Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express review 2024

In a nutshell:

The perfect card for daily commuters and entertainment enthusiasts.

• Get 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 yearly purchases and 1% afterward. Terms Apply.
• Get 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions.
• Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transportation like taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other everyday purchases.
• Terms and limitations apply.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Credit score

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Annual fees

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(Rates & Fees)

Welcome Offer

bonus_miles_full. Terms Apply.

Why we like it

The card_name allows cardholders to enjoy significant rewards on daily expenses, featuring high cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and transit transactions. New cardholders can jumpstart their savings with a $250 statement credit by spending $3,000 within the first six months, making it an excellent choice for maximizing rewards from the beginning.

Pros & Cons

Who is the card for?

The card_name is designed for individuals with credit_score_needed credit scores — typically 670 or above, as indicated by Experian. While specific credit score requirements are not explicitly stated, aiming for a score of 740 or higher can boost your chances of approval.

For those who commute regularly, whether it's catching up on Netflix during a subway ride or listening to your favorite Spotify podcast on the way to work, the card_name offers 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and transit, along with a generous 6% on U.S. streaming services.

With enticing rewards like 6% cash back at all U.S. grocery stores and 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, the card_name is an excellent choice for families on the go, allowing them to make the most of their everyday spending.

Card features

Cash back rewards on groceries, transit, streamlining and more

Cardholders can earn an enticing 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket expenses, with a cap of up to $6,000 annually. Additionally you can enjoy unlimited 3% cash back on U.S. gas station transactions and a reliable 1% cash back on all other purchases.

As an added bonus, this card offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services (such as a $84 Disney Bundle Credit) and a substantial 3% cash back on transit-related purchases.

Fixed bonus categories

Unlike other cards, it doesn't change its bonus categories, so you always know where you can earn cash back. If you prefer a hands-off approach and don't want to bother with activating bonus categories, this card is perfect for you. It's especially beneficial if you regularly spend money at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, have a U.S. streaming subscription (like Spotify, Hulu, Netflix or Pandora) or if you commute regularly.

Remember that the "transit" category only covers ground transportation, so you won't earn flight points. However, the category includes many transportation expenses like taxis, ferries and parking fees.

Introductory perks

There is a annual_fees Additionally, new cardholders stand to bonus_miles_full

Plus, you can enjoy a low introductory APR of intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration (then reg_apr,reg_apr_type).

The fine print

With the card_name, not all U.S. grocery stores are eligible for the cash-back rewards. For example, your transactions may not qualify for your cash back if you’re a frequent shopper at stores like Amazon, local convenience stores or superstores like Walmart and Target.

Examples of qualifying U.S. grocery stores include:

• Meijer.
• Stop & Shop.
• Vons.
• Whole Foods.
• Winn-Dixie.

Where the card doesn’t measure up

While the card_name comes with numerous perks, it's important to be mindful of certain considerations. For globetrotters, this card may not be the best choice due to its foreign transaction fee of foreign_transaction_fee For example, if you spend $3,000 on a vacation overseas, you would incur $81 in foreign transaction fees. For frequent international travelers, these fees can add up significantly over time.

Also, it’s important to point out that some stores that appear to be supermarkets might not qualify for the rebate, with wholesale clubs, superstores and alcohol retailers often causing confusion.

Additionally, while this card excels in specific categories, there may be other suitable options for individuals who frequently use airlines or indulge in fine dining, as it does not provide cash back rewards for these transactions.

Card alternatives

The AP Buyline roundup

The card_name is an excellent choice for families, offering substantial cash back rewards on everyday purchases. With a lower annual fee compared to other American Express cards, like the card_name, and fixed redemption options, it's a perfect fit for folks who prefer a 'set-it-and-forget-it' approach to managing rewards, avoiding the hassle of activating bonus categories. This card is especially beneficial for regular spenders at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, providing additional perks for U.S. streaming subscriptions and commuting costs.

Standout features include generous cash back offers and a straightforward rewards program, especially with high cash back rewards at supermarkets. An added perk is using the 6% cash back to purchase gift cards. Supermarkets often offer gift cards for restaurants and stores not covered by this card's cash back categories. This flexibility shows that using the card wisely to increase rewards is a savvy choice, showcasing credit cards' valuable role as financial tools.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to get the card_name?

If you have a credit_score_needed credit score—usually above 670 according to Experian—you can likely qualify for the card_name. Higher scores, like 740 or above, can typically increase your likelihood of being approved.

What is the credit limit on the card_name?

While American Express does not specify precise credit limits for The card_name, credit issuers aim to provide a limit that allows card usage without burdening you with unaffordable payments, as noted by Experian. These limits vary based on factors such as your credit history, income and debt.

Is AmEx Gold better than Blue cash?

The card_name is tailored for travelers, offering points for dining and airfare, along with perks like a $100 hotel credit. However, it comes with a higher annual fee of annual_fees. In contrast, the card_name has aannual_fees after the first year. The card_name caters to those who prioritize travel benefits, while the card_name is a reliable option for daily use, providing 6% cash back at U.S. grocery stores and lower annual fees, making it a strong contender for cash back rewards. The better choice depends on your spending habits and priorities.

For rates and fees of the card_name Card, please visit URL.

For rates and fees of the card_name Card, please visit URL.