Credit Card Spotlight
AMEX Blue
Cash Everyday
The Blue Cash Everyday is one of my favorite cashback keeper cards. In fact, it’s my first. I’ve had my eye on American Express since I restarted my credit card journey. The Blue Cash Everyday was a great way to begin a relationship with them.
Tier
What Is the Blue Cash Everyday?
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday is a competitive cashback card with no annual fee. As the name impliess, it offers decent cashback on everyday spending categories. It’s fairly easy to get approved for and has few drawbacks, making it a good card for laying credit foundations.
There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right credit cards for you. Here’s a quick look at where the Gold Card excels most.
Is This American Express’s Best Credit Card?
Annual Fee
Sign Up Bonus
Recommended Credit Score
Zero Annual Fee
Easy to understand ROI. This card does not require you to pay an annual fee. That makes it easy to calculate your gains and justify ownership.
High Cashback
Get paid to pay. This card offers competitive cash back rates on important categories. In effect, you can save 2% or more on the things you buy.
Keeper Card
Lay your foundation. This card is a good candidate for the sock drawer. Maintain the extra line of credit to build your credit profile.
Is This American Express’s Best Credit Card?
The Details
This a mid-tier card with decent benefits.
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday is a strong option for AMEX users who need a cashback card with no annual fee. It’s not a great fit for everyone, but it offers positive expected value to most credit card users.
Decent Cashback Rates.
Great for Everyday Spending.
No Transaction Fees.
No Annual Fee.
Not the Best at Anything.
AMEX Not Always Accepted.
Blue Cash Cashback
The Gold Card works like most cards that offer reward points. You earn points for every dollar you spend.
- 4x at Supermarkets
- 4x at Restaurants
- 3x on Flights
- 1x on Everything Else
AMEX Membership Rewards points are redeemable for a variety of things but offer the best value for travel.
Credits & Insurance
Many premium credit cards offer credits in one form or another. The Gold Card’s nearly cover the annual fee.
- $120 Dining Credit
- $100 Airline Fee Credit
- Baggage Insurance
- Car Rental Insurance
Terms apply for everything but do it right and these benefits alone could give you a positive expected value.
Amex Perks
Many credit cards offer peripheral benefits that may add value for you. The Gold Card has one of the best lineups.
- The Hotel Collection
- The Travel Collection
- AMEX Offers
- AMEX Access & Preferred Seating
Most users probably don’t need these to get positive expected value from the Gold Card. But they are available.
Credit vs Charge Cards
American Express seems to be transitioning away from charge cards.
Over the years, many of their most popular cards have been charge cards, including the Gold Card.
“You can carry a balance with interest¤ on eligible charges of $100 or more, giving you more control over the amount you pay. When your payment is due, you can choose to pay your Account Total New Balance, the minimum due or any amount in between, with interest.‡”
Ask These Questions Before You Apply for the Blue Case Everyday Card
The AMEX Gold Card is not for everyone.
If you don’t value travel rewards, it’s probably a bad choice. There may also be better choices if you don’t spend much on dining or groceries. And it’s definitely not a good first credit card.
So the first question is obvious:
Where Are You on Your Credit Card Journey?
The American Express Gold Card is a mid-to-end game card for most people. It’s designed for higher spenders who value travel rewards. It’s not a good starter card. It’s an average churner card. But it’s a great keeper card, especially when you pair it with the AMEX Platinum.
What Is Your Expected Value for this Card?
The Gold Card has one of the steepest annual fees in the industry. So if you’re going to add it to your lineup, you need to make sure you’re going to be able to make the most of it. While food and travel benefits are great, for most users it’s about earning (and using) MR points.
Will You Get Approved for this Card?
You need a solid credit history for the Gold Card. A good relationship with AMEX doesn’t hurt either. Still, it’s not that hard to get approved for—despite the fact that many see it as a status symbol. Most sources say approval begins with credit scores in the high 600s or low 700s.
How Will You Use the Benefits for this Card?
To get the most value out of this card, you must value travel rewards and have a decent annual spend. Gold Card rewards are paid out in MR points, which are best redeemed for hotels and airfare. If you’re not interested in travel, it may be harder justify this card’s high annual fee.
Does This Card Fit in Your Credit Roadmap?
You need a plan if you want to maximize the value of your credit cards. That plan needs a goal, or a set of goals. The Gold Card is only a good choice for you if it helps you achieve those goals. This card works best for those who want to convert everyday spending into travel rewards.
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