American Express · American Express · cash back
Blue Cash Preferred
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Terms read from American Express's page on Oct 16, 2026.
Year 1, after fees
$1,096
Year 2+, after fees
$751
every year after
3 years, after fees
$2,598
Break-even
Month 1
Earn rate by category
All values are after each card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees when you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime or Instacart+) aren't included.
Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.
On each spending preset
After fees; points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.
| Spending | Year 1 | Year 2+ | 3 years | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student ($985/mo) | $615 | $270 | $1,154 | Month 1 |
| Couple ($2,555/mo) | $973 | $628 | $2,229 | Month 1 |
| Family ($3,350/mo) | $1,096 | $751 | $2,598 | Month 1 |
| Frequent traveller ($3,880/mo) | $1,160 | $815 | $2,789 | Month 1 |
| Big spender ($7,960/mo) | $1,709 | $1,364 | $4,438 | Month 1 |
Who it suits
- People who spend a lot on groceries and gas, where it earns above its base rate.
- Even light spenders: on a student's $985 a month it still earns back its fee.
Who should skip it
- Spending abroad: 2.7% on every foreign-currency purchase.
Fees and rates
- Annual fee
- $95, waived in year 1
- Foreign transaction fee
- 2.7%
- Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 28.74% (variable)
- Intro APR on purchases
- 6 months, then the purchase APR
- Intro APR on balance transfers
- 6 months, 3% fee
Rewards
- 6% on US supermarkets, up to $6,000 a year
- 6% on select US streaming subscriptions
- 3% on transit
- 3% on US gas stations
- 1% on everything else
Credits, as counted
- Disney streaming bundle credit: $10 a month40% used
Eligibility and availability
- Income
- None published
Published requirements only. We don't estimate approval odds.
Assumptions
- Cash back: Paid in cash, so the value is exact, not an estimate.
- Welcome bonus: $250 back after $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (some visitors are offered $300). Your spending meets it in month 1.
- Credits: Each credit counts at the share a typical cardholder uses (listed on the card's page).
- Note: The intro APR is up to 18 months but can be as short as 6, so 6 months is counted.
- Note: Amex shows different welcome offers to different visitors; on 2026-10-16 this card showed $250 or $300. The lower offer is counted.
Not counted or not confirmed
- Rates & Fees page URL not confirmed (American Express product pages don't render outside a browser); needed before any Amex affiliate link goes live.
Earns more every year after year 1
On a family's spending, these keep more value from year 2 than this card's $751.
Chase IHG One Rewards PremierYear 2+ ~$1,243
Wells Fargo One Key CardYear 2+ $864
Chase Marriott Bonvoy BoundlessYear 2+ ~$809
Head to head
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Blue Cash Preferred worth it?
On a family's spending ($3,350 a month, points at their cash value), it's worth $1,096 in year 1 and $751 a year after that, after a $95 annual fee, waived in the first year. It covers its fee by month 1.
What is the American Express Blue Cash Preferred welcome offer?
$250 back after $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months (some visitors are offered $300).
Does the American Express Blue Cash Preferred charge foreign transaction fees?
Yes, 2.7% of each purchase in a foreign currency.
Sources
Rates, fees and offers are set by the issuer and may change. Check the issuer's terms before you apply. We don't estimate approval odds.
Compare it with 59 other cards on the US card comparison or read how cards are valued.