If you're looking for a cash back American Express card for everyday use, consider the Blue Cash Preferred Card. It offers 6% cash back on groceries, 3% on gas, and 1% on everything else, making it a great choice for people who spend a lot on these categories.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card also has a high cash back bonus - you can earn $250 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first six months. This is a significant incentive to sign up and start using the card.
With no annual fee for the first year and a $95 annual fee thereafter, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is a relatively affordable option. Additionally, it has a 0% introductory APR for 12 months, which can help you save money on interest charges.
Best Cash Back American Express Card
If you're looking for the best cash back American Express card, you've got options. American Express offers cash back credit cards that align with your spending style.
You can earn up to 6% cash back in certain spending categories, which is a pretty good deal. Whether you're a frequent traveler or a foodie, there's a card that suits your needs.
At Amex, cash back is earned in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits, with no redemption minimum. This means you can use your cash back whenever you want, without any hassle.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing the best cash back American Express card for you:
- Earning potential: up to 6% cash back in certain spending categories
- Redemption flexibility: Reward Dollars can be redeemed for statement credits with no minimum
- No annual fee option: choose a card that fits your budget
Ultimately, the best cash back American Express card for you will depend on your individual spending habits and preferences. Take some time to review your options and choose the card that aligns with your lifestyle.
Features and Benefits
You can earn as much as 5% or 6% back for purchases within certain categories with the best cash back American Express card.
The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card offers 3 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 each calendar year, and 2 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations.
You'll get a 50% bonus if you make 30 or more purchases in a billing period with the Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card.
The card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, before switching to a 15.99% - 25.99% Variable APR.
For Dining
You'll earn an unlimited 4% cash back on dining purchases, making this card a great choice for foodies and frequent diners.
To get the most out of this feature, simply make your dining purchases as you normally would, and the rewards will be automatically applied to your account.
There's no need to opt into categories every month, so you can enjoy the rewards without any extra hassle.
The rewards are also uncapped, so you can earn as much cash back as you want, as long as your account is in good standing.
Here are some key details about the dining rewards:
- Earn 4% cash back on dining purchases
- Automatic rewards with no need to opt in
- No limit to the cash back you can earn
Family Bonus Categories
The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card is a great option for families who want to maximize rewards on their everyday expenses. It earns 3 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 each calendar year.
This card also offers a 50% bonus on points earned, but only if you make 30 or more purchases in a billing period. This bonus can add up quickly, especially on small purchases like coffee or snacks.
If you're a family who spends a lot at the supermarket, this card can help you earn a lot of points quickly. The 3 points per dollar earned at U.S. supermarkets is a great reward for families who need to buy groceries every week.
The card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, which can be a lifesaver for families who want to pay off big purchases without interest fees. However, after the intro period ends, the APR will switch to 15.99% - 25.99% Variable.
The Benefits
Having a cash back credit card can be a great way to earn rewards on your everyday purchases. You could earn as much as 5% or 6% back for purchases within certain categories.
One of the best things about cash back credit cards is the flexibility they offer. You can use your cash rewards to knock out debt and meet other financial goals.
Some cash back credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, which can give you an extra boost of cash rewards. You may earn hundreds of dollars in cash rewards or credits within months of opening your account.
Using your cash back credit card for online purchases through online bonus malls can also earn you extra rewards. Not every credit card company has one, but if yours does, you can earn extra rewards by purchasing merchandise through the online shopping portal.
Cash back rewards are usually predictable and don't expire as long as your account remains active and is in good standing. This means you won't have to worry about your rewards losing value.
Earning Online While Shopping
Earning online while shopping can be a great way to get extra rewards and cash back. You can earn rewards by paying bills with your credit card, getting extra cash or higher rewards rates on cash back cards with sign-up bonuses, and making purchases through online bonus malls.
If your credit card company has an online bonus mall, you can earn extra rewards by purchasing merchandise through the portal. This can be a great way to earn more rewards, especially if you're already shopping online.
To maximize your cash rewards, read over your cardholder agreement carefully to understand how to earn cash rewards and maximize them. Some cash back cards can be used for online shopping, but not all credit card companies have online bonus malls.
You can earn hundreds of dollars in cash rewards or credits within months of opening your account with a cash back card that offers a sign-up bonus. This can be a great way to earn extra money, especially if you meet the minimum spending requirement within the set time period.
Choosing the Right Card
Choosing the right cash back American Express card can be overwhelming, but it's essential to consider a few key factors. Knowing your credit score is crucial, as it can affect your odds of getting approved for a credit card.
To get started, think about the type of credit card you need. Do you want a flat-rate cash back card or one with rotating bonus categories? This will help narrow down your options. Check your credit score and consider the fees you'll have to pay, including annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
You can also consider your spending habits and choose a card that aligns with your lifestyle. If you spend a lot on groceries, for example, you may want a card with a higher rewards rate in that category.
