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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.
Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card vs. Freedom Flex Card — 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.
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months.
Earning
3% cash-back at U.S. grocery stores, up to $6,000 in purchases each year; at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 in purchases each year; on U.S. online retail purchases, up to $6,000 in purchases each year
1% cash-back on all other purchases
5% cash-back on quarterly rotating bonus categories; travel booked through Chase travel portal; and Lyft rides (through March 2025)
3% cash-back at drugstores and dining
1% cash-back on all other purchases
Top Redemption Options
Statement credits, shopping, merchandise
Cash-back, statement credits, travel, transfer to Chase premium cards, gift cards, shopping
Top Travel Benefits and Protections
Secondary car rental insurance, with option to purchase rental car Premium Protection
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!
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
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; then 19.24%-29.99% Variable
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.
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%.
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: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; then 19.24%-29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars
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.
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.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
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 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
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
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
Excellent cell phone insurance
Ability to pool points
Mastercard World Elite benefits
Cons
3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 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 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.
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
Earn cash-back rewards on every purchase you make. Image Credit: Kampus Production via Pexels
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:
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Spending Category
Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card
Freedom Flex Card
Travel
1% cash-back
5% cash-back on travel purchased via the Chase travel portal
5% cash-back on Lyft rides through March 2025
5% cash-back on quarterly rotating bonus categories, up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter
U.S. Supermarkets
3% cash-back, up to $6,000 in purchases each year
1% cash-back
Dining and Drugstores
1% cash-back
3% cash-back
U.S. Gas Stations
3% cash-back, up to $6,000 in purchases each year
1% cash-back
U.S. Online Retail Purchases
3% cash-back, up to $6,000 in purchases each year
1% cash-back
All Other Purchases
1% cash-back
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
Cash-back rewards can fund that family vacation. Image Credit: Josh Willink via Pexels
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.
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Card
Redemption Options
Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card
Statement credits (minimum redemption $25)
Gift cards, shopping at select retailers including Amazon
Freedom Flex Card
Cash-back or statement credits at the value of 1 cent per point
Travel via the Chase travel portal for 1 cent per point
Pay Yourself Back for qualifying charitable donations at 1.25 cents per point
Chase Experiences
Gift cards, shop at Amazon, Apple, or redeem for experiences
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 Benefits and Protections
Travel benefits and protections can add value during a road trip. Image Credit: Dominika Roseclay via Pexels
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.
Both of our featured cards also have these additional benefits and protections:
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
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 Benefits and Protections
Shopping benefits can save you money on purchases you’re already making. Image Credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels
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.
Here are the benefits and protections you can expect on both cards:
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.
Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card
Disney Bundle Credit — Enroll your card and receive up to $7 in monthly statement credits, up to $84 each year, for Disney Bundle streaming services.
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
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.
Instacart Benefits — Cardholders are eligible for a free 3-month Instacart+ membership plus a $10 quarterly credit. Activate by July 31, 2024.
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.
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.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card or the Freedom Flex card?
If you’re spending around $6,000 each year at the U.S. supermarkets, $6,000 at the U.S. gas station, and $6,000 on U.S. online purchases, you’ll maximize the rewards earning on the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card.
If you spend a lot on travel, dining, and at drug stores, those categories earn the most on the Freedom Flex card. The card also has quarterly bonus earning categories that earn 5% cash-back. Additionally, you’ll have greater and more flexible redemption options, including travel, with the Freedom Flex card.
Neither card charges an annual fee.
Does the Freedom Flex card have cell phone protection?
Yes, the Freedom Flex card offers cell phone protection. Just pay your monthly bill with the card and receive up to $800 should your cell phone become damaged or stolen. Terms and limits apply.
Does the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card earn Membership Rewards points?
No. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card earns Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or shopping at specific retailers.
What credit score do I need for Amex Blue Cash Everyday card or the Freedom Flex card?
A good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) and a good credit history increase your chances of approval for either card.
Can I use Amex Reward Dollars for travel?
You can redeem Reward Dollars for statement credits, which can offset a travel purchase, but you can’t use Reward Dollars directly with travel providers.
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.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
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