The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a cash back credit card focused on everyday spending categories. Card Members earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases per year, after which purchases in this category earn 1%. The card also earns 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on transit such as taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains and buses, and 3% at U.S. gas stations. Other eligible purchases earn 1% cash back.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit. This means the Blue Cash Preferred® Card does not use the Membership Rewards® points structure described on the previous version of this page. The card also currently has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, followed by a $95 annual fee.
Beyond its cash back categories, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card includes additional benefits subject to their respective terms and eligibility requirements. These include Purchase Protection, Return Protection, Extended Warranty, Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist® Hotline and access to Amex Offers. The card also provides a Disney Streaming Credit for eligible enrolled Card Members who meet the applicable subscription and purchase requirements.
Because several of the highest cash back categories apply specifically to purchases in the United States, users should pay attention to how and where they intend to use the card. The card also charges a foreign transaction fee, making this cost relevant when considering purchases outside the U.S.
What is the interest rate for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card has a variable APR that depends on the applicable offer and the applicant’s creditworthiness. American Express calculates its standard variable purchase APR based on the U.S. Prime Rate plus an applicable margin. Applicants should review the current Rates and Fees before submitting an application because APRs and promotional offers can change.
Can I use my Blue Cash Preferred® Card internationally?
Yes. The card can be used internationally where American Express is accepted. However, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card currently charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars. Its higher cash back rates for supermarkets and gas stations are also specifically tied to eligible U.S. purchases.
Is there an annual fee for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card?
Yes. American Express currently offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year. After the introductory year, the annual fee is $95.
How can I earn cash back with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card?
You can earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases per year, then 1%; 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% on transit; 3% at U.S. gas stations; and 1% on other eligible purchases. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
What should I do if my Blue Cash Preferred® Card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, contact American Express as soon as possible or use the available account management tools to report the card. American Express can provide instructions for securing the account and obtaining a replacement card.
How to Apply for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card
Applications for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card can be submitted through the official American Express website. Before applying, review the current welcome offer, cash back categories, introductory and ongoing annual fee, APR, foreign transaction fee and other applicable terms. During the application, American Express requests personal and financial information to evaluate eligibility. Applicants can also use the “Apply With Confidence” feature, when available, to check whether they are approved without affecting their credit score; accepting the card after approval may then affect the credit score. Approval, credit limit and applicable APR depend on American Express’s evaluation. Because welcome offers and promotional APRs can change, applicants should verify the offer displayed on the official Blue Cash Preferred® Card page at the time of application.
