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The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent cash-back card for consumers who spend a lot of money at U.S. supermarkets, use streaming services, or have lots of commuting and gas expenses. The annual fee of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is worth it if your typical spending lines up with the card’s bonus categories.
Review: Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred the best card for you?
If you spend a lot on groceries, streaming, or commuting, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best cash-back credit cards for getting the biggest return for your purchases.
Along with offering a $250 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% back on your first $6,000 in U.S. supermarket spending each year (then 1% back), which is the best of any cash-back card on the market. You’ll also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back on U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% back on all other eligible purchases (cash back is earned in the form of Rewards Dollars).
The card does come with an annual fee of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, but it’s well worth it if your expenses match the card’s bonus categories. If you max out the U.S. supermarkets 6% cash-back category by spending $6,000 per year (or $500 a month, on average), you’d earn $360 in cash back from those purchases alone.
New cardholders also receive a Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (then a Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express APR). Other benefits include return protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty, making it a good choice for buying things like pricey gadgets or electronics.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express also comes with monthly statement credits for Equinox+** and the Disney Bundle** which can be worth much more than the annual fee.
Before you decide if the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is right for you, be sure to consider other cash-back cards with bonus categories that might also fit your spending habits. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a bonus of Chase Freedom Unlimited® and has a Chase Freedom Unlimited® annual fee, and it earns 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% back on everything else with no spending caps.
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
How to earn rewards with the Blue Cash Preferred
With a generous earning structure in popular categories, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great option — but keep in mind there are exclusions and limits in some cases. Cardholders earn:
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year, then 1% back (this doesn’t include superstores, convenience stores, warehouse clubs, and meal-kit delivery services)6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions (see eligible services below)3% back at U.S. gas stations (superstores, supermarkets and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline don’t count)3% back on transit (including trains, taxicabs, ride share services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways)1% back on all other purchases
Keep in mind the supermarket, streaming, and gas categories are limited to purchases in the US; transit purchases can be worldwide, however. Plus, not every streaming service qualifies to earn 6% cash back, either. Here’s Amex’s current list of eligible streaming subscriptions:
Amazon Music UnlimitedApple MusicApple TV+AudibleDirecTV Stream (formerly known as AT&T TV or AT&T TV NOW)Disney+ESPN+Fubo TVHBO MaxHBO (standalone streaming subscription only, formerly known as HBONow)HuluiHeartRadioKindle UnlimitedLuminaryMLB.TVNBA League PassNetflixNHL.TVPandoraParamount+PeacockPrime VideoShowtimeSling TVSiriusXM Streaming and SatelliteSpotifyStitcherTIDAL MusicYouTube Music PremiumYouTube PremiumYouTube TV
How to use rewards from the Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a straightforward cash-back credit card that doesn’t offer multiple options for redeeming your rewards.
The cash back you earn from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is issued in the form of reward dollars, which you can apply to your account as a statement credit once your balance is $25 or more. However, you can’t use your rewards toward the minimum payment due.
You can’t redeem your rewards directly for travel like you could if you had an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, like the American Express® Gold Card, or transfer them to airline or hotel partners.
Transferable points, like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, are a good pick if you want the flexibility to redeem rewards for statement credits, merchandise, gift cards, or travel (when you’re ready).
If you prefer to only earn cash back, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a star. Not only do you earn 6% back on your first $6,000 spent in U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1%), but you also earn 6% back (with no caps) on U.S. streaming services, including Hulu, Netflix, and Spotify. You’ll also earn an unlimited 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, which includes everything from Lyft and Uber to train fares, tolls, and subways.
Suppose you are the average family who spends a lot more than $6,000 per year (or $500 per month) at the supermarket. In fact, you spend $10,000 per year at Kroger or Whole Foods. With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you would earn $360 in cash back on the first $6,000 you spent and another $40 back earning 1% beyond the $6,000 cap each year. That’s $400 already in the bank.
Now imagine you spend another $100 per month at U.S. gas stations — at 3% back, that’s another $36 per year. Put $30 per month ($360 per year) in streaming services on the card, and you’re approaching $500 per year — and that’s not counting any other regular spending on the card or the $250 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is why the annual fee is worth it — especially the first year.
If you maximize the 6% back at U.S. supermarkets, you’ll get $360 in rewards every year at a bare minimum. That’s more than enough to make up for the annual fee — and a lot more than you’d earn with a standard 1% cash-back credit card.
Alternatives to the American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Citi® Double Cash Card: Earn Citi® Double Cash Card, $0 annual fee, 2x points (2% cash back) on all purchases — 1 point per dollar when you buy, plus 1 point per dollar when you pay your bill (read our Citi Double Cash card review)Chase Freedom Flex℠: Earn a Chase Freedom Flex℠, Chase Freedom Flex℠ annual fee, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards, 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories when you activate, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, 1% cash back on everything else (read our Chase Freedom Flex card review)Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card annual fee, 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% cash back at grocery stores, 1% cash back on all other purchases (read our Capital One Savor card review)
Amex Blue Cash Preferred benefits and features
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express doesn’t offer a long list of features like The Platinum Card® from American Express and other premium cards, but it does offer a handful of helpful perks.
Disney Bundle credits
One of the newest benefits of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express) is a monthly $7 credit when you pay for a Disney Bundle subscription of $13.99 or more with your card (enrollment required).