For Transit:
The Amex Green Card is a great choice for commuters, earning 3 Amex points per dollar spent on travel and transit expenses.
You can earn points on everything from subway fares to hotels to flights, as well as on trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways.
The earning rates on these categories put the Amex Green Card on par with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which earns 3 points per dollar on these categories (on purchases that aren't made through Chase Travel).
The Amex Green Card has a lower annual fee of $150, compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve's fee.
Here are some examples of what you can earn points on with the Amex Green Card:
- Travel
- Transit (trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways)
- At restaurants worldwide
This card also offers benefits like up to $199 in statement credits toward CLEAR Plus membership each year, and up to $100 in statement credits per year toward LoungeBuddy purchases for airport lounge access.
No Annual Fee
If you're not willing to pay an annual fee to earn rewards, there are still some great options available. The Amex EveryDay card offers solid rewards with no annual fee, including 2 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
You can earn 20% more points when you make 20 or more purchases in a billing period with the Amex EveryDay card. This can add up to some extra rewards.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is another no-annual-fee option that could be a good fit for you. It's a good choice for those who want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee.
The Amex EveryDay card offers travel and purchase protections, as well as access to the Amex Offers program. This can provide some extra peace of mind and benefits.
How We Chose
We considered several factors when choosing the best American Express cards. We looked at Amex-branded cards and co-branded airline and hotel cards that are currently available to new applicants.
To determine the best cards, we evaluated simplicity, earning potential, annual fee, and options for different types of consumers. We wanted to find cards with easy-to-use rewards programs and redemption options, as well as generous spending categories or strong rewards rates across all purchases.
We also considered the annual fee of each card, weighing whether the benefits justified the cost. This helped us identify cards that offer value for the price.
We included a range of cards to cater to various users, from those looking for 0% APR offers to travel points and cash-back cards.
Here are the key factors we considered when choosing the best American Express cards:
- Simplicity: Does the card offer an easy-to-use rewards program and redemption options?
- Earning potential: Are there generous spending categories or a strong rewards rate across all purchases?
- Annual fee: Does the card charge an annual fee, and are the benefits worth the cost?
- Options for different types of consumers: Do the cards cater to various users, such as those looking for 0% APR offers or travel points?
Choosing Bonus Categories
Having a cash back credit card with rotating bonus categories may not work for everyone. You'd have to keep track of which purchases will give you more cash back during certain months.
Opting in to take advantage of the new spending category with the higher rewards rate can be a hassle. If you're looking for a simple rewards card, a flat-rate cash back card might be a better option.
A tiered rewards credit card could give you more cash rewards than a flat-rate cash back credit card, particularly if the category with the highest rewards rate is the one you tend to spend the most money on. Consider your spending habits before choosing a bonus category card.
The Amex EveryDay Preferred Credit Card earns 3 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets, and 2 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations. This card is a strong option for families who spend a lot on groceries and gas.
To make the most of a bonus category card, you need to make 30 or more purchases in a billing period to earn a 50% bonus. This can add up quickly, especially with small purchases like coffee or snacks.
Here are some popular bonus categories to consider:
- U.S. supermarkets: 3 points per dollar (up to $6,000 each calendar year)
- U.S. gas stations: 2 points per dollar
- Reservations made through Amex Travel: 2 points per dollar
Earning and Redeeming Rewards
To earn cash back rewards, log into your American Express account and click "Use Reward Dollars" to enter the amount you'd like to use as a credit toward your next statement balance. This credit will usually appear within three days.
You can also earn rewards by paying bills with your credit card, which can give you extra cash back or statement credits every month. Some cash back cards have sign-up bonuses that give you extra cash when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a set period of time.
To redeem your rewards, you can log into your American Express credit card account, go to the Membership Rewards portal, and select a redemption option. You can also redeem rewards by calling the phone number on the back of your card or using the American Express mobile app.
Rewards can be redeemed in multiple ways, including as a statement credit or deposited into your bank account as cash. Some cards may only allow you to redeem rewards as a statement credit or for specific expenses like travel.
Earning: Better or Not?
If you want to earn cash rewards, you need to read your cardholder agreement carefully to understand how to maximize them. This will help you make the most of your cash back card.
Cash back cards with sign-up bonuses can give you extra cash or higher rewards rates when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a set period of time. You could earn hundreds of dollars in cash rewards or credits within months of opening your account.
Some cash back cards can be used to make purchases through online bonus malls, where you can earn extra rewards by purchasing merchandise through the online shopping portal.
If you want to redeem your rewards for any kind of expense, a credit card that mails a check or wires rewards to bank accounts might be a good choice. But if you're serious about eliminating your credit card debt, a statement credit might be a better option.
