17 Best Ways To Earn Lots of Amex Cash-Back Rewards [2024]

While navigating the points and miles world may seem daunting at times, cash-back rewards can stand out as a less complicated way of earning and redeeming rewards. Cash-back rewards cards can also offer good value, especially for those consumers who spend a lot on everyday purchases.

Today we’re going to look at a collection of cash-back rewards cards issued by American Express and more specifically, talk about how to earn lots of cash-back with these cards.

If you’ve considered adding a cash-back card to your wallet, whether to supplement your current portfolio of cards or you’re just starting out, you’ll want to look at the cash-back cards American Express has to offer.

Here’s how to earn lots of cash-back on Amex rewards cards and which cards offer this option.

The Value of Amex Cash-Back

Cash-back earned on American Express cash-back rewards cards is earned first as Reward Dollars. Reward Dollars are worth 1 cent each at redemption time when you can choose to redeem for a statement credit. Additional redemption options include gift cards or shopping at select retailers, but the value for each Reward Dollar could be less than 1 cent for these options.

Aside from the economic value, Amex cash-back offers these additional benefits:

Simplicity

Earning cash-back is straightforward. No need to navigate complex earning and redemption options, activate special offers, or register for bonus earnings. You simply receive a small percentage, based on the amount of your purchases, as a cash-back reward.

Liquidity

Cash-back rewards are extremely liquid. The cash-back you earn on your card, for example, accumulates in your account and when your balance is 25 Reward Dollars or more, you can request a statement credit. This makes it easy to offset previous expenses.

Bottom Line: Reward Dollars earned on your American Express cash-back rewards card are simple to earn, easy to manage, and generally worth 1 cent each at redemption time.

Amex Personal Credit Cards That Earn Cash-Back

If you’re looking to earn cash-back rewards on purchases you make on a daily basis, American Express has card options to consider.

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

HIGHEST CASH BACK

Terms 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.

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 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 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

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 U.S. 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 & Cons

Pros

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

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible 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 18.24% - 29.24%.
• 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.
• $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
• 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: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

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!

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

18.24%-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 (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.

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, 18.24% 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.
• 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.
• 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: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Amex Personal Credit Cards

1. Welcome Offer

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and Amex Blue Cash Everyday card each offer the opportunity to earn a welcome cash-back bonus by meeting minimum spending requirements after approval.

Welcome offers can vary, so be sure to check for the latest one before applying for any card.

2. Refer a Friend

An additional way to earn lots of cash-back is to refer friends and family to apply for an American Express-issued card. When your referral gets approved for a card, you will earn a cash-back bonus.

3. Add an Authorized User

Add authorized users to any of these personal cards, and you’ll be earning rewards on all of their purchases. Be aware that the primary cardholder is responsible for purchases made by these additional users.

4. Buy More at U.S. Supermarkets

You’ll be earning bonus cash-back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets with both the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card. Because grocery stores sell more than just groceries, you can earn more cash-back by purchasing additional items you need such as beauty supplies, small appliances, pharmacy items, hardware, clothing, pet supplies, and much more. Annual purchasing limits do apply.

5. Fill up the Tank

Once again, using your Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and Amex Blue Cash Everyday card at U.S. gas stations is a great way to earn bonus cash-back.

6. Don’t Forget Streaming Services

You’ll want to add the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card as your default payment for any eligible streaming services as you’ll earn bonus cash-back for these purchases.

7. Need a Metro or Bus Pass?

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card earns bonus cash-back on transit, including tolls, buses, trains, parking, and more.

8. Make Purchases Online

With the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, you’ll earn cash-back at U.S. online retailers. Retailers eligible for cash-back in this category include, but are not limited to:

9. Earn on Every Other Purchase

You can be assured that every purchase you make will earn cash-back rewards.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card earn 1% cash-back on all non-bonus category purchases.

10. Make a Large Purchase

If your household is in need of new appliances, furniture, or other large purchase, you may want to use your card to take advantage of the introductory 0% APR period offered on all of our featured personal cards.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offer is 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%.

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card offer is 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24%-29.24% variable APR.

After these periods, normal variable interest rates will apply. Current interest rates are listed in the card tables above.

You may also choose to use the Plan It^® feature to set up monthly payments to pay for your purchase, without payment fees, for an introductory period. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card offers this feature for 15 months from card approval. After that, normal fees and any applicable interest rates apply. There is no sign-up, application, or enrollment required for the Plan It feature for Amex Payment Flexibility.

In addition to saving on interest rates and fees, you will also be earning cash-back rewards on your purchases.

