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American Express has a lot of strong cards but if you want many benefits rolled into one card, this is the one for you.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred®
1% - 6%
Grocery
6%
Streaming
6%
Transit
3%
Gas
3%
All other purchases
1%
Fees and APR
Other features
$300
Statement credits
Our Verdict
Best Suited for:
Pantry stocker 
You are not happy unless you have a kitchen full of food. You are the designated grocery person in your household, and you are good at it. But what you really like is getting cash back for spending in this category.
Always-on-the-road
Travel is your middle name. When you aren’t taking advantage of transit for your daily commute in the form of cabs, rideshares and trains, you are looking for a weekend escape. And if there is an opportunity to go somewhere, you take it. You are into earning miles, getting hotel upgrades, eating out and making sure your car is always fueled.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 High rewards rate |  Requires good/excellent credit |
| $300 statement credit bonus offer | High annual fee |
| Bonus categories | Spending caps on bonus rewards |
| Cash rewards |
Comparing Chase Freedom Flex with similar cards
American Express Blue Cash Preferred®
Wells Fargo Autograph®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Beyond the basics
| Balance transfer intro APR | No balance transfers allowed |
| Cash advance APR | 25.99% |
| Foreign transaction fees | 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars |
| Loan APR | None |
| Late payment fee | up to $40 |
| Penalty APR | 29.99% |
| Credit score required | 690+ |
Other offers
Equinox+ creditUse your Blue Cash Preferred Card to pay for your Equinox+ membership and receive $10 in monthly statements, up to $120 per year.
Pay it Plan itUse Pay it to quickly make payments on purchases under $100 throughout the month. Use Plan it to split purchases of over $100 for a fixed monthly fee and no interest charges.
Add a card memberEarn more cash back by adding a card member to earn on eligible purchases, just as you would.
Car rental loss and damage insuranceWhen you pay for a rental car with your card, you can decline the collision damage waiver and be covered. Restrictions apply.
Global assist hotlineWhen traveling more than 100 miles from home, you get access to 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services.
Return protectionYou can return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller will not take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the item up to $300 per item and $1000 per year.-
American Express experiencesGain access to ticket presales and member only events near you.
American Express send and splitSend money and split purchases to any Venmo or PayPal user directly through the Amex app.-
Fraud protectionYou are never held responsible for fraudulent charges when using your card.
-
Online account managementManage your account from anywhere using a web browser or the Amex mobile app.
Year-end summaryView charges on your account from January 1st to December 31st of the previous year.
What we like about this card
Generous cash back
Earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to a certain limit) and select U.S. streaming services.
Gas rewards
Provides 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
Welcome bonus
Offers a welcome bonus of $250 after spending $3,000 within the initial six months of card membership (specific terms may apply, check current offers).
Transit benefits
Earns 3% cash back on transit including taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, and buses.
Purchase protections
Provides purchase protection and extended warranty on eligible purchases.
Drawbacks and considerations
Annual fee
Charges an annual fee of $95 after the first year, which might be a consideration for some users, despite the rewards potential.
Supermarket limit
The 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets is limited to a specific spending cap, beyond which the rate drops, though this is offset by the fact that cap is $6,000.
Acceptance
American Express might not be as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard in some locations, which could be inconvenient.
Credit score requirements
Approval may require a good to excellent credit score, potentially limiting access for those with lower credit scores.
How to decide if this card is right for you
To determine if the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card fits your financial lifestyle, several key factors warrant consideration.
Assess your spending habits
If a significant portion of your expenses involves U.S. supermarket purchases and select U.S. streaming services, the 6% cash back on these categories can be highly beneficial. However, keep in mind the spending cap that affects the cash back rate after reaching a certain limit. Also evaluate your transit and gas spending to determine if the 3% cash back in these categories aligns with your regular expenditures.
Consider the welcome bonus
Consider the welcome bonus and ensure you can meet the spending threshold within the introductory period to maximize this initial reward. However, take note of the annual fee, which could affect the card's overall value.
Assess your credit score
Take the time to assess your credit score, as approval generally requires a good to excellent credit score.
Found a perfect pair
Pair your Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express with Wells Fargo Active Cash
Methodology
Credello’s credit card reviews aim to provide readers with clear and unbiased information to help them choose the right credit card that aligns with their financial goals and needs. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, disclosure of any potential biases, and regular updates to ensure the information remains relevant and accurate for readers.The methodology used to review the best Wells Fargo Credit Cards relied on a number of factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- Assess the interest rates charged on outstanding balances.
- Evaluate the cost of owning the credit card, including any annual fees.
- Examine rewards programs, cashback offers, travel perks, and other cardholder benefits.
- Analyze introductory APR, balance transfer offers, and sign-up bonuses.
- Consider the card’s credit limit and its suitability for different financial needs.
- Review late fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges.
- Determine the credit score needed to qualify for the card.
- Research the quality and accessibility of customer support.
- Assess security measures such as fraud protection and chip technology.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
FAQs
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers cash back rewards in various categories. Cardholders earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to a specific spending limit), select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis, rideshares, tolls, trains, and buses), and 1% cash back on other purchases. The cash back is accrued as rewards points and can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or other options provided by American Express.
Redeeming cash back on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card can be done through the American Express online portal or mobile app. Cardholders can log in to their account and navigate to the rewards section to choose redemption options. Redemption options typically include statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or using points towards purchases. The process may vary, so it’s advisable to check the specific redemption procedures within the account.
The credit limit for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card varies based on individual credit profiles, income, credit history, and other financial factors. American Express determines the credit limit for each cardholder based on their specific circumstances. Generally, individuals with stronger credit histories and higher incomes may receive higher credit limits.
No, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card is not a metal card. Unlike some premium or luxury credit cards, this particular American Express card is typically made of plastic rather than metal.
At a Glance 
In this article