Using a credit card that allows you to easily redeem your cash back as points through specific rewards programs can be a convenient option for travel expenses.
How to Redeem
Redeeming your rewards can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
To redeem your American Express rewards, log in to your account and click "Use Reward Dollars" to apply the credit to your next statement balance. The credit will usually appear within three days.
You can also redeem your rewards by linking your American Express card to your Amazon account and using cash back at checkout to cover all or part of your purchases.
Some cash back credit cards provide cash back that can only be exchanged for statement credits or specific expenses like travel. These credits will appear on your credit card statement.
If you want to redeem your cash back as a statement credit, you can apply it to your outstanding balance, but it won't cover the minimum payment due.
Here are some common ways to redeem your cash back rewards:
* MethodDescriptionStatement CreditApply the credit to your next statement balanceBank DepositDeposit the cash back into your bank accountTravel ExpensesUse the cash back to offset travel expenses
To maximize your cash rewards, read over your cardholder agreement carefully and take advantage of sign-up bonuses, online shopping portals, and other opportunities to earn extra rewards.
Understanding the Card
American Express credit cards offer great rewards, including cash back on eligible purchases. You can earn a small percentage of each transaction, ranging from 1% to 6% on certain spending categories.
Cash back is earned in the form of Reward Dollars, which accumulate until you decide to redeem them. This means you can earn rewards without having to worry about expiration dates or complicated redemption processes.
Some of the best American Express credit cards, such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card, offer up to 6% cash back on certain spending categories. This makes them a great choice for people who regularly spend a lot in these areas.
Here are some of the top American Express cash back credit cards, categorized by their best features:
Excellent Customer Service
American Express is known for its exceptional customer service, with many consumers praising the communication from concierges for Platinum cardholders.
The online chat feature with live agents is available 24/7 via the website dashboard or mobile app, making it easy to get help whenever you need it.
Cardholders also receive prompt and personable service when calling into the customer support hotlines.
The Platinum Card from American Express earns 5x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, making it a great option for frequent flyers.
This rewards structure can really add up, especially if you commute to and from work, and includes trains, subways, taxis, rideshares, and other forms of public transit in its bonus categories.
However, the Platinum Card comes with a hefty annual fee, which may not be worth it for everyone.
The Amex Centurion Black Card, on the other hand, has an even higher initiation fee of $10,000, making it inaccessible to most consumers.
The Basics
Cash back credit cards offer rewards for using your card to make purchases. This can be a great way to earn money back on your everyday spending.
A small percentage of each transaction is returned to you as cash, points, or statement credits. This can range from 1% to 3% of the transaction, but some cards offer up to 6% cash back on certain spending categories.
You can earn more rewards by using your cash-back credit card frequently. The more you use it, the more rewards you'll earn.
Here are some common types of cash-back credit cards:
- All-around cash back
- Rotating categories
- Choosing your bonus categories
- Dining and entertainment
- For students
- For businesses
Some cards have annual fees, while others are free. Annual fees can range from $0 to $150, depending on the card.
Fees and Requirements
To get the best cash back American Express card, you'll need to meet some requirements. Most Amex cards require an excellent credit score, typically in the 700s or higher.
You'll also need to show consistent income, although a high salary isn't always necessary. If your credit score is lacking, consider improving it before applying for an Amex card.
High annual fees are a common complaint among Amex cardholders, with some cards charging over $600 per year. The Platinum Card from American Express has the highest annual fee at $695, and many other cards aren't far behind.
High Annual Fees
High Annual Fees can be a significant burden for some cardholders. The Platinum Card from American Express charges the highest annual fee among publicly available consumer cards at $695 (rates and fees).
Many of American Express's other cards also have steep annual fees, with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and its business counterpart both exceeding $600 yearly.
The American Express Gold Card is another example, costing a hefty $325, which is more than most of its counterparts.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an American Express (Amex) card, you'll need an excellent credit score, typically in the 700s or higher.
Most Amex cards require a FICO score of 700 or higher, which is considered excellent credit.
Consistent income is also a must, although a high salary isn't always necessary.
If you don't have a good credit score, consider improving it before applying for an Amex card.
You may qualify for a credit card for rebuilding credit or benefit from using a credit repair company if you have a lot of financial catch-up to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American Express have a 2% cash back card?
Yes, the Bread Cashback American Express Credit Card offers 2% unlimited cash back on purchases. This card also provides additional benefits like purchase protection and ID theft insurance.
Sources
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/best-american-express-cards
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/amex-cash-back-reward-dollars/
- https://www.wsj.com/buyside/personal-finance/credit-cards/best-american-express-credit-cards
- https://smartasset.com/credit-cards/best-cash-back-credit-cards
- https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/cash-back-american-express/
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