The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is a no-annual-fee offering designed for those seeking rewards on everyday spending. This card is particularly appealing for beginner travelers or individuals who aren’t quite ready to commit to an annual fee. Featuring a decent rewards structure, the Amex EveryDay card allows cardholders to earn points that can be redeemed in various ways, including travel, gift cards, and online shopping.
One advantage of this credit card is its 0% introductory APR offer for new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening, which can make it an attractive choice for individuals looking to finance larger purchases or consolidate debt. Additionally, the card offers bonus points on purchases made at U.S. supermarkets and even provides a 20% bonus on points earned after 20+ purchases in a billing period. However, potential cardholders should be aware of the foreign transaction fee and the potential for higher rewards elsewhere.
Amex Everyday Credit Card Overview
Rewards Structure
The Amex Everyday® Credit Card offers a solid rewards program for cardholders. You can earn:
- 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets.
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Additionally, you can earn a 20% bonus on your points if you use your card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period.
Annual Fee and APR
The Amex Everyday® Credit Card comes with no annual fee. It also has a 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening. After the promotional period, a variable APR of 12.99% to 23.99% will apply.
Welcome Bonus
New cardholders can take advantage of a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements. Please refer to their official website for the most current offer.
Fees and Rates
Some other fees and rates to consider for the Amex Everyday® Credit Card:
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
- Late payment fee: Up to $40.
- Returned payment fee: Up to $40.
Earning and Redeeming Rewards
U.S. Supermarkets and U.S. Gas Stations
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card allows you to earn 2 Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent annually. After reaching the spending cap, you receive 1 point per dollar spent. However, for U.S. gas stations, the card only offers 1 point per dollar spent.
It’s essential to note that online grocery purchases may not qualify for the 2x rewards multiplier, as it depends on the merchant category code.
Dining and Entertainment
When it comes to dining and entertainment, the Amex EveryDay Credit Card earns 1 point per dollar spent. While this might not be as attractive as other cards that offer 2% or 3% cash back on these categories, the Membership Rewards® points can be quite valuable when redeemed strategically (more on this later).
Online Retail Purchases
For online retail purchases, the Amex EveryDay Credit Card also offers 1 point per dollar spent. Although there are cards offering higher cash back percentages for online shopping, the true value of this card lies in the potential rewards bonus and the redemption options of Membership Rewards® points.
Redemption Options
Once you have accumulated points with the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, you can redeem them through various options:
- American Express Travel: Use points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel experiences through the Amex Travel portal.
- Transfer to travel partners: Transfer your Membership Rewards® points to a variety of airline and hotel partners to get the most value from your points.
- Gift cards and shopping: Redeem points for gift cards or merchandise, but keep in mind that this option usually offers a lower value compared with travel redemptions.
- Statement credit: Apply points towards your account balance, although this method provides a relatively lower value compared to other redemptions.
Bonus Tip
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card has an additional incentive: if you make 20 or more purchases within a billing period, you receive a 20% bonus on all points earned during that billing cycle. Combining this bonus with the various redemption options above can make your Membership Rewards® points even more valuable—and worth considering as an alternative to traditional cash back cards.
Additional Card Benefits
Statement Credits and Gift Cards
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card offers various opportunities to earn statement credits for eligible purchases. Cardholders can redeem their Membership Rewards points for statement credits, which can help offset purchases on their monthly statement. Additionally, these points can be redeemed for gift cards from various retailers, such as Amazon, providing additional value for cardholders.
Amex Offers and Perks
Amex Offers is a benefit available to all American Express cardholders, including the Amex EveryDay Credit Card users. This feature provides access to a range of discounts, bonus rewards points, and limited-time promotions for eligible purchases. By taking advantage of these offers, cardholders can maximize their rewards potential and enjoy additional savings. Keep in mind that offers may vary depending on the cardholder’s preferences and purchase history.
Global Assist Hotline
One of the lesser-known benefits of the Amex EveryDay Credit Card is the Global Assist Hotline. This service assists cardholders when they travel more than 100 miles from their home, providing 24/7 access to medical, legal, and financial emergency assistance. The hotline can help with issues like lost passports, referrals to local medical facilities, and emergency cash transfers. While the cardholder may be responsible for any incurred costs, the guidance and support provided by the hotline can prove invaluable during unexpected situations while traveling.
Shoprunner Access
With the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, cardholders receive complimentary Shoprunner access, a benefit valued up to $79 per year. Shoprunner offers free 2-day shipping and free return shipping on eligible purchases at select online retailers. By using this service, cardholders can enjoy faster shipping without additional fees, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Comparing to Other Credit Cards
Amex EveryDay vs. Everyday Preferred
The Amex EveryDay and Amex EveryDay Preferred cards both offer decent rewards, but with some differences in their structures. The Amex EveryDay card has a no annual fee and offers a base rewards rate of 2x points on US supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year) and 1x point on all other purchases. It also comes with a 20% bonus on all points earned if you make 20 or more purchases in a billing period. The card requires a good/excellent credit score for approval.
