Amex offers two compelling cashback credit card options: the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
In this comparison, we'll explore the key differences between these two cards.
Comparison: Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs. Preferred
The Blue Cash Everyday is ideal for everyday spending with no annual fee, offering cashback on groceries, gas, and more.
Meanwhile, the Blue Cash Preferred comes with a higher annual fee but offers enhanced rewards, especially for frequent grocery shoppers and commuters.
|  | |
|---|---|---|
Amex Blue Cash Preferred | Amex Blue Cash Everyday | |
Annual Fee | $95 ($0 intro for the first year). See Rates & Fees. | |
Rewards | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit
and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
.Terms Apply. | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets / U.S. online retail purchases/ U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1% |
Welcome bonus | $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months | $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months |
0% Intro APR | 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
, then 19.24% – 29.99% Variable APR | 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
APR |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.70%. See Rates & Fees. | 2.7%. See Rates & Fees. |
Purchase APR | 19.24% – 29.99% Variable | 19.24% – 29.99% Variable |
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers
Cards Cashback Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis
| | |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Amex Blue Cash Preferred | Amex Blue Cash Everyday |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $450 | $270 |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| $50 | $50 |
$4,000 – Airline | $40 | $40 |
$3,000 – Hotels | $30 | $30 |
$4,000 – Gas | $120 | $120 |
Estimated Annual Value | $690 | $510 |
Which Extra Benefits You'll Get With Both Cards?
There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards. Since both cards are Amex low-mid-level cards, the benefits are quite similar:
- Additional Car Rental Insurance: When you use your Blue Cash Preferred card to reserve and pay for your car rental, you’ll receive additional car rental loss, damage, and theft insurance.
- Purchase Return Protection: You can enjoy return protection on eligible items with up to $300 per item and a cap of $1,000 per year. You must make your purchases with your card and negotiate with the seller first.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: Earn an $84 Disney Bundle Credit by receiving a monthly $7 statement credit when you use your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card to make monthly subscription payments of $9.99 or more.
- Amex Plan It: Plan It® is a payment feature that allows you to break down purchases of $100 or more into monthly installments with a predetermined fee.
- Exclusive Ticket Presale Access: Via American Express Experiences, you can obtain exclusive access to card member only events and ticket presales for concerts, sporting events, shows, and family events. Terms Apply.
Editorial Note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollments may be required for select benefits. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Which Unique Benefits You'll Get With Each Cards?
The main difference between the cards is in their statement credits:
- $120 Equinox+ Credit: When you use your Blue Cash Preferred credit card to pay for your Equinox+, you’ll receive $10 a month in statement credit. Terms Apply.
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers
When You Might Prefer the Blue Cash Preferred?
You may prefer the American Express Blue Cash Preferred over the Everyday card in the following situations:
Frequent Grocery Shoppers: If you spend a significant amount on groceries each month, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card may be better. It offers a higher cashback rate at supermarkets, making it a more lucrative choice for those who regularly stock up on groceries.
Commuters: If you have a long commute and spend a lot on gas or public transportation, the Blue Cash Preferred card could be your preference. It offers cashback on transit expenses, which can help offset the higher annual fee for commuters.
Family with Streaming Services: For families that frequently use streaming services, the Preferred card could be preferred, as it offers cashback on select streaming subscriptions, potentially offsetting the annual fee for those who spend a lot on entertainment.
When You Might Prefer the Blue Cash Everyday?
You may prefer the Blue Cash Everyday Card over the Amex Blue Cash Preferred in the following situations:
Low Grocery/Transit/Streaming Spending: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers higher rewards rates in these categories, but only up to a certain spending limit. If you don't spend that much money in these categories, you won't be able to maximize the rewards potential of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card.
You Don't Want To Pay An Annual Fee. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card has no annual fee, while the Blue Cash Preferred® Card has a $95 annual fee. If you're on a budget or don't want to pay an annual fee for a credit card, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a good option.
Compare The Alternatives
|
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $0
| $0
|
Rewards |
2%
2% cash rewards on purchases (unlimited)
|
1.5% – 5%
5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases
|
1% – 5%
3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% cash back available on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter (then 1%)
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
$200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
|
$200
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
|
$200
$200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| 3%
| 3%
|
Purchase APR | 20.24% to 29.99% variable APR
| 20.24%–28.99% variable
| 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $0) applies to all balance transfers
|
Compare Amex Blue Cash Preferred
In terms of cashback rates, the Blue Cash Preferred is a clear winner. But is it still apply if you're a high spender?
Here's our analysis: Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
Cash back or Amex membership rewards? Annual fee with higher rewards or no annual fee? Here's our full analysis – which is better for you?
Amex Everyday® Card vs Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
When it comes to travel benefits, there is a clear winner. But what about if you're looking for rewards on everyday spending?
While the Amex Gold Card is more expensive than the Blue Cash Preferred, its rewards program and other benefits are more lucrative.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Which One Gives You More?
The Citi Custom cash offers high cashback on your preferred category, but it's very limited in rewards compared to the Blue Cash Preferred.
Compare American Express Blue Cash Everyday
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday is the winner if you need gas and grocery purchases, while the Freedom Unlimited offers better travel rewards.
Unlike the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, Citi Custom Cash automatically adjusts its cashback categories based on your spending habits.
Related Posts
Review American Express Credit Cards
American Express Everyday
American Express Platinum Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
American Express Green Card
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Delta SkyMiles Blue
American Express Gold Card
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Hilton Honors American Express
