Amex EveryDay vs. Amex EveryDay Preferred: Which one deserves a spot in your wallet?

A solid credit card strategy involves maximizing your purchases to earn more than 1 point per dollar or 1% cash back. Choosing the right card for everyday expenses can be tricky.

If you already hold other American Express Membership Rewards cards, both the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card and the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card can enhance your Membership Rewards earnings. They're also great starting points for those new to points and miles in the Membership Rewards program.

Let’s analyze which card best fits your long-term needs based on your spending habits and budget.

Details for the Amex EveryDay and Amex EveryDay Preferred have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information presented here has not been verified or endorsed by the card issuer.

Comparison of Amex EveryDay and Amex EveryDay Preferred

Amex EveryDay vs. Amex EveryDay Preferred introductory offer

Currently, the Amex EveryDay provides new cardholders with 10,000 points after spending $2,000 within the first six months. In contrast, the EveryDay Preferred grants 15,000 points under the same spending conditions.

According to TPG's July valuations, these points equate to $200 and $300, respectively.

While these offers aren't the highest among other Amex cards, they're a solid starting point for easy points with a new card. Plus, a $2,000 spending requirement in six months is quite manageable.

Champion: Amex EveryDay Preferred. Its introductory offer holds greater value.

Benefits of Amex EveryDay vs. Amex EveryDay Preferred

Like all Amex Membership Rewards cards, both options come with benefits such as free two-day shipping from ShopRunner on eligible purchases*, Global Assist Hotline**, and car rental loss** and damage insurance**.

These benefits are a great addition to anyone's wallet, especially if you lack a card that offers them.

*Enrollment is necessary for certain benefits.

**Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

***Eligibility and benefit levels vary based on the card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Champion: Tie. Both cards provide the same benefits.

Accumulating points with Amex EveryDay vs. Amex EveryDay Preferred

The Amex EveryDay earns 2 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar) and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Additionally, you can earn 20% more points by making 20 or more purchases in a billing cycle.

In contrast, the EveryDay Preferred provides 3 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1 point per dollar), 2 points per dollar at U.S. gas stations, and 1 point per dollar on all other spending. You’ll receive 50% more points for making 30 or more purchases in a billing cycle.

Disregarding the 20%-50% bonus and spending in other categories, you’d need to spend at least $4,750 each year—or about $396 monthly—at supermarkets to make the annual fee for the EveryDay Preferred worthwhile (while the EveryDay has no annual fee).

Champion: EveryDay Preferred. Its earning rates are superior.

Redeeming points with Amex EveryDay vs. Amex EveryDay Preferred

Although these cards may not boast the highest earning rates, they utilize Amex's highly sought-after Membership Rewards points, known as some of the most valuable rewards points available.

You can redeem your points for cash back, Amazon purchases, Uber rides, gift cards, and more, but we generally advise against these options. Transferring your points to a travel partner is usually the best choice, as it maximizes the value of your Amex points (see below).

Champion: Tie. Both cards offer the same redemption options.

Transferring points with Amex EveryDay vs. Amex EveryDay Preferred

The Membership Rewards points you accumulate can be transferred to 21 airline and hotel partners, including well-known brands like Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and British Airways Executive Club.

You'll discover that the airline partners encompass all major alliances—SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld—enabling you to redeem your points for flights on nearly any airline.

Additionally, Amex often provides transfer bonuses, allowing you to potentially boost the value of your points even more.

TPG points and miles senior writer Ben Smithson prefers transferring his Amex points to Air Canada's Aeroplan program, taking advantage of the airline's fixed-rate redemption partners. He also sends points to British Airways Executive Club for short flights from the UK to Europe, costing under 5,000 points each way on British Airways.

Champion: Tie. Both cards offer the same transfer options.

Should I choose the Amex EveryDay or Amex EveryDay Preferred?

Deciding between the Amex EveryDay and Amex EveryDay Preferred typically hinges on whether you can justify the $95 annual fee for the latter. With better earning rates and a more substantial welcome offer, many will find the Amex EveryDay Preferred delivers greater value. However, if you feel you won't fully utilize the card’s easy-to-earn welcome offer or higher earning potential, it may be wiser to stick with the Amex EveryDay.

Conclusion

Determining which card suits you best can be challenging, particularly with two similar options like the Amex EveryDay and Amex EveryDay Preferred. Make sure to analyze the numbers based on your unique circumstances and budget.

If you don't intend to use your card often, the no-annual-fee EveryDay is a solid option. However, if you want to maximize rewards at both U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, the Preferred is worth considering.

For further information, check out our comprehensive reviews of the Amex EveryDay and Amex EveryDay Preferred.