Blue Cash Everyday® Card: Cash back on essentials with no fee
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a credit card that combines flexibility with generous rewards, all without an annual fee. Ideal for those who value simplicity and efficiency in their financial transactions, this card offers exceptional benefits especially for everyday purchases. With the Blue Cash Everyday, users enjoy cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and select department stores, making it an excellent choice for families and individuals looking to maximize their savings while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Benefits of the card
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express stands out for its straightforward rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn cash back in multiple purchasing categories:
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores.
- 1% cash back on other qualified purchases. In addition to cash back, cardholders benefit from a range of purchase protections and security features, as well as access to exclusive American Express offers such as travel insurance and purchase protection. The lack of an annual fee adds even more value, making this card a smart choice for those seeking convenience without sacrificing benefits.
Prerequisites for applying for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card
To apply for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, applicants must meet certain criteria that ensure they are suitable for this type of credit product:
- Credit Score: A good to excellent credit score is typically required, reflecting responsible past credit management.
- Financial Information: Applicants will need to provide personal and financial information, including annual income and monthly housing payments, to assess their financial stability.
- Age and Residency: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the United States, with a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- American Express Customer History: Previous or current American Express customers may find the application process streamlined, though this is not a requirement for approval.
These prerequisites are designed to ensure that the cardholders are able to responsibly manage their credit card usage and benefit fully from what the Blue Cash Everyday® Card has to offer.
About the American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is offered by American Express, a multinational financial services corporation known for its long history of providing innovative financial products. Founded in 1850, American Express has been a key player in the financial industry for over 170 years, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses:
- Market Presence: American Express operates in over 130 countries, catering to millions of customers worldwide.
- Innovation in Financial Services: Known for introducing the first charge card, traveler’s cheques, and a rewards program that set the standard for competitive offerings in the credit card industry.
- Customer Focus: American Express is renowned for its customer service and has been repeatedly recognized for its high customer satisfaction rates.
Who is this card for?
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is specifically designed for individuals and families who prioritize earning rewards on their everyday purchases without paying an annual fee. This card is particularly well-suited for:
- Regular Shoppers: Individuals who frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and department stores will benefit immensely from the tailored cash back categories.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking to maximize returns on their daily spending without incurring the cost of an annual fee.
- Travel Enthusiasts: While not primarily a travel card, the included benefits make it a good option for those who occasionally travel and appreciate travel-related perks without the complexities of a traditional travel rewards card.
- First-Time Credit Card Users: The straightforward rewards system and no annual fee make it an excellent choice for those new to credit cards, looking for a simple yet effective financial tool.
This card addresses the needs of a diverse range of consumers, offering valuable rewards without complicating the spending experience.
What rewards and programs does the card offer?
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers a variety of rewards and benefits that cater to everyday needs and beyond:
Cash Back Rewards:
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases. The cash back earned is automatically applied as a statement credit, simplifying the redemption process.
Introductory Offers:
- Often includes a welcome offer of a cash bonus after spending a specified amount within the first few months of card membership.
- Introductory 0% APR on purchases for a set period, making it an attractive option for making large purchases upfront.
Additional Benefits:
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Coverage against damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when the card is used to pay for the rental.
- Global Assist® Hotline: Provides 24/7 access to emergency assistance services when traveling more than 100 miles from home.
- Fraud Protection: Ensures that you are not held responsible for fraudulent charges.
- Access to Amex Offers: Provides access to additional savings and bonuses when shopping with partner retailers.
Initial credit limit
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers a flexible credit limit tailored to each applicant’s financial profile. The assigned limit depends on factors such as credit score, income, and overall creditworthiness. While American Express does not publicly disclose the exact minimum and maximum credit limits, general guidelines include:
- Minimum credit limit: Typically starts around $1,000, but may be higher depending on creditworthiness.
- Maximum credit limit: Can exceed $20,000 for well-qualified applicants with strong credit histories.
Cardholders may request a credit limit increase after demonstrating responsible card usage, such as making timely payments and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio.
Step by step to apply for the card
Applying for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a straightforward process that can be completed online in just a few steps:
- Visit the official website – Start by accessing the official American Express Blue Cash Everyday application page.
- Check eligibility – Ensure you meet the prerequisites, such as a good credit score and U.S. residency.
- Fill out the application – Provide your personal details, including name, Social Security Number, income information, and housing status.
- Review the terms – Carefully read the terms and conditions, including the APR and cash back details.
- Submit your application – Once all fields are completed, submit your application for review.
- Receive a decision – Many applicants receive an instant decision, though some cases may require additional verification.
- Card delivery – If approved, you will receive your card in the mail within 7-10 business days.
- Download the American Express mobile app – Manage your account easily on the Android or iOS app.
Card’s pros and cons
Like any credit card, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card has both advantages and drawbacks. While it is an excellent choice for many consumers, it may not suit everyone.
Pros:
- No annual fee – A major advantage for budget-conscious users looking for cash back rewards.
- High cash back rates on essential spending – Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and 2% at gas stations and select department stores.
- Introductory APR – Enjoy 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months.
- American Express customer service – Known for top-tier customer support and dispute resolution.
Cons:
- Cash back categories have spending caps – The 3% rate at supermarkets is limited to $6,000 per year in purchases, after which it drops to 1%.
- Not widely accepted internationally – American Express cards may not be accepted at as many locations abroad compared to Visa or Mastercard.
- Higher credit score requirements – Approval is typically limited to those with good to excellent credit.
- Foreign transaction fees – Charges 2.7% on international purchases, which can be costly for frequent travelers.
How to unlock the card?
Once you receive your Blue Cash Everyday® Card, activating it is quick and simple:
- Visit the activation page – Go to americanexpress.com/confirmcard.
- Enter your card details – Provide the 15-digit card number and 4-digit security code found on the front of your card.
- Log in or create an account – If you’re a new customer, you’ll need to create an American Express account.
- Confirm activation – Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
- Set up mobile access – Download the American Express mobile app for easy account management.
After activation, your card is ready for use both online and in physical stores, allowing you to start earning cash back rewards immediately.
Fees and charges
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is designed to be a cost-effective option for cardholders, but it’s important to be aware of potential fees associated with its use. Below is a breakdown of the most relevant fees:
Type of Fee | Description |
Annual fee | $0 (no annual fee) |
Introductory APR | 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months |
Regular APR | Variable APR between 19.24% - 29.99% |
Cash Advance Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% of the transaction amount |
Late Payment Fee | Up to $40 |
These fees highlight the importance of timely payments and responsible usage. While the lack of an annual fee makes the card appealing, the foreign transaction fee and high APR after the introductory period should be considered by potential users.
Customer service
American Express is well known for its high-quality customer service, offering several support options to help cardholders manage their accounts efficiently:
- 24/7 phone support – Cardholders can call American Express customer service at 1-800-528-4800 for assistance at any time.
- Online chat – Users can access the Amex Live Chat through their online account or the mobile app.
- Mobile app – The American Express mobile app offers account management features, payment tracking, and customer support options.
- Email support – Secure email communication is available through the Amex online account portal.
- Dispute resolution – If a charge is incorrect or fraudulent, American Express offers a purchase protection program and a streamlined dispute resolution process.
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