Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card vs. Freedom Flex Card [Detailed Comparison]

It’s a wise decision to have an everyday spending card in your wallet that earns rewards on every purchase you make on a daily basis. Having such a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee is a real plus.

The Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express and the Chase Freedom Flex℠ are 2 cards that can fit well into your daily spending routine. The best everyday card, however, can be different for each individual depending on their spending mix and redemption priorities.

Today we’re going to look closely at these popular cash-back rewards cards for the purpose of determining which card has the better combination of earning potential, redemption options, and benefits.

There are several variables at play with these 2 cards, so stay with us as we break down the highlights and see which card stands out as the better choice for your situation.

Summary

Before we get into the details of each card, let’s look at a high-level overview of what each card has to offer.

Welcome Offer Comparison

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 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!

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

18.49%-29.49% 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 (670-850)

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.

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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, 18.49% to 29.49% 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: 18.49%-29.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

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.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%

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 (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 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
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99%-28.74%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The value of the welcome offer can vary depending on how the rewards are redeemed, but redeeming Amex Reward Dollars for statement credits results in receiving 1 dollar in credit per Reward Dollar. In contrast, we value Chase Ultimate Rewards points at approximately 2 cents each due to the additional flexible redemption options we’ll talk about shortly.

Welcome offers change frequently, so be sure to check the above tables for current offers before applying.

Earning Potential Comparison

Cash-back is one of the most liquid forms of rewards you can earn on a credit card and both of our featured cards offer this method of earning rewards. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card earns rewards first in the form of Reward Dollars and the Freedom Flex card earns points that can be redeemed for cash-back.

Rewards are earned on every purchase you make with either card. However, some categories of spending receive bonus earnings. Bonus category earnings can help you accumulate rewards quickly.

Here’s how you’ll earn rewards in specific categories on both of the cards:

You can see that the level of earnings differs depending on the bonus category. Because of this variable, the better card for you will be the one that rewards your highest expenses that fall within these bonus categories.

If you were to maximize the Freedom Flex card’s quarterly bonus categories and spend $2,000 on dining and at drugstores, for example, you would earn $360 in cash-back ($300 + $60). If you maximized just 2 of the 3% categories on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, you would earn the same $360 in cash-back ($180 x 2).

Bottom Line: If you spend a lot on travel, dining, or at drugstores, and can make use of the quarterly bonus categories, the Freedom Flex card may be the better card for you. If you have other travel rewards cards, however, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card could be a good supplement for earning rewards on everyday spending at grocery stores, gas stations, and online purchases. 

Redemption Options

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and Freedom Flex card are marketed as cash-back earning cards, but there are additional ways to redeem rewards earned on the cards.

Let’s look at the flexible redemption options you’ll have when it’s time to redeem the rewards earned on either card.

Bottom Line: The Freedom Flex card has the edge over the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card on redemptions, as it offers several additional options for redeeming rewards earned on the card. While the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card limits redemptions to statement credits and some shopping options, the Freedom Flex card has the additional choices of redeeming for travel, transferring to travel partners, Pay Yourself Back, and Chase Experiences. 

Travel Protection and Benefits Comparison

Travel benefits and protections, such as car rental insurance, can save you money during your travels. Additionally, having access to help when things go wrong can make a bad situation less stressful.

Here are some of the benefits and protections you’ll find on both the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and the Freedom Flex card.

Secondary Car Rental Insurance

Use your card to reserve and pay for your car rental and receive secondary car rental coverage for damage or theft of your rental car. Secondary coverage means you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance prior to card coverage kicking in.

Emergency Travel Assistance

Both of our featured cards offer access to a 24/7 dedicated line for assistance with emergency transportation, translation services, medical and legal referrals, help with a lost passport, and more. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card comes with a Global Assist Hotline and the Freedom Flex card with Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.

