ProsCons
High rewards rateRequires good/excellent credit
$300 statement credit bonus offerHigh annual fee
Bonus categoriesSpending caps on bonus rewards
Cash rewards

Hidden perks

The intro offer is one of the best on the market, and the Equinox+ credit adds a lot of value. This card is a prime example of getting a lot more value than the cost of the annual fee.

Comparing Chase Freedom Flex with similar cards

American Express Blue Cash Preferred®

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Reward rate1% - 6%
Reward detailsEarn 6% cashback on groceries and streaming, 3% on transit and gas, 1% on all other purchases
Intro Bonus:$300 Annual fee$95
Regular APR19.24% - 29.99%
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Wells Fargo Autograph®

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Reward rate1x - 3x
Reward detailsEarn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on all other purchases
Intro Bonus:30,000 Points Annual fee$0
Regular APR20.24% - 29.99%
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Reward rate1.5% - 5%
Reward detailsEarn unlimited 1.5% cash back or more on all purchases, like 3% on dining and drugstores and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.
Intro Bonus:$200 Annual fee$0
Regular APR20.24% - 28.99%
Read full review

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

Wells Fargo Active Cash

Apply now with Wells Fargo

To get even more benefits, pair this card with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. This combination will help feed hungry mouths and provide you with the maximum cash back and rewards.

Apply now with Wells Fargo

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.

Why Credello?
At Credello, transparency and objectivity are the cornerstones of our credit card reviews. We believe in empowering you to make informed financial decisions, free from any bias or influence from credit card issuers. We go beyond the surface, dissecting each card's features and rewards programs through the lens of your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a cashback seeker, or a credit-building novice, we tailor our reviews to resonate with your unique needs.

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.

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