If you’re looking for a cash back credit card, American Express has two popular options worth considering: the Amex Blue Cash Preferred and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday. Both cards offer generous cash back rewards on everyday spending, such as grocery and gas station purchases. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s find out.
How the Cards Stack Up
Take a look at this side-by-side comparison of both cards:
| Amex Blue Cash Preferred | Amex Blue Cash Everyday | |
|---|---|---|
| Earn | 6% cash back: – At U.S. supermarkets – On select streaming subscriptions 3% cash back on: – U.S. gas station purchases – U.S. transit purchases 1% cash back on all other purchases Terms Apply |
3% cash back on: – U.S. supermarket purchases – U.S. online retail purchases – U.S. gas station purchases 1% cash back on all other qualifying purchases Terms Apply |
| Annual Fee | $0 for the first year, then $95 | $0 |
| Welcome Offer | Varies based on spending requirements | Varies based on spending requirements |
| APR | Same range on both cards | Different introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Both cards have a foreign transaction fee | Both cards have a foreign transaction fee |
| Additional Perks | – $7 monthly Disney Bundle credit. Enrollment Required. – Car rental loss and damage insurance – Emergency global travel assistance – Purchase return protection – Exclusive access to American Express experiences Terms Apply |
– $7 monthly Disney Bundle credit. Enrollment Required. – Monthly Home Chef Credit of up to $15 – Car rental loss and damage insurance – Emergency global travel assistance – Free two-day shipping with ShopRunner – Purchase protection for accidental damage and theft – Exclusive access to American Express experiences Terms Apply |
Welcome Offer
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers a higher welcome offer, but it comes with a higher spending requirement compared to the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card. If you’re not willing to spend as much, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card may be a better choice for you.
Welcome Offer Winner: Amex Blue Cash Everyday
Rewards
When it comes to earning potential, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred takes the top spot. With this card, you can earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, capped at $6,000 per year, and 6% on select streaming subscriptions. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card offers 3% cash back on groceries, U.S. online retail purchases, and purchases at U.S. gas stations. Once you spend $6,000 in each category, the cash back earnings drop to 1% on all eligible purchases.
Rewards Winner: Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Annual Fee
While the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card comes with an annual fee of $95 after the first year, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card has no annual fee.
Annual Fee Winner: Amex Blue Cash Everyday
APR
The APR range is the same on both cards, but they have different introductory APR periods for purchases and balance transfers. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card has a longer introductory period for balance transfers compared to the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card.
APR Winner: Tie
Foreign Transaction Fee
Both cards have a foreign transaction fee.
Foreign Transaction Fee Winner: Tie
Additional Perks
Both cards offer significant added perks such as car rental loss and damage insurance, emergency global travel assistance, and exclusive access to American Express experiences. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers additional statement credits for Equinox+ membership and Home Chef purchases.
Additional Perks Winner: Tie
Which Card Earns the Most
Although the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card has an annual fee after the first year, its earning potential outweighs the cost. With monthly spending of $500, you can earn $360 cash back on groceries alone. Plus, you’ll earn 1% for supermarket purchases once you’ve spent $6,000 on the card.
Our Pick
Why we recommend Amex Blue Cash Preferred
If you find yourself frequently shopping at the grocery store, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card can help you maximize your cash back. With a monthly spending of $500, you can earn $360 cash back, and the added perks and bonus categories can easily cover the annual fee.
Why you would still opt for Amex Blue Cash Everyday
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is a better choice if you prefer a cash back reward without an annual fee. It’s also ideal if your spending is on the lower end and you won’t be able to reach the $6,000 threshold needed to maximize the 6% cash back bonus on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card.
Bottom Line
Both the Amex Blue Cash Preferred and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday cards are solid options for low-cost cash back rewards. However, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers a better welcome offer and has higher earning potential, especially if you’re a frequent grocery shopper. Be sure to analyze your spending patterns to determine which card is best for you.
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