Blue Cash Preferred Card Review: Best for Groceries and Streaming

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Blue Cash Preferred Card Review: Everything You Need to Know

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card is a highly regarded credit card with a strong cashback rewards program. Whether shopping for groceries, paying for streaming subscriptions, or commuting, this card provides top-tier rewards for these categories. This review will give you all the details about its features, benefits, costs, and whether it’s worth the annual Fee.

In this Blue Cash Preferred Card Review, we’ll explore everything from the cashback categories to the card’s sign-up Bonus, APR rates, and cardholder perks. We’ll also compare it to other cashback cards to see if it stands out. By the end of this review, you’ll know exactly whether this card is right for you.

Overview of the Blue Cash Preferred Card

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is one of the most rewarding cashback cards available today, especially for those who frequently spend on groceries, streaming services, and transit. With an attractive rewards structure and various cardholder benefits, this card has quickly become a favorite among consumers.

One of the key selling points of the Blue Cash Preferred Amex is its 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases, which makes it one of the best credit cards for groceries. Additionally, it offers 6% back on select U.S. streaming services, making it an excellent choice for those who subscribe to multiple streaming platforms.

This card is designed to maximize cashback earnings, particularly for everyday spending. However, it comes with an annual fee, which we’ll discuss later to determine whether the rewards outweigh the cost. Here are the card highlights:

Card Highlights

Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
Get 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
Receive 3% cash back on transit, including taxis, rideshare, and parking.
1% cash back on all other purchases, offering a steady return on everyday expenses.
$250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months of card membership.
There are no foreign transaction fees, making it great for international travel.
Introductory APR of 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months.
$95 annual fee, potentially earning much more in rewards.
Access to Amex Offers for exclusive discounts and deals at retailers and restaurants.
Plan It® and Pay It® options for flexible payment plans on large purchases.
Purchase protection and extended warranty are available on eligible purchases.
Cashback rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or for eligible purchases.

Rates and Fees

Annual Fee: $95 per year.
Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months.
Standard APR: 18.74% – 27.74% (Variable) based on your creditworthiness.
Cash Advance APR: 29.74% (Variable).
Cash Advance Fee: $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater.
Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fee: None, making this card great for international use.
Late Payment Fee: Up to $40.
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40.
Penalty APR: 29.74% (Variable), applied if you make a late payment.

This credit card offers a solid rewards structure, but it’s essential to consider these rates and fees when deciding if it’s the right fit for you. The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has a $95 annual fee, but it’s outweighed by the value of cashback rewards, especially in categories like supermarkets and streaming subscriptions. With no foreign transaction fees, it’s also an excellent option for those who travel abroad. Remember the late payment and cash advance fees to avoid unnecessary charges.

Blue Cash Preferred Card Rewards Categories Breakdown

The Blue Cash Preferred Card shines in its rewards categories, with high cashback rates in areas where many consumers spend the most. Let’s break down the Blue Cash Preferred Card rewards categories:

6% Cash Back on U.S. Supermarket Purchases

This card’s standout feature is its 6% back on U.S. supermarkets. The rate is capped at $6,000 per year, which translates to up to $360 in cash back annually. After hitting the $6,000 cap, it drops to 1%. This makes the Blue Cash Preferred one of the best cards for grocery purchases.

6% Cash Back on Streaming Services

With so many people subscribing to streaming platforms these days, the 6% cash back on streaming services is another fantastic perk. You’ll earn 6% back on services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Spotify.

3% Cash Back on Transit Purchases

You’ll earn 3% cash back on transit purchases, from bus rides to taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. This is a great feature for daily commuters or anyone who uses transit services regularly.

1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases

For all purchases that don’t fall into the 6% or 3% categories, you’ll earn 1% cash back. While this is a lower rate, it’s still competitive, especially for a card with such high rewards in other areas.

Maximize your savings with our Reward Dollars program, where you receive cashback that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Take advantage of this opportunity to get more for your money.

Key Features of the Blue Cash Preferred Card

Annual Fee: $95

The annual Fee for the Blue Cash Preferred Card is $95. While this is a relatively modest fee for a cashback card, evaluating the rewards earned justifies this cost.

APR R is essentials: 18.24% – 26.24% Variable APR on Purchases

The APR rates on the Blue Cash Preferred Card are typical for American Express credit cards. They range from 18.24% to 26.24% for variable purchase APR. If you carry a balance, these rates can add up quickly, so it’s best to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges.

Introductory Offer: $250 Statement Credit

When you apply for the Blue Cash Preferred Card, you can earn a $250 statement credit if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. This is a solid sign-up bonus, helping you offset the card’s annual Fee early on.

Cash Back on Purchases:

6% back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually): This is one of the top cashback rewards for groceries in the credit card market.
6% back on select U.S. streaming services: Earn 6% back on services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more.
3% back on transit: This includes public transportation, taxis, rideshare services like Uber, and parking fees.
1% back on all other purchases: While 1% might seem low, it’s still a solid rate for everyday purchases.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

The Blue Cash Preferred Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent option for travelers who purchase abroad.

