Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
• APR: 19.24%-29.99% variable
• Rewards: 6% at US supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr, then 1%), 6% on select US streaming, 3% at US gas stations, 3% on US transit, 1% on everything else
• Bonus: $350 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
• Best For: Families who spend heavily at US supermarkets and subscribe to multiple streaming services
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is the highest-earning grocery cash back card on the market. It delivers 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), which translates to up to $360 per year from groceries alone. It also earns 6% on select US streaming subscriptions including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, and others, making it a standout for households with multiple streaming services.

Beyond the 6% categories, the card earns 3% at US gas stations and on US transit purchases including ride-shares, taxis, trains, and buses, plus 1% on everything else. The $350 welcome bonus after $3,000 in spending within 6 months is generous for a card in this fee range. The 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers sweetens the deal for new cardholders.

The $95 annual fee (waived the first year) is the main consideration, but the math works strongly in favor of families who max out the $6,000 grocery cap. At $500 per month in supermarket spending, you earn $360 in grocery cash back alone, which more than covers the fee. Add in streaming, gas, and transit rewards, and the Blue Cash Preferred consistently outperforms no-fee alternatives for moderate-to-heavy grocery spenders.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, then 19.24%-29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers, then 19.24%-29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, then a variable rate of 19.24% to 29.99% based on your creditworthiness and the Prime Rate.

Benefits Overview

Market-Leading Grocery and Streaming Rewards

• 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
• 6% cash back on select US streaming subscriptions (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Peacock, and more)
• 3% cash back at US gas stations
• 3% cash back on US transit including taxis, ride-shares, trains, buses, and tolls
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Introductory APR Offer

• 0% intro APR for 12 months on new purchases
• 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening
• $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95

Purchase Protections

• Purchase protection covering eligible purchases against damage and theft for up to 90 days
• Extended warranty adding up to one year of additional coverage
• Return protection for eligible items within 90 days if the merchant will not accept a return
• Car rental loss and damage insurance

Rewards & Points

• 6% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr, then 1%)
• 6% cash back on select US streaming subscriptions
• 3% cash back at US gas stations
• 3% cash back on US transit purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Cash back is earned as Reward Dollars and can be redeemed as a statement credit. There are no points to transfer or portals to navigate. Cash back does not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.

Welcome Bonus

Earn a $350 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. This is a strong bonus for a card with a $95 annual fee, especially since the fee is waived in year one. The $3,000 spend requirement averages $500 per month, which many households can reach through groceries and gas alone.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (min $5) within the first 60 days, then 4% (min $5)
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Families who spend $300 to $500+ per month at US supermarkets and want maximum grocery rewards
• Streaming subscribers with multiple services who want 6% back on their monthly subscriptions
• Commuters who spend on gas, transit, or ride-shares and want 3% back
• Balance transfer seekers who can take advantage of the 12-month 0% intro APR
• Budget-conscious households who want the highest return on their grocery and gas spending

Not Good For

• Light grocery shoppers who spend under $250/month at supermarkets and may not offset the $95 fee
• International travelers due to the 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Warehouse club shoppers since Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's do not code as supermarkets for 6% cash back

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6% cash back at US supermarkets is the highest grocery rate available on any credit card
• 6% on select streaming subscriptions adds meaningful savings for multi-service households
• 3% at US gas stations and on transit is competitive among cash back cards
• $350 welcome bonus is generous for a mid-tier annual fee card
• 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Annual fee waived the first year, making year one risk-free
• Simple cash back with no category activation or rotating schedules
• Purchase protection, extended warranty, and return protection included
• Up to $360 per year in grocery cash back alone at maximum spend
• Transit category includes ride-shares, trains, and tolls

Cons

• $95 annual fee after the first year reduces net rewards for light spenders
• $6,000 annual cap on supermarket spending drops to 1% after that
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee makes it unsuitable for international use
• Supermarket 6% does not apply at warehouse clubs or superstores like Walmart and Target
• 1% on non-bonus categories is below the 1.5% to 2% offered by flat-rate cards
• No Membership Rewards points or transfer partner access
• Limited travel protections compared to Amex charge cards
• Cash back redeemed only as statement credits, no direct deposit option

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Total estimated first-year value: $1,028 including the $350 welcome bonus and $0 first-year fee. In subsequent years, net value is approximately $583 after the $95 annual fee. Families spending $500/month at supermarkets earn $360 in grocery cash back alone.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You spend $300 or more per month at US supermarkets consistently
• You subscribe to multiple streaming services and want 6% back on each
• You drive regularly and want 3% back at US gas stations
• You want a 0% intro APR to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance
• You prefer simple cash back over managing points and transfer partners
• You can offset the $95 annual fee with grocery and streaming rewards alone

You Should Skip It If...

• You spend less than $250/month on groceries and may not justify the annual fee
• You shop primarily at Walmart, Target, Costco, or other non-supermarket stores
• You travel internationally frequently and need no foreign transaction fees
• You prefer Membership Rewards points with airline transfer partner access
• You want a premium travel card with lounge access and hotel status
• You want higher than 1% on your non-bonus everyday spending

Apply Now

Apply for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.