Amex Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card Review
Key Takeaways
We don’t recommend getting this card for several reasons. We love the points-and-miles hobby because it helps us earn free or discounted travel. However, the American Express Blue Cash Preferred card is a cash-back card with no real travel rewards. That alone makes it a poor use of a 5/24 slot. The card's low welcome offer and lack of any other tangible travel benefits does make the card worth getting, even with the $95 annual fee waived the first year.
Why This Card Could Be Right For You
Despite its downsides for travel enthusiasts, there are some appealing cash-back opportunities while working toward your sign-up bonus. The standout multiplier is 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per calendar year, which equates to $360 in cash back) and select streaming services. You also earn 3% on both transit and at U.S. gas stations, plus 1% on all other purchases.
Additionally, you get a statement credit of $10 per month (up to $120 per year) after subscribing to an eligible Disney Bundle with this card. The card’s annual fee is $95, but it’s waived for the first year. You also receive a welcome offer of 25,000 points as cash back after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months. Because the rewards come only in the form of cash back (or, alternatively, for Amazon purchases), this card is best for those who prioritize cash back over travel rewards.
When The Usual Advice Doesn't Apply
This card likely won’t benefit you if you’re looking for free travel. It doesn’t offer any travel rewards beyond car rental loss and damage insurance.
How The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card Fits In The Cash in Cents Ecosystem
American Express offers two primary cash-back cards: this one (Blue Cash Preferred) and the Blue Cash Everyday.
- Blue Cash Everyday:
- No annual fee
- 3% back on groceries, U.S. online retail, and gas (each capped at $6,000 annually)
- $84 Disney Bundle credit
- 20,000 point bonus (redeemable as cash back) after $2,000 in purchases
If your goal is travel rewards instead of cash back, you'll want American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards points. Because of the Amex Family Rule, you need to open them in order to be eligible for the welcome offer on each:
- Amex Green: 40,000 point bonus with a $150 annual fee and CLEAR Plus credit
- Amex Gold: 60,000 point bonus with a $325 annual fee, strong earning rates on groceries and restaurants, and several notable statement credits
- Amex Platinum: 150,000 point bonus with a $895 annual fee, premium travel perks, plus a variety of travel and statement credits to help offset the high annual fee
For most users, the choice comes down to cash back vs. travel rewards. The Blue Cash Preferred can deliver strong value on everyday spend, but Membership Rewards cards offer significantly more upside for those focused on travel.
Card Information
Differentiating Perks
Card Extras
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Historical Card Offers
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Estimated Next Offer
Amex Blue Cash Preferred Application Rules
You'll be declined if you apply for a third Amex card in 90 days
Amex will decline your application if you already have 5 credit cards (not charge) and apply for a sixth
If you have received a signup bonus from a higher tiered card, you are ineligible to receive a bonus from a lower tiered card in that same card family
Card approval not subject to 5-personal-cards-in-24-months rule
Amex allows only 1 bonus per specific card every 7 years (yours or that version of the card)
After you apply, Amex may show a pop-up saying you're ineligible for the welcome bonus