Is the Blue Cash Preferred Card Worth the Annual Fee?

One of the primary considerations for any credit card is whether the annual Fee provides enough value in return. The Blue Cash Preferred Card has a yearly fee of $95, and here’s how the rewards stack up:

Supermarket Spending: If you spend $500 per month at U.S. supermarkets, you would earn $36/month in cash back (6% of $500), or $432 per year—this more than covers the $95 annual fee, and leaves you with a significant net benefit.
Streaming Subscriptions: Many people subscribe to services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Spending on streaming services can earn you 6% cash back, saving you up to $72 annually.

When you add the $250 statement credit as part of the introductory Offer, the rewards far outweigh the annual fee, especially if you spend heavily on the qualifying categories.

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Renting a car can be the beginning of an unforgettable trip. When you use your Eligible Card to pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the rental counter, you can be covered for damage or theft of the rental car in a covered area.

Keep in mind there are exclusions and restrictions. Certain vehicle types or rentals may not be covered. This coverage does not apply to vehicles rented in Australia, Italy, or New Zealand. The coverage is secondary and does not include liability coverage.

You can also order the Goodyear credit card and use it for purchasing a variety of automotive products such as tires, wheels, brakes, and suspension parts. Additionally, it covers services like automotive maintenance, fuel, and other car-related needs. However, the card does not provide any type of insurance.

Global Assist® Hotline: When traveling over 100 miles from home, the Global Assist® Hotline provides emergency services 24/7. It offers medical and legal referrals, help with emergency cash wires and assistance with lost luggage. Card Members are responsible for fees charged by third-party providers. Other terms and conditions may apply.
$84 Disney Bundle Credit: Get a $7 monthly statement credit when you use your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card to spend $9.99 or more on the Disney Bundle each month. This offer is valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
Amex Offers: Earn extra rewards or statement credits with Amex Offers. Simply log into the American Express® App or americanexpress.com, add offers to your eligible Card, and make qualifying purchases at your favorite brands.
Cash Back at Amazon.com Checkout: Use your cash back2 to pay for part or all of your Amazon.com purchases at checkout. Cashback has the same value at checkout as it does when redeemed as a statement credit.
Events with Amex™: As an Amex Card Member, enjoy exclusive ticket access, presales, and special offers for events in sports, music, theater, and more. Card Members can also access additional benefits like Amex Fan Experiences, merchandise, and more. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/experiences.
Purchase Protection: When you use your American Express® Card for a Covered Purchase, Purchase Protection covers it for up to 90 days from the purchase date if stolen or damaged. Coverage is up to $1,000 per purchase, with a maximum of $50,000 per year.
Return Protection: With Return Protection, you can return eligible purchases within 90 days if the seller won’t accept them. You may receive a refund of up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per year.
Extended Warranty: When you use your American Express® Card for a Covered Purchase, Extended Warranty extends the original warranty by one year on eligible items with warranties of 5 years or less, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per year.

Blue Cash Preferred Card Sign-Up Bonus and Other Perks

The sign-up Bonus of $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months is an excellent incentive for new cardholders. This is one of the highest sign-up bonuses available for cashback cards.

In addition to the sign-up Bonus, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a variety of other benefits, including:

Amex Offers: Major retailers and service providers offer exclusive discounts and savings.
Flexible Payment Options: Features like Plan It® and Pay It® let you break up large purchases into smaller monthly payments or pay off purchases immediately.

How to Earn Cash Back with Blue Cash Preferred

The Blue Cash Preferred Amex makes it easy to earn cash back with straightforward rewards categories:

Supermarkets: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually).
Streaming: Earn 6% cash back on eligible streaming services.
Transit: 3% cash back on transit-related purchases.
Other Purchases: 1% cash back on everything else.

You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit gift card or apply it toward purchases made with the card. This flexibility makes the rewards easy to use.

Comparison of Blue Cash Preferred Card with Other Popular Cards

When comparing the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express with other popular rewards cards, evaluating each Offer’s rewards structure, fees, and benefits is essential. Below is a detailed comparison of the Blue Cash Preferred Card, Blue Cash Everyday® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This will help you determine which suits your spending habits and financial goals.

Comparison: Blue Cash Preferred vs Blue Cash Everyday® vs Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Feature	Blue Cash Preferred Card	Blue Cash Everyday® Card	Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Annual Fee	$95	$0	$0	$95
Introductory Bonus	$250 statement credit	$200 statement credit	1.5% on all purchases (up to $20,000)	60,000 bonus points ($750 travel)
Cashback Categories	6% on groceries, 3% on transit & streaming	3% on groceries, gas, online retail	6.5% on travel (Chase Travel), 3% on dining & drugstores	5x on travel, 3x on dining & select streaming
APR (Purchases)	18.74% - 27.74% Variable	18.24% - 29.24% Variable	19.49% - 28.24% Variable	20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fee	None	2.70%	3%	None
Intro APR Offer	0% for 12 months	0% for 15 months	0% for 15 months	0% for 12 months
Cashback Redemption	Statement credit or Amazon	Statement credit or Amazon	Statement credit or direct deposit	Travel redemption or cash

