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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 a few card options to consider.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earn consistent 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, with no caps or changing categories to track, and with no annual fee.
Learn More(at Amex's secure site)All information about American Express Cash Magnet® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.
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.
Earn consistent 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, with no caps or changing categories to track, and with no annual fee.
Earn $200 Back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$200
$0
0% on purchases for 15 months, from account opening,Ongoing APR: 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.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The information regarding the American Express Cash Magnet® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Those who are looking for a simple and straightforward cash-back credit card will love the American Express Cash Magnet® Card. With no annual fee to worry about and no bonus categories to fuss over, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’re earning cash-back rewards on every purchase — without needing to pay anything out of pocket.
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Rental car insurance
Cons
2.7% foreign transaction fees
No category specific bonus categories
Earn $200 Back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on your purchases.
Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, currently 19.24%-29.99% variable.
Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
Amex Offers rewards you at places you like to shop, dine, travel, and more. You can add as many Offers as you’d like to your Card, then just use that Card to pay, and enjoy rewards directly on your statement.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.
No Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% on purchases for 15 months, from account opening,Ongoing APR: 19.24%-29.99% variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars.
Earn Lots of Cash-back on Amex Personal Credit Cards
It’s easy to earn cash-back on everyday purchases with Amex cash-back cards. Image Credit: WavebreakMediaMicro via Adobe Stock
1. Earn a Welcome Offer
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, and Amex Cash Magnet 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 offer prior to applying for any card.
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:
Apparel, footwear, and accessories stores
Auto and home supply stores
Book stores
Computer and electronic stores
Department stores
Drugstores
Furniture stores (e.g., Wayfair.com)
Major retailers (e.g., amazon.com, walmart.com)
Personal and household care
Pet stores (e.g., chewy.com)
Sporting goods stores
Toy and hobby stores
9. Earn on Every Other Purchase
You can be assured that every purchase you make will earn cash-back rewards. The Amex Cash Magnet card earns a flat rate of 1.5% cash-back on every eligible purchase.
Plus, both 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 card offers a 0% APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of card approval, while the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card and Amex Cash Magnet card offer 0% APR periods of 15 months from the date of card approval.
After this period, 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 Card offers this feature for 12 months from the date of card approval, while the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card offers it for 15 months from card approval. After that, normal fees and any applicable interest rates apply.
In addition to saving on interest rates and fees, you will also be earning cash-back rewards on your purchases.
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
An Amex business cash-back card can ensure that every purchase earns rewards. Image Credit: Anna Shvets via Pexels
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
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.
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.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
$0
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
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)
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
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
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, 18.49% – 26.49%, 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.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
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.
Instead of normal cash-back, get an unlimited 1.5% discount when you pay early for eligible days within 10 days of your statement closing date. The discount will be applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
Instead of normal cash-back, get an unlimited 1.5% discount when you pay early for eligible days within 10 days of your statement closing date. The discount will be applied to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
No Welcome Offer
No Welcome Offer
$0
$250
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)
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 get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges 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 please pay by date. Alternatively, you can take up to 60 days to pay with no interest, when you pay your minimum 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.
Paying early pays off: get an unlimited 1.5% Early Pay Discount on eligible charges 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 Please Pay By date.
Take up to 60 days to pay with no interest‡, when you pay your minimum due by the Payment Due Date.
Use the power of the Plum Card to buy big for your business.
There is no special rewards center for this card; the cash-back earned will be applied directly to your next statement when you pay at the least the Minimum Payment Due by the Please Pay By date.
Earn Lots of Cash-back on Amex Business Credit Cards
1. Earn a 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 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 please pay by 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.
The information regarding the American Express Cash Magnet® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Marcus Aurelius via Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Amex cash-back card?
The best American Express cash-back card for you will be the one that has an annual fee you’re comfortable paying, matches your spending mix so you’ll maximize rewards earning, and has benefits you can use.
Keep in mind that even if a card has an annual fee, your level of spending may result in greater earnings compared to a no-annual-fee card.
How does Amex cash-back work?
Amex cash-back Reward Dollars accumulate in your account until you are ready to use them. Once your balance is 25 Reward Dollars or more, you can use those rewards, at a value of 1 cent each, for a statement credit toward your card balance. You can also redeem rewards for gift cards or shopping at select retailers.
You cannot use your Reward Dollars towards the minimum payment due on your account.
Reward Dollars do not expire as long as your card is in good standing.
Can you get cash-back on a business card?
Yes. The Amex Blue Business Cash card earns 2% cash-back on every purchase up to $50,000 in purchases each calendar year. After that, it earns 1% cash-back.
Do Amex cash-back cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Yes. All of the cards featured in this article, with the exception of the Amex Plum card, charge a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%.
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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