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The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card – Full Review [2021]

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"A Stay-at-Home Lifestyler’s Dream"

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Jarrod West

- UPDATED: November 4, 2021

Kids dropped off at school? Check. Grocery shop for the family? Check. Filled the car up with gas so you can pick kids back up again, take them to their friends’ house this weekend, and repeat the routine? Double-check.

With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can reward yourself for all the cooking and driving around you do every week, whether you’re a parent or just someone with a routine at-home lifestyle!

Pros

6% back at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming services
3% back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
1% back on all other purchases
Return protection
Car rental coverage

Cons

$95 annual fee (after the $0 introductory annual fee for the first year; see rates and fees)

Blue Cash Preferred Card - Card Snapshot

Welcome Bonus & Info (Partner Content)
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
Card Categories:
- Credit Card Reviews
- Cash-Back Credit Cards
Rewards Center
Redeem cash-back through your American Express account
Login Link
https://www.americanexpress.com/
Related Articles
- How to Find the $250 or $300 Welcome Bonus Offer for the Blue Cash Preferred
- The Best Credit Cards With Low Interest Rates

Great Card If

You spend heavily at U.S. supermarkets and eat at home a lot
You commute often or go on a lot of road trips
You use a lot of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
You’re a routine-type person and will continually use the card (ensuring you reach the redemption minimums)

Don't Get If

You eat out more than you cook
You do all of your shopping at warehouse clubs or big-box stores like Target
You won’t use the card frequently enough to pay off the annual fee

Blue Cash Preferred - Fees

Annual Fee
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Foreign Transaction Fees
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars.
Interest Rates
- 0% on purchases for 12 months, from the date of account opening
- Ongoing APR: 13.99% to 23.99% variable
Late fees
- Up to $40
- Penalty APR: 29.99% Variable
Cash Advance APR
- 25.24% variable
- Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Additional Info
Rates & Fees

The Ideal Cardholder

Get Cash Back — The Blue Cash Preferred card is perfect for those who want to maximize their cash-back on each purchase. Image Credit: kenary820 via Shutterstock

Those best suited for the card are those who are looking for a strong cash-back card, don’t mind paying an annual fee, and have significant yearly spend in 1 or more of the cards bonus categories.

Cash-Back Opportunities

The primary benefit is the numerous bonus categories that the card offers. Cardholders will earn between 3% to 6% back on their purchases that fall within the U.S. supermarket, U.S. gas station, select streaming subscriptions, and transit categories, plus the 1% back you’ll earn on all other purchases.

Return Protection

When you purchase a product with your card, return protection covers you if the seller won’t accept a return for the item, up to 90 days from the date of purchase.

Return protection covers you for up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Car Rental Coverage

When you pay for your rental car with your Blue Cash Preferred card, it comes with complimentary secondary car rental insurance. This insurance covers any damage or theft to the rental car. Keep in mind that this is secondary coverage, so you’ll need to file a claim with your primary insurance first.

Best Way to Maximize Points

Family Grocery Shopping 1 — Get a card that rewards you for the items that you spend the most on. Image Credit: Gustavo Fring via Pexels

U.S. Supermarket Purchases

With your card, you’re going to earn 6% cash-back on U.S. supermarket purchases on up to $6,000 in spending each year. This gives you the opportunity to earn $360 cash-back if you were to hit the $6,000 yearly cap — which is just $500 per month.

List of Supermarkets and Grocery Stores That Qualify for Cash-Back:

ALDI
FreshDirect
Gelson’s
Hy-Vee
Kings Food Markets
Meijer
ShopRite
Smart & Final
Stop & Shop
Trader Joe’s
Vons
Whole Foods
Winn-Dixie

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of eligible merchants. Merchants that do not qualify include specialty stores (wine shops, fish markets, etc.), superstores (Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.), and warehouse clubs (BJ’s Club, etc.). For more information, you can view the rewards info section of the American Express website.

Select Streaming Subscriptions

You’ll also earn 6% back on select monthly/yearly streaming subscriptions, with no caps on how much you can earn. So if you’re someone who has quite a few streaming subscriptions that you use, then the Blue Cash Preferred card might be a perfect option for you.

