Miles to Memories (H/T) has reported that the American Express Everyday Cards have targeted upgrade offers. These offers could come to you in a plethora of ways: via email, online in the Amex Offers page, or at the top of your online account.
Furthermore, the American Express Everyday Card and the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card are the cards targeted for upgrade offers. Both cards have “Preferred” versions that you can upgrade to if you are targeted and decide to take the offer. Both “Preferred” cards have $95 annual fees whereas the regular cards have no annual fees.
What’s Going On?
There are two offers available. Which one you get depends on the card you have.
The first offer is for the Amex Everyday Card. You can earn an extra 25,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points if you upgrade to the Amex Everyday Preferred Card. But you must spend $2,000 within the first three months to receive the points.
Moreover, the second offer is for the Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card. You can earn a $150 statement credit if you upgrade to the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card. But you must spend $1,000 within the first three months to receive the points.
Both offers are subject to the Amex Once Per Lifetime Rule. This means that you will not receive a sign-up bonus if you upgrade and then decide to apply for one of the “Preferred” cards again in the future. However, you will receive an upgrade offer even if you have had one of the “Preferred” cards in the past.
Card Overview & Offer Analysis
These offers are very interesting if you are targeted. Whether or not you should accept an offer depends on your expenses, especially at the grocery store. All four cards have bonus categories for Grocery Store expenses. But they do not have the same earning structures nor do they earn the same type of rewards.
Everyday Cards
The Everyday Cards earn MR points like the classic Amex charge cards (Green, Gold, Platinum, and Centurion). These points can be transferred to Amex’s transfer partners for free or discounted travel.
Furthermore, the no annual fee Everyday Card earns 2x MR points per dollar at the Grocery Store. It also earns one point per dollar for non-bonus spend. You will also earn a 20% points bonus if you make at least 20 transactions within a month.
Conversely, the Everyday Preferred earns 3x MR points per dollar at the Grocery Store, 2x points at Gas Stations, and one point per dollar for non-bonus spend. You will also earn a 50% points bonus if you make at least 30 transactions within a month.
The 25,000 MR points is a great way to pad your MR points balance for future travel. However, cashing the points out is not recommended because you will receive less than one cent per point. This upgrade offer is higher than the regular sign-up bonus for the Everyday Preferred Card. Therefore, you should accept the offer if you are targeted and comfortable doing so.
Blue Cash Cards
The Blue Cash Cards are different in that they earn cash back. You can use the cash back towards travel, but not everyone does.
Furthermore, the no annual fee Blue Cash Everyday Card earns 3% cash back at the Grocery Store. It also earns 2% cash back at the Gas Station and at Department Stores. Plus, it earns 1% cash back for non-bonus spend.
Conversely, the Blue Cash Preferred Card earns 6% cash back at the Grocery Store and for select Streaming Services. It also earns 3% cash back at Gas Stations and for ride sharing services. Plus, it earns 1% cash back for non-bonus spend.
The $150 upgrade offer will cover the card’s $95 annual fee for the first year. It will also cover part of the second year’s annual fee. However, the regular sign-up bonus (if you apply directly) is worth more for the same $1,000 minimum spend. Applying directly will require you to open a new account, making your Blue Cash Everyday Card redundant. But it will net you more cash back.
Conversely, upgrading is the easier path if you want a quick $150 or have already received a sign-up bonus for the Blue Cash Preferred.
Final Draw
The American Express Everyday Cards are excellent credit cards for those who often go to the Grocery Store. They are also less expensive alternatives to the American Express Gold Card, which has a $250 annual fee and higher earnings for grocery expenses.
Remember to look for the offers in your American Express account or in your email. Take your time considering the upgrade offers if you are targeted. There might be a nice bounty of cash back or MR points waiting for you.
