Editorial illustration using official card art from American Express; benefits and offers are governed by current termsThis card is easiest to justify when you consistently spend about $300–$500 a month at traditional U.S. supermarkets and naturally use the Disney Streaming Credit. It is a poor fit if most grocery spending is at Costco, Walmart or Target, or if you need a card for foreign purchases.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is built around a simple proposition: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, plus 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. Unlike a transferable-points card, its value does not require award charts or transfer partners.
As of August 2026, Amex advertises a welcome offer as high as $300 cash back after $3,000 in purchases in the first six months. “As high as” matters: the application flow may show a different amount, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Review the exact terms shown before submitting.
Spend $3,000 in six months; your offer and eligibility may vary.
Key terms
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
As high as $300 after $3,000 in six months; your result may differ.
0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, followed by a variable APR under the terms shown when you apply.
2.7%, making it a weak choice abroad.
Cash back is earned as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout. Offer, APR and eligibility terms are controlled by Amex.
Cash-back rates
Maxing out the $6,000 annual supermarket cap produces $360 in cash back. Purchases above the cap earn 1%.
Warehouse clubs and superstores such as Costco, Walmart and Target are generally excluded. Rewards depend on the category code the merchant submits—not simply on whether you bought groceries.
Up to $120 in Disney Streaming Credits
After enrollment, use the card for an eligible subscription at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com in the U.S. to receive up to $10 in statement credits each month, or $120 annually. Amex's current benefit guide says there is no minimum purchase requirement.
Count this close to face value only if you would pay for an eligible subscription anyway. Subscriptions auto-renew, and enrollment is required.
A focused household card—not an all-purpose card
The value is concentrated in traditional U.S. supermarkets, streaming, gas and transit. That can make the card pleasantly simple. But if your grocery cart usually comes from Costco, Walmart or Target, the headline 6% rate is far less relevant.
Drawbacks
- The 6% supermarket category is capped: only the first $6,000 each calendar year earns 6%, then 1%.
- Merchant exclusions matter: warehouse clubs and superstores generally do not qualify.
- There is a $95 fee after year one: light spenders may do better with a no-fee card.
- The 2.7% foreign transaction fee is avoidable: use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card abroad.
- The headline welcome offer is not guaranteed: Amex displays your offer and eligibility during the application process.
Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred | Blue Cash Everyday |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 first year, then $95 | $0 |
| U.S. supermarkets | 6% on up to $6,000 a year | 3% on up to $6,000 a year |
| Select U.S. streaming | 6% | No broad streaming bonus category |
| U.S. gas stations | 3% | 3%, subject to its category cap |
| Best for | Higher grocery and streaming spend | Lower spend and no annual fee |
Blue Cash Everyday is easier to keep for occasional supermarket spending. Blue Cash Preferred is more compelling for households with higher grocery and streaming spend, though the cards differ in other categories and benefits.
Before you apply
- Save the exact welcome offer shown in your application; do not assume you will receive the maximum.
- Read the eligibility notice. Amex may consider your card and welcome-offer history.
- Confirm that your main grocery merchants code as U.S. supermarkets.
- Enroll in the Disney Streaming Credit and verify that monthly credits post correctly.
- Do not create spending you cannot pay off; the APR after the intro period is high.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Blue Cash Preferred annual fee?
The current annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $95 per year.
Does Costco, Walmart or Target earn 6% back?
Generally, no. Warehouse clubs and superstores are normally outside Amex's U.S. supermarket category. Rewards ultimately depend on the merchant category submitted to Amex.
Does the card charge a foreign transaction fee?
Yes. Amex currently lists a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, so this is not a good card for purchases abroad.
How is cash back redeemed?
Cash back is earned as Reward Dollars and can currently be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout, subject to Amex's terms.
Bottom line
Blue Cash Preferred remains one of the clearest high-earning grocery cards in the U.S. Its long-term value comes down to two questions: how much you spend at qualifying U.S. supermarkets and whether the Disney Streaming Credit replaces a bill you already pay.
Households spending about $300–$500 a month at traditional supermarkets are well positioned to use it. Costco, Walmart and Target shoppers—or frequent international travelers—should look elsewhere.