The Disney Bundle includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu, so this is a valuable offer for lots of households. If you already subscribe to these streaming services, this perk could effectively save up to $84 per year.
Equinox+ credits
Fitness buffs can take advantage of $10 per month in statement credits toward Equinox+ membership when they pay with their Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express through equinoxplus.com (enrollment required). Equinox+ is an on-demand fitness app that costs $40 per month.
This could be worth up to $120 a year if you max out the benefit. Just be sure to pay your bill through Equinox+ online and not through the Equinox+ app, otherwise, you won’t receive the credit.
Intro APR offer
The card offers a Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, followed by a 13.99% to 23.99% variable APR APR.
Introductory 0% APR offers if you have big purchases coming up you’d like to pay for over time without racking up big interest charges, but make sure you have the means and a plan to pay off the balance before the introductory period expires. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a lot of high-interest debt.
Car rental loss and damage insurance
If you rent a car with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver, you’ll receive secondary auto rental coverage. Some restrictions apply, so be sure to read the limitations. This is secondary coverage, not primary car rental insurance, so it kicks in after your own car insurance policy.
Global Assist Hotline
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express members who run into trouble while traveling can access Amex Global Assist Hotline for help with translation services, missing luggage, emergency legal and medical referrals, lost passport assistance, and more. The Global Assist Hotline will help arrange these services, but you’re responsible for any third-party charges.
Return protection
If you purchase an eligible item with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the original seller won’t accept a return, this coverage can get you up to $300 per eligible item (with a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year) for up to 90 days from the purchase date.
Purchase protection
If an eligible item you purchased with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is stolen or damaged, you can get reimbursed, up to $1,000 per purchase and up to 90 days from the purchase date (up to $50,000 per calendar year).
Extended warranty
When you purchase an eligible item with the card, you can get up to one additional year added to original manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less (maximum coverage of $10,000 per item and $50,000 per account per calendar year).
Amex Offers
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express comes with access to the Amex Offers program. Amex Offers can get you cash back or bonus points when you shop with specific retailers and travel brands. You can view all your available offers by logging into your card account and scrolling down. (Eligibility for these offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming).
Blue Cash Preferred fees and costs
Aside from the annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has a few other fees you’ll want to be aware of, though most of them are avoidable if you pay your balance off in full each month.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers an introductory Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, but after that, you’ll pay a 12.99% to 23.99% variable APR APR. Also, note that there’s a balance transfer fee of 3% of your transfer amount or $5, whichever is greater.
As with most other cards, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express charges fees for late payments, returned payments, and cash advances. It’s not a good choice for international purchases because it adds foreign transaction fees.
Comparison: American Express Blue Cash Preferred vs other Amex cards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressAmex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American ExpressAnnual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressAmex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American ExpressRewards earning
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets*
6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
1% back on all other purchases
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets*
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases
1% back on all other purchases
3x points at U.S. supermarkets*
2x points at U.S. gas stations
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome bonus offer
$250 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
$200 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit CardIntro APR offer
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, then Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, then Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressAmex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, then Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American ExpressReview
Amex Blue Cash Everyday card review
Amex EveryDay Preferred card review
*6%/3% cash back/3x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1% back/1 point per dollar (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as statement credits)
American Express Blue Cash Preferred vs other cash-back cards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Chase Freedom Unlimited®Citi® Double Cash CardAnnual fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
$0$0Rewards earning
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets*
6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
1% back on all other purchases
5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% cash back (3x points) on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% cash back (1.5x points) on everything else
1 point per dollar (1% cash back) when you buy, plus 1 point per dollar (1% cash back) when you pay your bill
Welcome bonus offer
$250 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
$200 after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening
Citi® Double Cash CardIntro APR offer
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, then Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Chase Freedom Unlimited®, then a 14.99%–23.74% variable APR APRCiti® Double Cash Card, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable) APR Review
Chase Freedom Unlimited card review
*6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1% back
Amex Blue Cash Preferred frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred worth it?
You might wonder if paying a Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express annual fee for this is worthwhile, especially since most cash-back credit cards don’t charge an annual fee.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is worth it if you spend a lot in the card’s bonus categories, particularly U.S. supermarkets and U.S. streaming services, because of its high earning rate. It’s easy to offset the annual fee many times over if you maximize these categories, but it requires a fair bit of spending to make sense. Statement credits for The Disney Bundle and Equinox+ can make this a profitable card, but only if you use those services.
If you’re not sure you’ll spend enough to justify the annual fee, consider the card’s no-annual-fee sibling, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. It comes with a good welcome bonus offer and respectable earning rates, along with other benefits. Here’s our comparison of the Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday to help you decide which is best for your wallet.
What credit score do I need for the Blue Cash Preferred?
Most people who are approved for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express have at least a good credit score, which is a FICO score of at least 670.
Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred metal?
No, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express isn’t made of metal — it’s a plastic card.
Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred a credit card or charge card?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a credit card, not a charge card. That means you’ll have a credit limit and can carry a balance (with interest) from month to month.
Can you transfer Blue Cash Preferred rewards to the Amex Platinum or other cards?
You can’t transfer cash back (Reward Dollars) from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express to other Amex cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card. Similarly, you can’t transfer Amex Membership Rewards points from cards like the The Platinum Card® from American Express to cash-back cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.