Additional Travel Protection from Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card

• Access to Premium Protection Car Rental Insurance — For just 1 low price that covers the entire rental period, you can receive primary car rental insurance. Coverage costs $12.95 to $24.95 depending on the level of coverage selected and residence location. The Freedom Flex card does not offer this option.

Freedom Flex Card Extra Travel Protection Benefits

• Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption — Pay for your trip with your card or rewards earned on your card and receive up to $1,500 per person, up to $6,000 per trip should it need to be canceled or is interrupted due to a covered reason.
• Roadside Dispatch — For 1 low pre-negotiated rate, you will receive roadside assistance that can include tire changing of inflated spare, limited towing, standard winching, jumpstart service, emergency fuel, or lockout assistance.

Hot Tip: Be aware that neither the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card nor the Freedom Flex card is a good card for making purchases abroad as both cards charge foreign transaction fees. 

Shopping Protection and Benefits Comparison

Both the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and Freedom Flex card offer several shopping benefits and protections that can save you money and provide coverage if something should happen to an eligible purchase made with the card.

Purchase Protection

Both cards offer purchase protection.

Use your card to make an eligible purchase and receive protection for damage or theft. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card offers coverage for 90 days from the date of purchase and provides coverage for up to $1,000 per item, up to $50,000 per account. The Freedom Flex card covers eligible items for up to 120 days from the date of purchase and has limits of $500 per item, up to $50,000 per account.

Shopping Benefits Specific to Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card

• Disney Bundle Credit — Enroll your card and receive a $7 monthly statement credit, up to $84 each year, for an eligible Disney Bundle streaming subscription. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• Home Chef Credit — Receive up to $15 in statement credits each month, up to $180 annually, for purchases made with your card at Home Chef for deliveries in the U.S.
• Amex Offers — You can save plenty by using Amex Offers. Log in to your online card account and select from up to 100 offers that can result in bonus cash-back when you make the associated purchase with your card.
• Amex Auto Purchasing Program — Receive discounted pricing with participating dealers, up to $2,000 in post-purchase benefits, and have the opportunity to use your card to pay for at least $2,000 of the new car purchase.
• ShopRunner Membership — Enjoy free 2-day shipping and shopping discounts at nearly 100 retailers with your complimentary ShopRunner membership.

Freedom Flex Card Shopping Advantages

• Cell Phone Protection — Pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card and receive up to $800 for damage or theft of your cell phone. There is a $50 deductible and a limit of 2 claims per 12-month period, up to a maximum of $1,000 total.
• Extended Warranty — For eligible items purchased with your card that have manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less, 1 additional year will be added.
• DoorDash DashPass — Receive 3 months of complimentary DashPass membership plus an additional 9 months at a 50% discount. DashPass membership offers free delivery and discounted fees.
• Chase Offers — Earn more cash-back by adding Chase Offers to your card. Log in to your online card account, select the offers you’ll use, make the required purchase and receive a statement credit.
• Shop through Chase — Log in to your Ultimate Rewards account and select Earn/Use, then Ways to Earn, then Shop through Chase. Select a retailer, make your purchase, and earn the applicable extra bonus points.

Annual Fees and Authorized Users

Having either the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card or Freedom Flex card can be a low-maintenance proposition. And, since you won’t be paying an annual fee for either card, you can keep the cards for as long as you desire.

Also, there is no additional fee for adding authorized users to either card. For Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, see rates & fees.

Final Thoughts

If most of your spending is at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online, you may want to take advantage of these bonus categories on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card.

If you’re spending a lot on travel, want a card that offers flexible travel redemptions, and your additional spending matches up with the offered bonus categories, you can’t go wrong with the Freedom Flex card. The broader redemption options that include travel make it a better card for travelers. Plus, with quarterly bonus categories that can include grocery stores, gas stations, home improvement stores, PayPal, and much more, you’ll have additional earning opportunities.

Either card could serve as a way to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

If you’d like additional information on the best credit cards for everyday purchases, read our guide for a good overview of some additional choices.

For the Global Assist benefit of the 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. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.