The Blue Cash Everyday Card improves earning rates and adds new monthly credits

American Express continues to add monthly perks and benefits to its credit card lineup. The newest card to join this list is the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which now has an improved earning structure and a pair of new monthly credits that you can use.

But most importantly, these updates are being implemented without any change to the card's $0 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Here's everything you need to know about the refreshed Blue Cash Everyday Card — whether you're an existing cardholder or thinking about applying for the card.

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Overview of changes to the Blue Cash Everyday

The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express has always been a solid choice among cash-back credit cards. Now, it's even more compelling thanks to an expanded earning structure and the addition of two monthly credits to its list of cardmember perks.

Here's a quick comparison of the card's changes, which we'll examine in detail below:

The biggest changes include adding a 3% cash-back category for online shopping at U.S. retailers and boosting the earning rate from 2% to 3% at U.S. gas stations. Note that both of these earning rates are limited to the first $6,000 spent in that category each year, and then the earning rate will be 1% cash back. Cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits.

In terms of cardmember perks, the monthly credits are a new feature. If you subscribe to Home Chef, which is a meal-kit service, you can receive $15 in monthly credits by paying with your Blue Cash Everyday Card.

Related: How to maximize your spending on these 5 meal-kit delivery services

In addition, removing the minimum redemption amount is a positive change for those who aren't big spenders but still want to utilize their rewards.

Cardmembers can also receive $7 in monthly credits by using the Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $12.99 or more for a subscription to the Disney Bundle. This includes Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+.

Related: The best credit cards for streaming services

Welcome offer

New applicants for the Blue Cash Everyday Card can earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership.

Evaluating the changes

Gaining benefits on your card without an increased annual fee (or starting to charge one, in this case) is always welcome. But do these changes provide any net value for cardmembers?

For those who use the Blue Cash Everyday Card at gas stations, you'll be happy to earn an extra 1% cash back on the first $6,000 you spend in this category each year.

However, adding the 3% earning rate for online shopping makes this the best cash-back credit card in this category. Most cardholders are likely already shopping online throughout the year, so earning an additional 2% (on up to $6,000 in purchases) is a solid boost.

The monthly credits might not move the needle very much — for existing cardholders or new applicants. The cheapest plan from Home Chef starts at $49.95 per week, so receiving $15 per month in credits is only a positive if you are paying for this service anyway and are happy to receive a discount.

Additionally, the Disney Bundle costs $12.99 if you choose the Hulu option with ads to save money. Thus, $7 per month in credits here won't cover the cost. It's nice to have if you're paying for this service anyway, but there are other ways to save money on your streaming services.

Related: Now with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+: How to use the Amex Platinum digital entertainment credit

Other cardmember perks

As with most no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from Amex doesn’t offer many benefits. However, the card does offer the following perks:

• Introductory annual percentage rate: You can get 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the account opening date (see rates and fees). After the introductory APR period, you’ll get a variable APR of 18.49% to 29.49% based on your creditworthiness and other factors (see rates and fees).
• Secondary car rental loss and damage insurance*: You’ll get secondary coverage for damage or theft of a rental vehicle when you use your card to pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental counter. However, this coverage excludes some vehicles and rental locations. (Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
• Amex Offers: As an American Express cardholder, you’ll get access to targeted offers that can save you money.
• Global Assist Hotline*: When you’re more than 100 miles away from home, you’ll get 24/7 access to medical, legal, financial and select emergency coordination and assistance services. However, you’ll be responsible for any costs charged by third-party service providers.
• Pay It® Plan It®: If you need additional flexibility when paying your credit card bill, you can use Pay It to quickly make payments for purchases under $100 throughout the month (available through the American Express app). You can also use Plan It for qualifying purchases of $100 or more and split them up into monthly payments with a fixed monthly fee. There is no enrollment or sign-up requirement. You can also enjoy $0 Plan It fees for plans created during the first 15 months from account opening. After this introductory period, plans will have a fee of up to 1.33% of the purchase amount, depending on several factors.
• American Express Experiences: Amex offers cardholders access to presale tickets and exclusive events.

For more details, read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Bottom line

The Blue Cash Everyday Card is boosting its earning structure in two positive ways. It's also adding two monthly statement credits for Home Chef and the Disney Bundle, and while the credits aren't enough to cover the full cost they should make you happy if you're paying for these services already.

Meanwhile, the enhanced earning rates on the card mean higher returns on gas purchases and online shopping. And all of these additions come with no annual fee increase.

Official application link: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday Card, click here.