Apply for the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card

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% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%);

3% cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations, transit, and select U.S. streaming subscriptions (such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+);

1% cash back 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% cash back 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 cash back in your everyday spending categories.

Cashback on Streaming and Transit: For those who use streaming services and regularly use transit, the 3% cash back 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 cash back you earn with this card is straightforward and doesn’t require you to deal with complex points systems. The cash back 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.

Negative Factors of the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card

The American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card comes with a $95 annual fee that kicks in after the first year.

While this might be a consideration for some, especially if you don’t fully leverage the card’s benefits, the significant rewards you earn on grocery purchases and streaming services can often help to effectively offset this charge if you use the card frequently.

However, its cash back structure is confined to specific categories.

While the 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets is incredibly generous, the 3% cash back on transit and streaming services is limited to those particular areas, and all your other purchases earn a flat 1% cash back.

This might not be the best fit for individuals seeking a more flexible cash back card that offers higher returns across a wider variety of spending categories.

How to Apply for the Card?

Applying for the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card is a straightforward online process.

You’ll begin by navigating to the official American Express website.

Once there, use the search bar or browse their credit card offerings to locate the Blue Cash Preferred Card.

After selecting the card, you’ll be prompted to start the online application.

This form will require you to input various personal details, including your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and current contact information.

You will also need to provide financial information, such as your annual income, employment status, and details regarding your monthly housing payments.

American Express might also inquire about any existing banking relationships you have.

Once you’ve filled in all the necessary fields, it’s crucial to carefully review your entire application to ensure all the information you’ve provided is accurate and complete.

After confirming its accuracy, you will submit your application.

American Express frequently provides an instant decision on your application.

If approved, you may even receive an “Instant Card Number” that you can use for online purchases immediately, before your physical card arrives in the mail.

If your application requires further assessment, American Express will inform you of their final decision within a specified timeframe.

Activate Your Card

Receive Your Physical Card: Once approved, your card will be mailed to the address you provided.

Activation: Follow the activation instructions (via telephone or the American Express app/website) to start enjoying the card benefits immediately.

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

How do I redeem my cash back 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.

What is the welcome bonus for the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card?

New cardholders can earn a $250 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months of account opening.

Is the American Express® Blue Cash Preferred® Card good for everyday purchases?

Yes, the 6% cash back on supermarket purchases and 3% cash back on transit and streaming services make this card excellent for everyday spending in those categories.

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.

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.