#8 overall · Cashback card
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
American Express · Amex · Good credit required
$95
Annual fee
$300
Welcome bonus
$771
First-year value
$471
Ongoing/yr
Rewards rates
🛒
Groceries
$5700/yr avg spend
6x
+$342/yr
🍕
Dining & Takeout
$3000/yr avg spend
1x
+$30/yr
✈️
Travel & Hotels
$2040/yr avg spend
1x
+$20/yr
⛽
Gas & EV Charging
$2100/yr avg spend
3x
+$63/yr
📺
Streaming
$540/yr avg spend
6x
+$32/yr
🛍️
Everything Else
$7800/yr avg spend
1x
+$78/yr
Based on average US spending. Use your own spending →
✓ Pros
- ✓ 6% at US supermarkets (up to $6k/yr)
- ✓ 6% on select streaming
- ✓ 3% at US gas stations
- ✓ 3% on transit
✗ Cons
- ✗ $95/yr annual fee requires $9500 in spending to break even
- ✗ Low 1x earn rate on non-bonus spending
- ✗ Amex not accepted everywhere — carry a backup Visa/Mastercard
Is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card worth it?
It depends on your spending. On average US spending, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card generates $471/yr after the $95 fee — that's positive ROI before the welcome bonus. The $300 welcome bonus (if you hit the spend requirement of $3,000 in 3 months) makes year one worth $771 total.
Verdict: Strong value — earns well above its fee on typical spending.
Ready to apply?
Current offer: $300 welcome bonus after $3,000 spend in 3 months
Apply for Blue Cash Preferred® Card →You'll be directed to American Express's official application