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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
Amex Blue Cash Preferred card review: Generous bonus categories and a solid welcome offer
Ethan's been a frequent flier for as long as he can remember, from studying abroad in Paris to moving to Shanghai after graduating college, where he served as TPG's eyes and ears for all things travel in the Asia-Pacific region. If you asked him where he wants to travel next he'd quote Anthony Bourdain and tell you "anytime I'm eating spicy noodles in a bowl, I'm happy."
When Ryan worked as a TPG credit cards writer, he oversaw refreshes of card reviews and card offer stories. He enjoyed racking up cash back and helping readers maximize their points and miles for their next big trip.
also contributed to this story
February 21, 2025 • 8 min read
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Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
A cash-back card offers high rewards at select streaming services, supermarkets, transit and gas stations in the U.S.
Cash back is provided as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
The card includes up to $120 in annual statement credits for select streaming services, plus travel and shopping protections.
It is well-suited for those who spend regularly at supermarkets, on streaming, or on transit and gas, especially if they prefer cash back over travel rewards.
What to consider
There is an introductory $0 annual fee for the first year, followed by a recurring fee after that (see rates and fees for details).
Cash-back rates at supermarkets apply up to $6,000 per year, then revert to a lower rate.
Redemption options are limited to statement credits and Amazon.com checkout, with no minimum redemption amount.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of this card with other cash-back and rewards cards, including alternatives with different earning structures and benefits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
at American Express's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
6%
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%).
6%
Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3%
Earn 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases.
1%
Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.
Intro offer
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Regular APR
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent to Good
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express overview
The is a lucrative cash-back card for several spending categories. If cash back is up your alley — and select U.S. streaming, U.S. supermarkets, transit and U.S. gas station categories align with your spending habits — then you can’t go wrong with the Blue Cash Preferred. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
There are pros and cons to picking a cash-back card over a travel rewards card. However, the Blue Cash Preferred could be great for infrequent travelers and those looking to spend their rewards in other ways.
To successfully apply for this card, TPG recommends having a good to excellent credit score. It has an introductory $0 annual fee for the first year, then a $95 annual fee after that (see rates and fees).
Let’s look at this card's ins and outs to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Valuable cash-back rates on select U.S. streaming services, U.S. supermarkets, transit and U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year for U.S. supermarkets, then 1%)
Up to $120 in Disney Streaming statement credits each calendar year (up to $10 each month; valid at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites; enrollment is required; subject to auto-renewal)
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
Annual fee after the first year
Limited redemption options
Amex Blue Cash Preferred welcome offer
Cash-back credit cards rarely offer as solid of welcome bonuses as travel rewards cards do, but the has a decent welcome offer right now. You can find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
THE POINTS GUY
Most people, even low-spenders, should be able to easily hit that spending requirement.
As a low-annual-fee card, the doesn't offer luxury perks. However, it does have some quality features worth mentioning.
You can receive up to $10 back each month as a statement credit (up to $120 back each calendar year, subject to auto-renewal) for Disney Streaming purchases — which includes at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites — using your card. Enrollment is required.
NEUSTOCKIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
You’ll also enjoy several travel and shopping protections with the Blue Cash Preferred, including things like secondary rental car insurance when paying for the rental with your card.* You'll also enjoy extended warranty**, purchase protection** and return protection***.
Other cardmember benefits include “Plan It®,” which allows you to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee (no enrollment required); Send and Split, which lets you send money or split purchases with Venmo or Paypal (enrollment required); and access to valuable Amex Offers.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
***Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
PHIL BARKER/FUTURE PUBLISHING/GETTY IMAGES
While the Blue Cash Preferred is not the first card to offer bonus earnings on streaming subscriptions, its rate of 6% cash back is the industry leader. The Blue Cash Preferred is also a rewarding card at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations (6% back on up to $6,000 spent in a calendar year for U.S. supermarket purchases, then 1%).
Aside from the U.S. supermarkets category, the other earning categories don’t have annual caps on how much you can earn. These are strong earning rates for anyone with regular spending in these categories.
The card's earning rate on spending at U.S. supermarkets is certainly a highlight, especially if you prefer to earn rewards through cash back.
Redeeming cash back on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred
While cash-back cards won’t unlock the doors to first-class plane seats, there’s also no pressure to save up for a specific reward. Plus, the has no minimum redemption amount.
LIUBOMYR VORONA/GETTY IMAGES
You have two redemption options:
Receive a statement credit
Shop with your rewards at Amazon.com
Receiving a statement credit is likely your best option. Try choosing redemption options that offer some flexibility.
Which cards compete with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
The main alternatives to this card are other cash back cards that earn bonus rewards on groceries and gas, with no or a low annual fee.
If you want similar benefits with no annual fee: The has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 3% back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases and U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year, per category). After that, you’ll earn 1% back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
If you want Amex Membership Rewards points instead of cash back: The is a great card for food lovers. It earns 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. supermarket purchases and dining (up to $25,000 per year for groceries and up to $50,000 per year for dining, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter). It also comes with a range of food-oriented benefits. To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.
If you want rewards with more uses: The (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back per dollar spent — 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay your bill — on all purchases. If you want a card with a simple earning structure, this is it. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
For additional options, check out our full list of cards that earn bonus rewards on everyday spending.
With the enticing bonus categories and a solid welcome offer, many who prefer cash-back cards will have no problem justifying the annual fee after the first year on the Blue Cash Preferred.
This card is best for those who spend regularly on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, streaming services, transit and gas.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