List of Streaming Companies That Qualify for Cash-back:

Amazon Music Unlimited
Apple Music
Apple TV+
AT&T TV Now
Audible
CBS All Access
Disney+
ESPN+
Fubo TV
HBO Max
HBO (standalone streaming subscription only, formerly known as HBONow)
Hulu
iHeartRadio
Kindle Unlimited
Luminary
MLB.TV
NBA League Pass
Netflix
NHL.TV
Pandora
Peacock
Prime Video
Showtime
Sling TV
SiriusXM Streaming and Satellite
Spotify
Stitcher
TIDAL Music
YouTube Music Premium
YouTube Premium
YouTube TV

As you can see, the list of covered platforms is quite extensive. Take, for example, a person who has monthly subscriptions to Netflix (standard $12.99), Hulu (no ads $11.99), Disney+ ($6.99), HBO Max ($14.99), and Spotify Premium ($9.99). With the annual total of these subscriptions amounting to $683.40, you’d receive $41 in cash-back.

Transit Purchases

Cardholders get 3% back on all purchases that fall within the transit category. So those that commute often or spend a lot on rideshare services can really benefit from this category.

List of Transit Purchases That Qualify for Cash-back:

Trains
Taxi cabs
Rideshare services
Ferries
Tolls
Parking
Buses
Subways

So regardless of whatever sort of transit commute you have, whether you take the subway or bus into work, pay to park in a parking garage each day, or take rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, you’ll find the card rewards you on all these purchases.

U.S. Gas Station Purchases

The final category, 3% back at U.S. gas stations, is perfect for anyone who commutes to work daily, or takes a lot of long road trips.

Examples of Gas Stations That Qualify for Cash-back:

Gulf
Murphy USA
Murphy Express
Exxon
Mobil
Hess
Shell

Keep in mind that this is not a complete list and that you will not earn any extra cash-back if the gas station is part of a supermarket or warehouse club. However, if the gas station is also a convenience store, you can earn 3% cash-back on items sold inside.

Everyday Spending

You’ll earn 1% cash-back on all purchases that fall outside of the four bonus categories. While this won’t be as lucrative as the 3% to 6% back you’ll earn elsewhere, it is still a great way to earn cash-back for purchases you’ll be making anyway.

Best Way to Redeem Points

Statement Credit

Those who value simplicity will enjoy that the Blue Cash Preferred offers only one redemption option — cash-back.

When you make purchases with your card, you’ll accrue your cash-back month to month that can be redeemed as a statement credit to offset purchases you’ve one your card when the bill comes due.

One caveat though, is that you must have accrued at least $25 in cash-back in order to redeem it. Meaning if your cash-back balance at the end of 1 month is $23.50, you’ll need to wait until you surpass $25 to redeem those funds.

Bottom Line: Redeeming rewards with the Blue Cash Preferred card is simple. You’ll earn 6 cents back per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming subscriptions, 3 cents back per $1 on transit and U.S. gas stations, and 1 cent back elsewhere. Then you can redeem those rewards as a statement credit once you’ve reached $25 in cash-back.

Alternative Cards to The Blue Cash Preferred

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Learn More (at Amex's secure site)	Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors. Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores. 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840) Annual Fee: $0 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday card, click here. $200 Must Reads: For more info on the Blue Cash Everyday Card, see our guide on its benefits and our full review.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores.
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-840)
Annual Fee: $0
Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday card, click here.

$200

Must Reads: For more info on the Blue Cash Everyday Card, see our guide on its benefits and our full review.

If you want a similar card that doesn’t charge an annual fee, then the Blue Cash Everyday card is the perfect option. With the card you’ll earn 3% back at U.S. supermarkets, 2% back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% back on all other purchases.

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card

Credit Card	Benefits & Info
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Learn More (at Chase's secure site)	Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open! 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 14.99% – 23.74%. Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more. Good to Excellent Credit Recommendation (670-850) Annual Fee: $0 $300

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Learn More

(at Chase's secure site)

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 14.99% – 23.74%.
Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommendation (670-850)
Annual Fee: $0

$300

If you like the idea of a no annual fee, cash-back card, but prefer different bonus categories, the Freedom Flex card is a great option to consider. You’ll earn 5% back on a quarterly rotation bonus category and travel purchases through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.

We’ve also compared the Blue Cash Preferred against other popular rewards cards.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.

Featured Image Credit: American Express

Frequently asked questions

Is the Blue Cash Preferred Card worth it?

The card is marketed to the non-traveler or family-type buyer. Those who frequent U.S. gas stations will benefit by earning 3% cash-back on purchases there and, when you shop at U.S. supermarkets, you can earn 6% cash-back on up to $6,000 in purchases, then 1%. The card has a $95 annual fee; if you’re not spending enough to pay for that, then you should downgrade to the Blue Cash Everyday card. However, there are some good benefits to this reward card. First, you can use the high-value cash-back to purchase gift cards to places where you wouldn’t earn many points otherwise. There are also a variety of benefits and insurances that can help while you’re traveling if you find that valuable.

