Dining Credit — Receive $10 per month in dining credits for purchases at select restaurants.
• Resy Credit — Receive $100 in annual statement credits ($50 semi-annually), redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment required.
• Dunkin’ Credit — Up to $84 in annual statement credits ($7 per month). Enrollment required.

Travel Benefits and Protection

You’ll find the following travel benefits and protections on both of our featured cards.

Secondary Car Rental Insurance

Use your card to pay for your entire rental, decline the rental agency’s collision damage waiver coverage, and receive secondary coverage for damage and theft. Secondary coverage requires you to file a claim with your own insurance first.

Access to Premium Car Rental Protection

Often overlooked is the exclusive option for cardholders to purchase primary car rental protection for a low fee that covers the entire rental car period, up to 42 consecutive days. The coverage costs just $12.25 to $24.95 for each rental period, depending on the level of benefits you select and your state of residence.

Global Assist Hotline

Receive assistance when traveling with access to a dedicated phone line to help with a lost passport, to obtain medical or legal referrals, arrange emergency transportation, and more.

Amex Gold Card Only

The following additional benefits are offered only on the Amex Gold card:

• The Hotel Collection — Stay 2 consecutive nights and receive a $100 property credit towards eligible hotel purchases at check-out, as well as a room upgrade (subject to availability).
• Baggage Insurance Plan — If your baggage is damaged or stolen while traveling with a common carrier, you could receive up to $1,250 per person, per trip, for carry-on baggage, or up to $500 per person, per trip, for checked baggage.
• Trip Delay Insurance — Pay for your entire trip with your card or Membership Rewards points and if your trip is delayed more than 12 hours due to a covered loss, you could receive up to $300 per trip for reimbursement of incidental expenses and lodging (maximum of 2 claims per 12-month period).

Shopping Showdown – Benefits and Protections

Both of our featured cards come with several useful shopping benefits and protections, though some require enrollment. Here are the ones that are offered on both cards.

• Purchase Protection — Use your card to purchase an eligible item and receive 90 days of coverage from the date of purchase for damage or theft. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per item on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and $10,000 per item on the Amex Gold card. Both cards limit maximum coverage to $50,000 per account.
• Amex Offers — Enjoy significant ongoing savings offers on purchases with select retailers and service merchants after adding offers to your account.
• Best Hotel Rate Guarantee — If you book a prepaid hotel room through AmexTravel.com and find the same room advertised online for less, you could receive the difference.

Amex Gold Card Only

• Extended Warranty — Pay for an eligible item with your card and for manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less, the warranty will be extended by 1 year. Benefit limits are $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Please note our list is not inclusive of all the benefits and protections provided on each card — and we’ve abbreviated the descriptions. The actual guide to benefits for each card will contain full descriptions and a complete list of all the benefits and protections available with each card.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card does not charge an annual fee and there is also no charge for adding authorized users (rates & fees).

The Amex Gold card does charge an annual fee. You’ll find the most current annual fee listed in the snapshot at the beginning of this article. The Amex Gold card also allows up to 5 additional users for no additional annual fees. The sixth card and any subsequent users can be added at $35 each annually (rates & fees).

Final Thoughts

The Amex Gold card is by far the better card for the frequent traveler, offering a generous welcome bonus, elevated earnings on flight purchases, worldwide dining, no foreign transaction fees, solid travel redemption options, and more.

If you absolutely do not want to pay an annual fee, you’ll still realize plenty of earnings on everyday purchases with the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card. Plus, without an annual fee, you’ll be able to keep the card indefinitely and add to your credit history longevity — a factor that can improve your credit score.

For additional cards to consider for your everyday purchases, check out our comparisons between the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card vs. the Amex Gold card.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Blue Cash Everyday^® 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 baggage insurance plan benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for eligible persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York state residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all covered persons per covered Trip. 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 American Express^® Gold Card, 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 purchase protection benefit of the Blue Cash Everyday^® 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 $1,000 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 trip delay insurance coverage benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. 

For the extended warranty benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Blue Cash Everyday^® 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 Global Assist Hotline benefit of the American Express^® Gold Card and Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express, you can rely on 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 are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.