On the other hand, the Amex EveryDay Preferred has an annual fee but offers higher rewards potential. It earns 3x points on US supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 per year) and 2x points at US gas stations, with 1x point on all other purchases. In addition, it offers a 50% bonus when you make 30 or more purchases in a billing period.
Amex EveryDay vs. Blue Cash Everyday
Comparing the Amex EveryDay card to the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, the latter features a cashback rewards structure instead of Membership Rewards points. The Blue Cash Everyday card offers 3% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% cash back at US gas stations and select US department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Both cards have no annual fee and require a good/excellent credit score for approval. The Amex EveryDay card may be more suitable for those seeking flexible rewards for travel, while the Blue Cash Everyday card is better for those who prefer cash back rewards.
Amex EveryDay vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Amex EveryDay card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card target different audiences, with the latter being more focused on travel rewards and benefits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with an annual fee and earns 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1x point on all other purchases. It also offers a generous sign-up bonus and various travel perks, such as trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
In contrast, the Amex EveryDay card has no annual fee and offers a smaller rewards potential. It may be more suitable for those looking for a no-annual-fee card with a lower required credit score and who primarily spend on US supermarket purchases. Meanwhile, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a better choice for frequent travelers seeking a card with higher rewards potential and travel-related perks.
Eligibility and Application Process
Credit Score Requirements
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is typically designed for those with a good to excellent credit score. While there is no specific credit score cutoff, applicants with a score above 670 have higher chances of approval. Keep in mind that other factors such as your credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio also play a role in the approval process.
Spending Requirement for Welcome Bonus
To earn the welcome bonus on the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, cardholders must meet a specific spending requirement within the first three months of account opening. The welcome bonus may vary depending on promotions, so check the current offer during the time of application.
Benefits:
- Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets
- Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
- Possible to earn a 20% bonus on all points, depending on the number of purchase transactions in a billing period
In addition to the rewards, the card features a 0% introductory APR offer for new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening. After the introductory period, a variable APR of 12.99% to 23.99% applies.
When it comes to balance transfers, ensure that you make the transfer within 60 days of account opening to take advantage of the 0% introductory APR. Note that there is a balance transfer fee applicable, which is either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
By meeting the spending requirement and utilizing the card benefits effectively, you can maximize your points and savings with the Amex EveryDay Credit Card.
Conclusion
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is a competitive option for those who are looking for a no-annual-fee rewards card. With 2x points earned on U.S. supermarket purchases and 1x points on all other purchases, it provides value for consumers who frequently shop for groceries and prefer a straightforward rewards structure.
Additionally, the 20% points bonus for making at least 20 transactions in a billing period can further enhance the rewards-earning potential of this card. Considering that it’s a no-annual-fee card, users can benefit from these rewards without worrying about offsetting costs.
This card is particularly suitable for beginner travelers or those who can’t yet justify paying an annual fee for a rewards card. While it might not have all the premium perks and benefits of more high-end cards, it still offers a solid foundation in the rewards ecosystem, especially for individuals who are just starting to explore the world of credit card rewards and Membership Rewards.
In summary, the Amex EveryDay Credit Card is a valuable choice for individuals seeking a straightforward, no-annual-fee rewards card with a focus on grocery shopping and travel purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is needed?
To be approved for the Amex EveryDay Credit Card, a good to excellent credit score is generally required. This typically means a credit score of 670 or higher.
Is it hard to get?
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is considered to be a relatively accessible card for individuals with good to excellent credit scores. However, approval depends on a variety of factors, including credit history, employment status, and income.
How about the credit limit?
Credit limits for the Amex EveryDay Credit Card vary based on individual applicants’ creditworthiness and financial history. American Express reviews various factors such as income, credit utilization, and payment history to determine the appropriate credit limit for each cardholder.
Everyday use suitability?
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is well-suited for everyday use, as it earns Membership Rewards points on everyday purchases. Cardholders earn 2 points for every dollar spent on up to $6,000 annually at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
What are the benefits?
Some benefits of the Amex EveryDay Credit Card include:
- No annual fee
- 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on up to $6,000 annually at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 Membership Rewards point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- A 20% bonus on all points earned, provided the cardholder makes at least 20 transactions per billing period
Balance transfer options?
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card offers a 0% introductory APR on both new purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening. After the introductory period, a variable APR of 12.99% to 23.99% applies. This makes the Amex EveryDay Credit Card a good option for those looking to consolidate and pay down credit card debt during the promotional period.