What is the Blue Cash Preferred card U.S. supermarkets list? Does it work at Costco, Sam's Club, etc.?

The card does not work at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s. But does include chains like Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Meijer, Whole Foods, Winn-Dixie, and more. For the full list, you can access the rewards information section of the American Express website.

What is the Blue Cash Preferred card login?

You can sign in to your card at the American Express login.

Can I earn points with the Blue Cash Preferred card? If so, do they expire?

No, unfortunately, the card only earns cash-back that can be added to your statement as credit or used as cash for Amex’s various shopping portal items. The cash reward cannot be used directly for travel items at this time. Your cash-back will not expire as long as you keep your account open.

Is there an annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred card?

Yes. The annual fee is $95 per year after $0 introductory annual fee for one year.

What is the foreign transaction fee for the Blue Cash Preferred card?

The foreign transaction fee is 2.7%.

Which is better: the Blue Cash Everyday card vs. Blue Cash Preferred card?

The difference between these 2 is that the Blue Cash Preferred card gives larger rewards and carries an annual fee. If your spending is at a high enough level to make up for the annual fee, then you’ll want to go with this version. Awards on the Blue Cash Everyday card are from 1% to 3% depending on category; the Blue Cash Preferred card rewards are from 1% to 6% depending on category. If the cash-back you’d earn from the Preferred version would exceed the cost of the annual fee, then that is the card you should go for.

Can I convert or upgrade my Blue Cash Everyday card to the Blue Cash Preferred card? What about downgrade?

Yes. You can apply to upgrade your card at this link. You will simply pay the annual fee and your awards rate will increase from that point forward. You will not receive any retroactive rewards, and your card number and information will not change; they will simply send you updated cards. You may have to pay the annual fee right away, but your awards rate will increase from that point forward. Downgrading is possible; call your customer service number to inquire. If you’ve already paid your annual fee, ask if you can get it prorated back to you; they may be able to refund some of the cost.

Which is better: the Blue Cash Preferred card vs. the Discover it® Miles Card?

This depends on your goals. The American Express card is targeted toward the stay-at-home type who shops in supermarkets while using their car a lot. The rewards you earn are simply applied as a statement credit or used in the shopping portal. On the other hand, the Discover Miles card is marketed toward travelers. You earn the same amount of points anywhere you spend, and you can use those rewards to pay for travel rewards. Depending on your situation, you may be able to earn more points on 1 or the other; you’ll have to check your own finances and spending patterns. If you aren’t a traveler, then you should go with the Blue Cash Preferred card.

What is the Blue Cash Preferred credit limit?

The card has starting credit limits as low as $1,000 but can range up to $20,000 depending on qualifying factors.

About Jarrod West

Jarrod first became fascinated with the world of points and miles as the perfect way to visit dream destinations without breaking the bank. On his first major award trip, he spent 3 months traveling through Europe, financed nearly entirely with points; while flying in premium cabins and staying in 5-star hotels along the way. Now, he is on a mission to help others realize their travel goals and upgrade their travel experiences. Jarrod has been writing about credit cards and travel loyalty programs for 4 years, and his work has been featured by Travel and Leisure, The New York Times, Matador Network, Yahoo Finance, and U.S. News.

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Featured Cards

Pros

Cons

Blue Cash Preferred Card - Card Snapshot

Great Card If

Don't Get If

Blue Cash Preferred - Fees

The Ideal Cardholder

Cash-Back Opportunities

Return Protection

Car Rental Coverage

Best Way to Maximize Points

U.S. Supermarket Purchases

Select Streaming Subscriptions

Transit Purchases

U.S. Gas Station Purchases

Everyday Spending

Best Way to Redeem Points

Statement Credit

Alternative Cards to The Blue Cash Preferred

Frequently asked questions

Is the Blue Cash Preferred Card worth it?

What is the Blue Cash Preferred card U.S. supermarkets list? Does it work at Costco, Sam's Club, etc.?

What is the Blue Cash Preferred card login?

Can I earn points with the Blue Cash Preferred card? If so, do they expire?

Is there an annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred card?

What is the foreign transaction fee for the Blue Cash Preferred card?

Which is better: the Blue Cash Everyday card vs. Blue Cash Preferred card?

Can I convert or upgrade my Blue Cash Everyday card to the Blue Cash Preferred card? What about downgrade?

Which is better: the Blue Cash Preferred card vs. the Discover it® Miles Card?

What is the Blue Cash Preferred credit limit?

About Jarrod West

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