11. Amex Offers

Amex Offers have the potential to earn you lots of cash-back. When you log in to your online card account you’ll find dozens of offers from select retailers and service providers. Add the offers you’re interested in to your card (click on the Add to Card icon), and receive the associated cash-back bonus after you make the eligible purchase.

Bottom Line: Amex personal cash-back rewards cards offer earnings on every purchase, additional bonus cash-back in several everyday purchase categories, 0% APR periods that can save you money on large purchases, and shopping offers that make it easy to earn additional cash-back. 

Amex Business Credit Cards That Earn Cash-Back

Running your own business can be a challenge. You may prefer a simple way to keep track of all your expenses and make sure you’re earning rewards on all of those business expenditures. Fortunately, American Express offers 2 cash-back business cards that can help with that.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ 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.

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.

$250

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

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

Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.

This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in spend, then 1% back thereafter
• No annual fee
• Travel and purchase protection

Cons

• Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
• From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
• The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

The Plum Card^® from American Express

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Plum 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.

Instead of normal cash-back, earn an unlimited 1.5% early pay discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date. You'll see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.

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.

The Plum Card^® from American Express

Instead of normal cash-back, earn an unlimited 1.5% early pay discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date. You'll see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.

Welcome Offer

No welcome offer

No welcome offer

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$0

Annual Fee

$250

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 (670-840)

Why We Like This Card

Cash flow can be unpredictable. Sometimes, you can pay bills right away, and other times, it may be easier to wait. Either way works out in your favor with The Plum Card^® from American Express!

With this card, you can pay your bill early and earn an unlimited 1.5% early pay discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date. Or, you can take up to 60 days to pay without interest when you pay your Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.

For those who run seasonal businesses or whose incoming cash flow is unpredictable, the card can provide you with payment alternatives that most other cards don’t.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 1.5% cash-back on your purchases, or receive 60 days to pay back your purchases with no interest
• No foreign transaction fees or employee card fees (rates & fees)
• Rental car insurance

Cons

• Charges an annual fee
• Limited benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Paying early pays off: earn an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date and see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.
• Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest‡, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.‡
• Terms Apply. Learn More.

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

There isn’t a rewards center for this card; the cash-back earned is applied directly to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.

Earn Cashback With Amex Business Credit Cards

1. Welcome Offer

With the Amex Blue Business Cash card, you’ll have the opportunity to jumpstart your earnings by meeting minimum spending requirements after card approval. Once you’ve completed the required spending, you’ll earn a cash-back bonus.

Welcome offers vary, and terms apply, so be sure to check the most recent offer prior to applying.

2. Refer a Friend

Once you’re a cardholder, you’ll be able to earn more cash-back by referring other business owners. For each referral who gets approved for a card, you’ll earn a cash-back bonus.

Log in to your online Amex card account to access the Refer a Friend link or code. Check out our how-to article for more details.

3. Add Employee Cards

Adding additional employee cards can help you manage your business expenses and ensure that every purchase, even those made by employees, is earning cash-back rewards.

4. Earn on Every Purchase

Every purchase you make on the Amex Plum card earns an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges paid within 10 days of your statement closing date. You’ll see the discount applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Payment Due Date.

The Amex Blue Business Cash card earns 2% cash-back on every eligible purchase, up to $50,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1% cash-back after that.

5. Invest in Your Business

If you need to make a large business purchase, you might consider using your Amex Blue Business Cash card and take advantage of the introductory 0% APR period for purchases. The period starts when you are approved for the card and continues for 12 months. During this period, you can pay for the purchase over time and not incur interest charges.

You’ll save money and you’ll earn cash-back rewards on the purchase. After the 12-month 0% APR period expires, normal interest rates apply. You can find the most current interest rates in the card table above. Terms apply.

6. Amex Offers

Log in to your online card account to explore up to 100 Amex Offers. Select the offers you want to add to your card, make the eligible purchase, and earn more cash-back.

Bottom Line: Amex business cash-back rewards cards ensure that all of the purchases you or your employees make earn rewards that can be used to offset business expenses. Additionally, large business purchases may be paid back over time by utilizing the 0% APR period. Terms apply. 

Final Thoughts

Amex cash-back cards make it easy to earn rewards on everyday purchases and redeem those rewards to offset previous purchases. For these reasons alone, each of our featured cards could be a match for the right consumer.

If you’re a frequent traveler, however, you may not be able to realize the best earnings or redemption options with an American Express cash-back rewards card.

If you spend a lot on travel, you may want to consider a card that rewards those purchases well and has travel redemption options that deliver potentially greater value. To learn more about the best travel rewards cards, be sure to check out this list of our top recommendations. If you’re looking for a first-time travel rewards card, we’ve got you covered there, as well.