American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $95.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | Up to $300 Cash Back |
| Rewards Rate | 1%-6% Cash Back |
| Intro APR | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening |
| Regular APR | then a variable APR, 19.49% to 28.49%. |
| Other Fees | Foreign transaction fee of 2.7% on each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars. |
| Network | American Express |
About this card
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card earns an overall rating of 4.3, solidifying its position as an 'Excellent' choice, especially for its target demographic. Its strength lies overwhelmingly in its exceptional rewards program, which offers industry-leading cash back rates of 6% on U.S. supermarket purchases and select streaming services, along with a strong 3% on gas and transit. These categories align perfectly with everyday household spending, making the card incredibly valuable for families and individuals who can maximize these bonuses. The generous sign-up bonus and the effective offsetting of the $95 annual fee (waived for the first year, and then mitigated by the $120 Disney Streaming Credit for eligible users) significantly bolster its value proposition. Furthermore, American Express's stellar reputation for customer service and cardholder benefits adds a layer of trust and reliability. While the 0% intro APR period is a nice perk, the card's primary drawbacks are its high regular APR (19.49%-28.49%) and the 2.7% foreign transaction fee. The high regular APR means this card is best suited for transactors who pay their balance in full each month, as carrying a balance would quickly erode the value of the earned rewards. The foreign transaction fee makes it less ideal for international travel. Despite these limitations, the card's unparalleled earning potential in key spending categories, combined with its robust issuer reputation and valuable perks, ensures that for the right user, the Blue Cash Preferred provides outstanding value and is a top contender in the cash-back market. Its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses for cardholders who can leverage its bonus categories.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Intro APR period
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate on everyday spending
- Introductory annual fee waived
- Purchase and travel protections
- Streaming and entertainment perks
Things to consider
- Annual fee after the first year
- High regular APR
- Foreign transaction fees apply
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- AS HIGH AS $300 Cash Back
- after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Rewards
- 6% CASH BACK On Groceries On up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets.
- 6% CASH BACK On Select Streaming Subscriptions
- 3% CASH BACK On Transit Transit includes taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.
- 3% CASH BACK On Gas At U.S. gas stations.
- 1% CASH BACK On Other Eligible Purchases
Other features
- $120 Disney Streaming Credit Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites.
- Cash Back at Amazon.com Checkout Shop now and conveniently use cash back at checkout at Amazon.com. Your cash back has the same value at Amazon checkout as it does if you redeem as a statement credit.
- Send & Split® Send money, split purchases, and focus on the moments that matter – with Send & Split®. Powered by Venmo and PayPal. Enrollment Required. Terms apply.
- Amex Special Ticket Access and more Card Members can access Amex Presale Tickets® and Amex Reserved Tickets® to select can’t-miss events and moments across sports, music, and more. Plus, Card Members can enjoy additional perks when attending select events.
- Earn More with Amex Offers Card Members can explore the Amex Offers available to add to their eligible Card and earn extra rewards on qualifying purchases made at select brands.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance Getting into your Rental Vehicle can be the start of a great vacation. When you use your Eligible Card to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the Rental Company counter, you can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory. Please read important exclusions and restrictions. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Coverage is not available for vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, and New Zealand. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage.
- Global Assist® Hotline Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
- Purchase Protection When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per Covered Purchase, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.
- Return Protection With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.
- Extended Warranty When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with his or her Eligible Card, Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer's Warranty. Applies to warranties of 5 years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Eligible Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.
- Instant Card Number If your application is approved and you are eligible, you can begin using your Card number online and through your digital wallet, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal and Amazon Pay today.
- Balance Transfer Offer You can request a Balance Transfer within the first 60 days of account opening. Fees apply.
- Dispute Resolution If there is a fraudulent or incorrect charge on your statement, American Express will work with you to help resolve the issue.
- Online Account Management Accessing your account online is easy. Get up-to-date information on your Reward Dollar balance, spending, and reward possibilities, all in a few clicks.
Additional Notes
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.