The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card is a highly regarded cashback credit card known for its generous cashback rewards in specific categories like U.S. supermarkets, streaming services, and transit.
With its 6% cashback on U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $6,000 per year), 3% cashback on transit and U.S. streaming services, and 1% cashback on all other purchases, it is an excellent option for families, commuters, and those who spend a lot on groceries.
Along with a sign-up bonus, no annual fee for the first year, and great cashback opportunities, this card has become a go-to for cashback enthusiasts.
Let’s dive deeper into its features, benefits, and some potential downsides.
Card Overview
The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers a robust cashback rewards program designed to maximize returns on everyday purchases. It offers:
- 6% cashback on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 3% cashback on purchases at U.S. gas stations, transit, and select U.S. streaming subscriptions (such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+).
- 1% cashback on other eligible purchases.
Additionally, new cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of $250 after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
The card comes with an annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year, making it more affordable for new users.
Plus, cardholders can take advantage of American Express’ purchase protections and a range of other travel benefits.
Reasons to Choose the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
- Generous Cashback on Everyday Purchases: The 6% cashback on U.S. supermarket purchases is a standout feature, especially for those who regularly buy groceries. This category covers a wide range of supermarkets, and the up to $6,000 annual limit means you can earn substantial rewards. Plus, 3% cashback on transit and streaming services is a bonus for commuters and entertainment lovers.
- Large Sign-Up Bonus: The $250 welcome bonus is an attractive offer for new cardholders who spend $3,000 within the first 6 months. This can give you an immediate return on your spending, especially when paired with cashback in your everyday spending categories.
- Cashback on Streaming and Transit: For those who use streaming services and regularly use transit, the 3% cashback on purchases such as Netflix, Hulu, and gas stations provides additional value. Whether you’re a commuter or an entertainment subscriber, the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card rewards these common expenses.
- Cashback Rewards Are Easy to Redeem: Unlike some travel rewards cards, the cashback you earn with this card is straightforward and doesn’t require you to deal with complex points systems. The cashback is credited to your statement, making it easy to use it for anything you wish.
- No Annual Fee for the First Year: With a $95 annual fee that is waived for the first year, the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card is a great option to try out without the initial fee burden. This gives you a year to see if the rewards you earn make the annual fee worthwhile.
- American Express Purchase Protections: As with many American Express cards, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card provides valuable protections, including purchase protection for damaged or stolen items, extended warranty coverage, and return protection for eligible purchases.
- Additional Cardholder Benefits: This card also offers access to American Express Offers, which provide discounts and special deals at a wide range of retailers. The Amex Offers can help you save even more on eligible purchases.

Negative Factors of the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
- Annual Fee After the First Year: After the first year, the $95 annual fee applies, which may be a consideration if you don’t maximize the benefits of the card. However, the rewards you earn on grocery purchases and streaming services can help offset the fee if you use the card frequently.
- Limited Cashback Categories: While the 6% cashback on supermarkets is great, the 3% cashback on transit and streaming services is limited to specific categories, and the rest of your purchases earn 1% cashback. This may not be ideal for those looking for a more flexible cashback card across a variety of categories.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% on purchases made outside the United States. This can make it less ideal for international travelers who want to avoid additional fees when using their card abroad.
- Requires Good to Excellent Credit: To qualify for the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card, applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score (around 700 or higher). Those with lower credit scores may not be approved for the card.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card?
To apply for the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- U.S. Residency: You must be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
- Credit Score: The card is best suited for individuals with good to excellent credit, typically with a credit score of 700 or higher.
- Income Verification: You may need to provide proof of income to ensure you can manage the credit limit.
Fees and Costs
Here’s a breakdown of the fees and costs associated with the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card:
- Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
- APR: 15.99% – 23.99% variable APR
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of each transaction
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Frequently Asked Questions about the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card

1. How do I redeem my cashback with the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card?
- Cashback is automatically credited to your statement, reducing the amount you owe. You can also choose to redeem it for gift cards, merchandise, or other rewards through the American Express Membership Rewards® program.
2. What is the welcome bonus for the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card?
- New cardholders can earn a $250 cashback after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months of account opening.
3. Is the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card good for everyday purchases?
- Yes, the 6% cashback on supermarket purchases and 3% cashback on transit and streaming services make this card excellent for everyday spending in those categories.
4. Does the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card have a foreign transaction fee?
- Yes, the card charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
5. Can I use the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card for international travel?
- While the card is not ideal for international travel due to the foreign transaction fee, it can still be used abroad, but you may want to consider another card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
6. What other protections does the card offer?
- The card offers purchase protection, extended warranty, and return protection for eligible purchases, in addition to American Express Offers for discounts and deals.
The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for those who want to earn cashback on their everyday spending, particularly for groceries, streaming services, and transit.
With a generous welcome bonus, 6% cashback on supermarket purchases, and a range of purchase protections, it’s a great card for families and those who frequently shop at supermarkets.
The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, making it an affordable option to test out.
However, the foreign transaction fees and limited cashback categories may make it less ideal for international travelers and those looking for a broader cashback structure.