If you live in the U.S. and want a credit card that rewards you generously for your everyday spending, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top contender. Perfect for families, couples, or even individuals who spend on groceries, streaming, gas, and transit, this card turns your routine into real cashback credited to your statement — no points, no hassle.
With a strong rewards structure, a solid welcome bonus, and the reliability of American Express, the Blue Cash Preferred stands out as one of the best value cards on the market.
Rewards That Fit Your Lifestyle
The biggest draw of the Blue Cash Preferred is its high cashback rates on common expenses, making it easy to rack up rewards. Here’s what you earn:
- 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year (then 1%)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, and Amazon Prime Video
- 3% at U.S. gas stations
- 3% on transit, like Uber, Lyft, subways, taxis, and tolls
- 1% on all other purchases
Cashback is automatically applied to your monthly statement — no need to track points or convert rewards. It’s straightforward, valuable, and easy to use.
Welcome Bonus and Intro Offers
New cardholders receive a $250 welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months, which is a longer earning window than many competitors offer.
You’ll also benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers — ideal for managing large expenses or consolidating existing credit card debt.
Additional Amex Benefits
As with all American Express cards, Blue Cash Preferred includes exceptional support and protection, such as:
- Fraud protection and purchase dispute resolution
- 24/7 customer service
- Exclusive events and member offers
- Car rental insurance
- Amex Offers for cash savings with partner brands
The card works seamlessly with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and the Amex mobile app makes it easy to track spending, pay bills, and access customer service on the go.
Annual Fee and Interest Rates
The Blue Cash Preferred charges a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived in the first year, giving you time to experience the full benefits at no upfront cost. If you take advantage of the 6% categories, the fee pays for itself quickly.
The ongoing APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.99% variable, depending on your credit profile. There’s a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best option for international travel, but it’s excellent for domestic purchases.
Who Can Apply and How to Get Started
To qualify for the Blue Cash Preferred, you must be a U.S. resident, have a valid Social Security Number, and a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or above).
You can apply online via the American Express website — it takes just a few minutes, and most applicants get a decision instantly. If approved, you can begin using your card digitally right away while you wait for the physical card.
American Express also offers a pre-qualification tool so you can check your chances without affecting your credit score.
Is the Blue Cash Preferred Worth It?
You need to consider Blue Cash Preferred if you spend a lot on groceries, gas, streaming, and transit. The 6% cashback rate is one of the highest in the industry, and the $250 intro bonus adds great value early on.
Even with the $95 annual fee (after year one), if you spend at least $31 per week on groceries, you’ll earn that back in cashback. Add in the gas, transit, and streaming rewards, and the savings really add up.
If you’re looking to maximize your everyday purchases with a no-nonsense cashback card that pays you back where it matters, the Blue Cash Preferred is a smart, rewarding choice.
All information in this and other BOISLA articles is subject to change over time. Please check for updates directly with the institutions and companies mentioned. Approval is subject to the institution’s review.
REFERENCES:
https://www.americanexpress.com/
Read more about credit cards in https://boisla.com/category/credit-cards/
