Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a capped amount) and on select U.S. streaming, 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% elsewhere, with a $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95 annual fee, plus a $300 sign-up bonus offer. It offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. Its regular APR is 19.49%–28.49% variable. Rates and terms come from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct issuer relationships.
Is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express worth it?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a capped amount) and on select U.S. streaming, 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% elsewhere. We source these rewards and terms from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct issuer relationships. These figures carry our ◆ Partner data label — we did not pull them from the issuer ourselves.
The card has a $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95 annual fee, plus a $300 sign-up bonus offer. It offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. Its regular APR is 19.49%–28.49% variable.
The honest caveats: rewards, fees, and APR are partner-supplied and can change, and the regular APR is variable. A rewards card only pays off if you pay the balance in full — interest at these rates quickly erodes any cash back. Confirm current terms on the issuer’s own site. This is not financial advice.
How does a rewards credit card work?
A rewards credit card earns a percentage back on what you spend, which the issuer credits as cash back, points, or miles. You pay no interest if you clear the statement balance each month; carry a balance and the variable APR applies. The card reports your payment history to the credit bureaus.
What does the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express cost if you carry a balance?
Carrying a $1,000 balance at the 19.49% minimum APR costs roughly $195 a year in interest. That is why a rewards card only pays off if you clear the statement balance every month — interest at this rate quickly outruns any rewards.
Illustrative estimate based on the figures on this page, not an offer. Your results will differ.
What are the pros and cons of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out for earns 1%–6% cash back — earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a capped amount) and on select U.S. streaming, though rates and terms are partner-supplied — not fetched from the issuer ourselves.
- Earns 1%–6% cash back — earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a capped amount) and on select U.S. streaming
- $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95 annual fee
- $300 sign-up bonus offer for new cardholders
- Rates and terms are partner-supplied — not fetched from the issuer ourselves
- Regular APR is 19.49%–28.49% variable once any intro period ends
- Rewards value depends on your spending fitting the card's categories
Who should get the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best for cardholders who want cash back that fits their spending.
- Cardholders who want cash back that fits their spending
- People comparing rewards cards from major issuers
- Anyone who values a sign-up bonus
How does the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express compare?
Among the 15 cash-back credit cards we track, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express ranks #6 with a money8020 score of 96/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex® | 100 | Essential | JPMorgan Chase |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 100 | Essential | JPMorgan Chase |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 99 | Essential | American Express |
| Citi Double Cash® Card | 99 | Essential | Citibank |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 99 | Essential | Discover |
See all cash-back credit cards, ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a rewards credit card
- Carrying a balance — interest at the regular APR quickly erases any rewards.
- Chasing a sign-up bonus with spending you cannot pay off in full.
- Missing the intro-APR deadline and getting hit with the full variable rate.
- Overlooking an annual fee that outweighs the rewards for your spending.
Key takeaways
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns a money8020 score of 96/100, ranking #6 of 15 cash-back credit cards.
- Earns 1%–6% cash back — earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a capped amount) and on select U.S. streaming
- Carrying a $1,000 balance at the 19.49% minimum APR costs roughly $195 a year in interest.
- Best for cardholders who want cash back that fits their spending.
- Rate and terms sourced from our verified data partner, NerdWallet.
Frequently asked questions about the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Does the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express have an annual fee?
Per NerdWallet, our data partner, the card has a $0 intro annual fee the first year, then $95 annual fee. It earns 1%–6% cash back and carries a 19.49%–28.49% variable regular APR (as of 05/30/2026). Terms can change — confirm current details on the issuer's site. This is not financial advice.
What rewards does the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earn?
Per NerdWallet, the card earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to a capped amount) and on select U.S. streaming, 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% elsewhere. Rewards rates and categories can change; confirm with the issuer.
Will applying for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express hurt my credit score?
Applying triggers a hard inquiry, which can dip your score a few points temporarily. Used responsibly — paying on time and keeping balances low — the card builds your credit over time.
Do the rewards on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express expire?
On most cards, rewards do not expire while the account is open and in good standing, though terms vary. Redeem regularly and check the issuer's rewards policy.
Sources
We sourced these figures from our verified data partner and independently confirmed the provider’s regulator status, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: