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.
Advertiser disclosure
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.
Guides
Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday: Battle of the cash-back cards
Credit card writer Danyal Ahmed is an avid traveler, averaging about 100,000 aeronautical miles per year. He regularly applies that knowledge and his expertise in credit cards to his role as a credit card writer at TPG.
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 14, 2025 • 10 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
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.
Related stories
Quick summary
The article compares two popular cash-back cards, focusing on their bonus categories, redemption options and additional benefits.
Both cards offer elevated cash-back rates at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, but differ in other bonus categories and eligibility requirements.
One card provides higher cash-back rates and additional benefits, while the other is positioned as a straightforward option for those seeking simplicity.
Redemption for both cards is limited to statement credits or Amazon.com checkout, with no flexible transfer options.
What to consider
Spending caps apply to certain bonus categories, so maximizing rewards depends on your annual spending patterns.
Eligibility for welcome offers is determined before application submission and may be affected by your existing relationship with the issuer.
Switching between these products does not trigger new welcome bonuses, so opening a new account may be preferable for bonus seekers.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed side-by-side comparison of benefits, earning rates and which card best fits different spending habits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
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.
American Express is known for offering some of the best travel cards on the market, but the issuer also has quite a few solid cash-back card options to choose from. These days, the ability to redeem cash back to help you save money on whatever you need might be higher on your priority list than stocking up points for a future vacation.
Two of the more notable cash-back cards in the Amex lineup are the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. Both offer bonus cash-back rewards at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets (spending caps apply to certain categories). Still, there are other bonus categories to consider between the two cards — along with different earning rates and annual fees.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits provided by both cards to help you decide when choosing one over the other makes sense.
Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday comparison
Card
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Amex Blue Cash Everyday
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see )
$0 (see )
Welcome offer
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.
Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 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.
Earning rates
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases; then 1%)
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
3% cash back on transit and at U.S. gas stations
1% cash back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
Terms apply
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per category per year in purchases; then 1%)
1% cash back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout
Terms apply
Other benefits
Annual up to $120 statement credit (up to $10 per month) for Disney Streaming purchases; valid at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)
Global Assist Hotline
Entertainment access
Travel and shopping protections
Enrollment required; terms apply for select benefits
Annual up to $84 statement credit (up to $7 per month) for Disney Streaming purchases; valid at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites (subject to auto-renewal)
Monthly up to $15 statement credit when you purchase Home Chef meal solutions online (up to $180 per calendar year)
Global Assist Hotline
Travel and shopping protections
Entertainment access
Enrollment required; terms apply for select benefits
Foreign transaction fees
2.7% (see )
2.7% (see )
As you can see, the two cards have quite a bit of similarity. But which card should you get based on your spending habits? Let's dig a little deeper into who might be better suited for each card.
Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday welcome offer
New Blue Cash Preferred cardmembers can find out their offer and see if they 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
Meanwhile, the Blue Cash Everyday card allows you to find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 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.
Both cards also offer an introductory APR offer: Blue Cash Everyday (see ) offers 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening (variable APR of 19.74% to 28.74% after), and Blue Cash Preferred (see ) offers 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening (variable APR of 19.74% to 28.74% after).
Both cards are subject to Amex's application restrictions. American Express may consider factors like how many cards you have open with them and what cards you've had in the past. Luckily, Amex will notify you whether you're eligible for a welcome offer on either of these cards before you submit your application.
Winner: Blue Cash Preferred. Even though it has a higher spending requirement, the bonus is more valuable.
Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday benefits
Although the Blue Cash Preferred has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year and a $95 annual fee thereafter, it offers several benefits that can make that fee worth paying.
Cardmembers receive an annual up to $120 statement credit when using the Blue Cash Preferred card to pay for a Disney Streaming purchases (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.
It also comes with secondary car rental loss and damage insurance*. We frequently see this offered on travel credit cards, but it's good to see it on a cash-back card. Additionally, the card offers return protection** and an extended warranty** on purchases.
THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES
The Blue Cash Everyday card offers up to $180 in Home Chef credit each calendar year (up to $15 in statement credits back per month; enrollment required, subject to auto-renewal) after you use your Blue Cash Everyday card to purchase a Home Chef subscription.
You will also receive an annual up to $84 statement credit when using the Blue Cash Preferred card to pay for a Disney Streaming purchases (up to $7 each month) valid at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Enrollment is required; subject to auto-renewal.
Winner: Tie. Both cards offer similar benefits, and applicants should choose the card that provides benefits tailored to their needs.
*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.
Earning cash back with the Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday
The Blue Cash Everyday's earning rates, on the other hand, do not match its sibling's. Cardmembers will earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per category per year in purchases; then 1% after that). All other purchases on the card earn 1% cash back.
It is worth noting again that the Blue Cash Preferred carries a first year $0 introductory annual fee, then $95 annual fee after the first year, while the Blue Cash Everyday doesn't have an annual fee. You'll want to calculate your earnings for the available bonus categories to ensure you'll earn enough to justify the annual fee before applying for the Blue Cash Preferred.
If not, the Blue Cash Everyday is likely your better option.
Winner: Blue Cash Preferred. The card offers a higher cash back rate for supermarket purchases and unlimited earnings on transit and U.S. gas station purchases.
Redeeming cash back with the Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday
Redemption options for both the Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday are quite limited. Cardmembers for both cards earn cash back in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
DAMIRCUDIC/GETTY IMAGES
Still, there are some great reasons to keep a cash-back card in your wallet. Senior points and miles writer Katie Genter referred the Blue Cash Preferred to her parents, who wanted a simple statement credit redemption from their cash back earnings.
Winner: Tie. Both cards offer only one-way to redeem cash back rewards.
Should I get the Blue Cash Preferred or Blue Cash Everyday?
Both cards earn bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets, though at differing rates. If you can earn enough rewards with the Blue Cash Preferred to offset the cost of that card's $95 annual fee (after the first year $0 intro annual fee) it's your better option. However, if you are a beginner with rewards cards or a low spender, the no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday is the way to go.
How to switch from the Blue Cash Preferred to Blue Cash Everyday
Cardmembers of either card can request a product change to the other by either calling Amex customer service or requesting a product change on the Amex mobile app.
It's important to remember that any welcome bonus offers will not apply to those switching between the two credit card products. If you have the Blue Cash Everyday and want the Blue Cash Preferred, it may be a better option to open a separate Blue Cash Preferred instead of product-changing.
Both the Blue Cash Preferred and the Blue Cash Everyday are excellent cash-back card options. For those who can maximize the bonus categories enough to justify the annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred's higher earning potential makes it the easy winner.
However, if you aren't sure you'll earn enough to make an annual fee worth paying, the Blue Cash Everyday comes out on top.
