American Express Blue Cash Everyday vs American Express Blue Cash Preferred

Verified Oct 16, 2026USD

Both cards valued on the same spending, after fees. Year 1 against every year after shows which one keeps its value once the welcome bonus is gone.

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American Express Blue Cash Everyday

American Express

Blue Cash Everyday

No annual fee

after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$838
Year 2+$688
3%
Groc
Groceries
1%
Dine
Dining and takeout
3%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
1%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
1%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
3%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
No annual fee
Year 1Year 2Year 3
American Express Blue Cash Preferred

American Express

Blue Cash Preferred

$95 fee · yr 1 free

after fees: After the card's annual or monthly fee, and foreign transaction fees if you set foreign spending. Additional-card fees and memberships some benefits need (such as Amazon Prime) aren't included.
Year 1$1,096
Year 2+$751
6%
Groc
Groceries
1%
Dine
Dining and takeout
3%
Gas
Gas and EV charging
1%
Air
Flights
1%
Hotel
Hotels and car rentals
3%
Transit
Transit and rideshare
6%
Stream
Streaming
1%
Drug
Drugstores
1%
Online
Online shopping
1%
Bills
Phone, internet and utilities
1%
Other
Everything else
Pays for itself in month 1 · value so far covers fees so far
Year 1Year 2Year 3

On a family's spending: Year 1 goes to American Express Blue Cash Preferred, every year after to American Express Blue Cash Preferred, and 3 years to American Express Blue Cash Preferred. Compare them on your own spending

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.

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.

Values for points and miles are estimates based on published redemption valuations; actual value depends on how you redeem.

3-year value on each preset

after fees, points at their cash value. "~" marks estimates.

SpendingAmerican Express Blue Cash EverydayAmerican Express Blue Cash PreferredAhead
Student$901$1,154American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Couple$1,819$2,229American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Family$2,213$2,598American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Frequent traveller$2,332$2,789American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Big spender$4,052$4,438American Express Blue Cash Preferred

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, American Express Blue Cash Everyday or American Express Blue Cash Preferred?

Over 3 years, American Express Blue Cash Everyday comes out ahead on 0 of 5 spending presets and American Express Blue Cash Preferred on 5. On a family's spending ($3,350 a month), Year 1 goes to American Express Blue Cash Preferred and every year after to American Express Blue Cash Preferred.

Why can the winner change after year 1?

Year 1 includes welcome bonuses and first-year fee waivers. From year 2 only rewards on spending, ongoing credits and the full annual fee count, so a card with a bigger bonus can fall behind.

Sources

Estimates for information only; not financial advice. See how cards are ranked.