It’s been since September 2024 that the American Express EveryDay Preferred and EveryDay cards disappeared from the AMEX website. I wrote about it then because it was odd for AMEX to quietly remove two cards designed to be at the top of your wallet for all purchases.
Each of the other major banks with a transferable points program still offers both a no-annual-fee and a sub-$100 annual fee card. So why would American Express step away from this structure?
What Made These Cards Stand Out
The AMEX EveryDay earned 2x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and 1x on everything else, with a 20% bonus if you made 20+ purchases per billing period. The EveryDay Preferred boosted supermarkets to 3x and added 2x at gas stations, plus a 50% bonus if you used the card 30+ times monthly.
They weren’t flashy, but they were great for everyday spending and Membership Rewards point building, especially for casual users or as part of a multi-card setup.
What I Thought Might Happen
Back then, there were two main theories:
- Grandfathering only – Some believed AMEX would stop accepting new applications but would let existing cardholders keep using their cards. That didn’t make much sense to me, since it would leave AMEX without an “everyday” personal card in their lineup. While they still offer the Blue Business Plus card to business customers, which earns 2X Membership Rewards on all purchases with no annual fee, there’s no clear replacement for casual personal spending.
- A Relaunch Was Coming – Others thought AMEX would soon relaunch the cards with refreshed benefits. This seemed more likely, especially since AMEX had just redesigned the cards. We even saw the new designs appear in our AMEX account.
What I Was Right About
I was correct in saying that existing cardholders could continue using their cards. However, AMEX stopped promoting upgrades between the two EveryDay versions. You used to see frequent offers to upgrade from the no-annual-fee card to the Preferred version, but that’s gone now.
So yes, you can still use the card, and you’ll get the same benefits you always did—but the product is essentially frozen in time.
Where I Was Wrong
I expected a relaunch. After all, AMEX had just refreshed the physical card design and hadn’t touched the benefits in years. It seemed obvious they were preparing to reintroduce the EveryDay lineup.
That didn’t happen. And now, it doesn’t look like it ever will.
Why I Was Wrong
What I didn’t realize back in October—but I do now—is that AMEX doesn’t really need an EveryDay card anymore.
They’re getting massive traction with younger customers through the Platinum Card. It’s become a cultural status symbol, the “it” card to have. Where customers once wanted a workhorse card at the front of their wallet, newer cardholders are flashing their Platinum Cards for just about every purchase, even if they’re not earning great rewards in the process.
And if they’re not using the Platinum Card, they’re likely using the Gold Card for dining. Between these two products, AMEX already has a strong grip on its target market.
So why would they bother marketing a free or inexpensive value card when the premium cards are doing all the heavy lifting?
What’s Next?
Honestly, I have no idea.
My best guess? Existing EveryDay cardholders are probably safe for now. The cards still function, and AMEX doesn’t seem to be losing anything by letting people keep them. Some are still paying the $95 fee for the Preferred version, after all.
But a refresh or relaunch? I wouldn’t count on it. Not while the Platinum Card is being pushed for everything—from airline tickets to Walmart+ memberships.
At least for now, there’s not much room in the AMEX ecosystem for a value card.
Have One of These Cards?
Are you still using an AMEX EveryDay card? Have you moved on to other Membership Rewards cards instead? Let us know in the comments—or tell us what you’d want to see in a future version if AMEX ever brings them back.
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