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Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in...
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
4.55
$250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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.
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!
Card Snapshot
Welcome Bonus & Info
Earn a $250 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 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible 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% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
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.
3% Cash Back 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.
Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
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
Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card – Is It Worth It?
If you’re someone who highly values earning cash-back, then the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is likely to be well worth it to you.
Sure, the card does have a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95, which might feel counterintuitive for a cash-back card, but when you factor in the earning potential, you’re likely to come out way ahead.
Considering that you’ll earn 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spend each year, this cash-back alone would be $360 if you hit the $6,000 threshold.
When you then account for the cash-back you’d earn on your streaming subscriptions, transit purchases, U.S. gas station purchases, and your other monthly bills and utilities, you can easily see how you can rake in the cash-back with this card.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card Top Benefits
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. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, 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 Amex 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 Earn and Redeem Cash-Back Rewards
As we’ve outlined, earning cash-back with your Amex Blue Cash Preferred card on all of your purchases is easy.
However, if you want to make sure you’re earning as much cash-back as possible, you must make certain to use the card on purchases in its 4 bonus categories: U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and select transit purchases.
When you make purchases with your card, you’ll accrue your cash-back month to month which can be redeemed as a statement credit to offset purchases on 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.
Alternative Cards to the Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$200
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; then 19.24%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.
Pros
3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
Monthly credit towards The Disney Bundle
Monthly credit towards Home Chef
Cons
Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; then 19.24%-29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.
The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.
The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.
Pros
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Excellent cell phone insurance
Ability to pool points
Mastercard World Elite benefits
Cons
3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
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 20.49%-29.24%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
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.
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.
The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amex 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%.
However, there are some good benefits to this rewards 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 Amex 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.
Can I earn points with the Amex 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 Amex Blue Cash Preferred card?
Yes. The annual fee is $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
What is the foreign transaction fee for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card?
The foreign transaction fee is 2.7%.
Which is better: the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card or the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card?
The difference between these 2 is that the Amex 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 Amex Blue Cash Everyday card are from 1% to 3% depending on category; the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card rewards are from 1% to 6% depending on category.
If the cash-back you’d earn from the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card would exceed the cost of the annual fee, then that is the card you should go for.
Can I convert or upgrade my Amex Blue Cash Everyday card to the Amex 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; you may be able to be refunded some of the cost.
What is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card credit limit?
The card has starting credit limits as low as $1,000 but can range up to $20,000 depending on qualifying factors.
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
