American Express Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card

By Raquel Oliveira • 02/27/2025

Earn 6% cashback on groceries and 3% on gas with the American Express Blue Cash Preferred .

The American Express Blue Cash Card is a smart choice for those who want to earn cashback on everyday purchases. It helps you save on essentials like groceries, fuel, and online shopping while keeping spending efficient.

One of its key advantages is the absence of an annual fee, making it a budget-friendly option for earning rewards without extra costs. This feature ensures long-term savings while maximizing financial benefits.

Beyond cashback, the card includes valuable credits for services like Disney Bundle and Home Chef, offering added convenience and entertainment to enhance your lifestyle without additional expenses.

From grocery shopping to fueling up and streaming your favorite content, every purchase with the American Express Blue Cash Card brings extra value, making daily spending more rewarding.

Main Benefits of American Express Blue Cash

• Entertainment Rewards: Get an $84 annual credit on the Disney Bundle, receiving $7 per month when paying with your Blue Cash card.
• Meal Kit Savings: Enjoy up to $180 in Home Chef credits per year, reducing costs on meal subscriptions.
• ShopRunner Membership: Gain free shipping from participating online retailers, making purchases faster and more economical.
• Purchase Protection & Car Rental Insurance: Added security for your shopping and travel, covering loss, theft, or damage.
• No Annual Fee: A cost-effective option with generous benefits at no extra charge.

How to Get the Most Out of Your American Express Blue Cash Card

To fully enjoy the benefits of the Amex Blue Cash Card, it’s essential to use it strategically. Here are some key tips to maximize rewards and savings:

• Use the card for high-cashback categories: Prioritize spending on groceries, gas, and eligible online retailers to get the highest cashback rates before reaching the annual cap.
• Leverage introductory 0% APR: Use the 15-month 0% APR period for large purchases or balance transfers to avoid paying interest while managing finances.
• Stack savings with additional discounts: Combine cashback rewards with store promotions, coupon codes, and other discounts for extra savings.
• Take advantage of included credits: Claim the Disney Bundle and Home Chef credits monthly to ensure you’re maximizing your savings on entertainment and dining.
• Monitor your spending to avoid fees: Keep track of international transactions to avoid the 2.7% foreign transaction fee, and pay your balance in full to prevent high APR charges.

By following these strategies, cardholders can maximize the value of their rewards, avoid unnecessary fees, and enjoy a more rewarding financial experience.

Cons of American Express Blue Cash

Balance Transfer Fees: A 3% or $5 minimum fee applies to transfers, which could add costs for those consolidating debt.

Cashback Limit on High-Reward Categories: Spending on supermarkets, gas, and select online retail is capped at $6,000 per year for high cashback rates. After reaching this limit, cashback drops to 1%.

Foreign Transaction Fee: A 2.7% fee applies to international purchases, making it less ideal for frequent travelers.

Variable APR: Rates range from 18.49% to 29.49%, which may be high for users who carry a balance.

How Does the American Express Blue Cash Card Work?

The Amex Blue Cash Card is designed to reward essential spending, returning a percentage of eligible purchases as cashback.

Cashback is automatically accumulated in your account, making it easy to save while continuing your regular purchases.

For added flexibility, the “Pay It” feature allows quick payments for small expenses, while “Plan It” helps break down larger purchases into fixed monthly installments.

With widespread acceptance across the U.S., this card aligns with a modern, digital lifestyle, making financial management smoother and more rewarding.

American Express Blue Cash: Fees & APR Details

• Annual Fee: None, making it a great long-term choice.
• Introductory 0% APR: Available for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
• Regular Variable APR: 18.49% – 29.49%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%, which may impact international shoppers.

How to Apply for the American Express Blue Cash Card

• Visit the American Express Website: The official site provides details about the card’s benefits and terms.
• Complete the Online Application: Provide personal information, including full name, home address, and contact details.
• Submit Financial Information: Include details such as annual income and social security number (SSN).
• Credit History Consideration: New U.S. residents may use international credit history or past Amex accounts for evaluation.
• Approval & Welcome Offer: Once approved, users receive details about their welcome bonus and can start using the card immediately.

Tips to Maximize Rewards with American Express Blue Cash

• Use it for groceries and gas: Earn the highest cashback by prioritizing these essential purchases.
• Take advantage of entertainment credits: Make sure to apply for the Disney Bundle and Home Chef credits to maximize savings.
• Plan larger purchases with “Plan It”: Convert big expenses into fixed monthly installments without accumulating high-interest debt.
• Avoid foreign transaction fees: Use a different card for international spending to prevent extra charges.
• Pay in full each month: With high APR rates, paying off the balance helps you maximize benefits without interest costs.

Conclusion: Is the American Express Blue Cash Card Worth It?

For everyday spenders, the Amex Blue Cash Card is a great way to earn cashback on essentials without an annual fee. Entertainment and meal credits add even more value, making it ideal for families and frequent shoppers.

However, international travelers or those exceeding the cashback cap on groceries and gas may find other options more rewarding.

If your spending aligns with the card’s perks, this is a strong choice for maximizing savings while keeping expenses low.