Comparison Analysis

Annual Fees: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option. On the other hand, the Blue Cash Preferred Card charges a $95 annual fee, but its higher cashback rates can offset this Fee if you spend significantly in its bonus categories.
Sign-up Bonus: The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a $250 statement credit, higher than the Blue Cash Everyday® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® bonuses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® provides a significant bonus of 60,000 points worth $750 towards travel, but its annual Fee is also higher.
Cashback Categories: The Blue Cash Preferred Card stands out for its 6% cash back on groceries, one of the best in the market. Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a versatile 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, but it doesn’t match the Blue Cash Preferred for everyday grocery purchases.
APR: The Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday® Cards offer a 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers, with the Blue Cash Preferred Card having a slightly higher standard APR.

Which Card is Worth Buying?

Best for Grocery Shoppers: If your primary goal is to earn high cashback on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is the best option with 6% cashback.
Best for No Annual Fee: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® are great choices for those who want to avoid an annual fee but still earn good cashback rewards.
Best for Travel Rewards: If you’re a frequent traveler and want travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® offers outstanding travel rewards and a valuable sign-up bonus.

Application and Approval Process

The process is simple and straightforward if you’re interested in applying for the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express. You can apply online or by phone, and if approved, you’ll typically receive your card within 7-10 business days.

How to Apply for the Blue Cash Preferred Visa Card

To apply for the Blue Cash Preferred Card, follow these steps:

Visit the American Express website.
Fill out the application form with your personal and financial information.
Submit any required documents for verification.
Wait for a decision on your application.

Blue Cash Preferred Card Contact and Support

Helpline Number: 1-888-826-3471
Customer service Number: 888-800-8564
Web Address: Official Website

Conclusion

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred card is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to earn high cashback rewards in categories like groceries, streaming services, and transit. Its $250 sign-up bonus, 6% back on groceries, and other benefits make it a top cashback credit card market contender. While the annual Fee might not suit everyone, the rewards more than makeup for the cost if you’re spending in the correct categories.

However, some other great cashback credit cards, the Discover it Cash Back is a popular option. It offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter and 1% on all other purchases. Another great choice is the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, which is ideal for business owners. It gives you unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, making it a straightforward and rewarding option for business expenses.

FAQs: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Review

Is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Metal?

It’s essential to remember that the Blue Cash Preferred Card is made of durable plastic material, contrary to popular belief that it’s made of metal. Despite its plastic construction, the Card performs just as efficiently as a metal credit card, and you won’t experience any differences in its features and functions.

Why You Might Want the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express?

The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is undoubtedly one of the best cashback credit cards on the market today. It offers consistently high-earning cashback rates on everyday essentials like groceries, gas, transit, and streaming subscriptions. These are head and shoulders above many other cashback cards’ reward offerings. With this Card, you can be confident that you are getting the most out of your spending.

Is Blue Cash Preferred for You?

In terms of rewards, If you spend a minimum of $350 monthly on purchases falling under bonus categories and are interested in earning cashback rewards, you’ve come to the right place. We can help you maximize your cashback benefits and make the most out of your spending.

Cash Back

As with any credit card, there are pros and cons to consider before applying for the Blue Cash Preferred Card. Some of the most notable ones are:

Cash back Rating

9.2

Rewards Value:

Annual Percentage Rate

Rewards Flexibility:

6.1

Features

Issuer Customer Experience

PROS

Earn 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets and streaming services, plus 3% on transit.
Receive a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
No foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travelers.
Get purchase protection, including coverage for eligible items, extended warranties, and return protection.
Access exclusive Amex Offers for discounts on travel, shopping, and dining.

CONS

The annual fee is relatively modest, but it’s important to ensure your spending justifies the cost.
The 6% cashback on supermarkets is capped at $6,000 per year, which may be limiting for heavy grocery spenders.

Specification: Blue Cash Preferred Card Review: Best for Groceries and Streaming

Best For:	High Cashback Rates
Recommended Credit	Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Intro Offer:	$250 Statement Credit
Rewards	1% Cash Back on other purchases, 3% Cash Back on transit, parking, tolls, and gas stations, 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming subscriptions.
Annual Fee:	No Annual Fee
Regular APR:	19.24% – 29.99% variable
Intro Balance Transfers APR:	0%, intro balance transfer APR for the first 12 months
Intro Purchase APR:	0% APR on eligible purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Intro Purchase APR Period:	12 Months from the date of account opening
Balance Transfers Fee:	Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fee	2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Cash Advance Fee	$10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee:	$40
Cash Equivalent Fee	N/A
Convenience Check Fee	N/A
Returned Payment Fee:	$40
Over Limit Fee:	None
ExtendPay Fee	N/A
Credit Card Limit:	$1,000 up to $25,000
Credit Card Type	Rewards, Cash Back
Credit Card Features	Balance Transfer, Cash Back, Excellent Credit, Gas, Good Credit, Rewards