Anúncios
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a category-focused cash back card that exchanges a modest annual fee for elevated rewards on frequent household spending. It earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% on other eligible purchases. Rewards come as Reward Dollars redeemable for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout. As of late 2025, many offers include a $250 welcome statement credit after $3,000 in purchases within six months, a $0 intro annual fee for the first year (then $95), and a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. The card includes purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental insurance, Amex Offers, and more, but charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee—best for U.S.-based spending.
Main Advantages
- Rich 6% Supermarket Rewards: Earn 6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, ideal for households that cook frequently.
- 6% on Select U.S. Streaming Subscriptions: Many major streaming services earn 6% back, boosting entertainment rewards.
- 3% on Gas and Transit: Earn 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit, including rideshares, tolls, parking, trains, and buses.
- First-Year Value with $0 Intro Annual Fee: With $0 the first year plus a welcome bonus (often $250 after $3,000), year one can be especially rewarding.
- Useful Protections and Amex Perks: Purchase protection, extended warranty, rental car coverage, and Amex Offers add meaningful value.
Main Drawbacks
- Annual Fee After the First Year: Once the intro period ends, the $95 fee may outweigh benefits for light spenders.
- Cap on 6% Supermarket Earnings: The 6% rate applies only to the first $6,000 annually; heavy spenders may hit the cap early.
- Foreign Transaction Fee of 2.7%: The card is not ideal for international purchases due to the fee.
- Limited Merchant Coverage for Bonus Categories: Some warehouse clubs, superstores, and gas sellers may not code as eligible categories.
- Intro APR Is Temporary and Can Rise High: After 12 months, the variable APR increases significantly, making carried balances costly.
How to Apply
- Review the current offer and terms: Visit the official Blue Cash Preferred® Card page to confirm welcome offers, rates, and benefits.
- Check your credit and eligibility: This card is generally for applicants with good to excellent credit; consider Amex’s once-per-lifetime bonus policy.
- Confirm that your spending fits the categories: Estimate your grocery, streaming, gas, and transit spending to ensure value beyond year one.
- Gather your financial information: Have your SSN, income, housing status, monthly obligations, and contact details ready.
- Submit the online application: Use the “Apply” button, complete the form, and review all disclosures before submitting.
- Activate and set up your account: Activate the card, enroll online, set autopay if desired, add to digital wallets, and route key expenses to maximize rewards and reach the welcome bonus.
For many U.S. consumers, the most important question is simple: does the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express give you more value than its $95 ongoing annual fee? If you regularly spend on groceries, streaming services, gas and transit, the answer is often yes. The combination of 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 6% on select U.S. streaming, and 3% on gas and transit can generate significantly more cash back than flat-rate cards for households in those spending patterns. Add the first-year $0 intro annual fee and welcome statement credit, and the card’s initial value proposition becomes especially strong.
Still, this card is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. If most of your spending happens outside the bonus categories, or you strongly prefer cards without annual fees or foreign transaction fees, there are better fits. And because the intro APR period is limited, you should treat it as a tool for planned, temporary financing—not as an excuse to carry long-term debt. The card works best when you pay on time, avoid interest charges after the promo window and use the rewards and protections strategically.
If your budget aligns with what the Blue Cash Preferred® Card rewards most, it can become a cornerstone of your cashback strategy. Take a few minutes to map your typical monthly spending, compare it with the card’s bonus categories and run the numbers against the annual fee. If the math looks favorable and you like the mix of rewards and benefits, head to the official American Express site, review the current offer one more time and submit your application. Used thoughtfully, this card can help your everyday essentials work harder and return a steady stream of cashback value year after year.
