If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is known for standing head and shoulders above most cash back cards. With this card, everyday activities like shopping for groceries, buying gas, and using public transit earn a whopping 3%-6% cash back. (Terms apply; enrollment may be required.) But is this card right for you?
Below, we'll dive into the details, exploring who benefits most from this card -- so you can decide for yourself.
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
On American Express' Secure Website.
Terms apply
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months
APR
18.24%-29.24% Variable
Rewards 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
1%-6% Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Welcome Offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
This card offers market-leading cash back at U.S. supermarkets. The welcome bonus and intro APR offer sweeten the deal. Terms apply. If you spend a lot on groceries (excluding wholesale clubs and superstores like Costco and Walmart), this card is worth considering.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.
Our highest-rated credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates and 0% intro APR offers, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and purchase protections.
Our highest-rated credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best credit card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
If groceries, gas, and transit make up a large percentage of your monthly budget, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred could be your financial MVP. This credit card shines for its high cash back rates on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and streaming services. (Terms apply; enrollment may be required.)
Here's what makes the Amex Blue Cash Preferred stand out:
With rewards like these, it's no surprise this card is often rated among the best cash back cards.
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (See rates and fees.) But because this card has a stellar cash back rate, it quickly pays for itself:
Few cash back cards earn rewards as quickly as this one. If you're looking for a cash back card, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a strong contender.
While this is one of our favorite cash back cards, it's not perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you spring for this card:
Only select stores qualify to earn 6% cash back on groceries. (Terms apply.) According to Amex's website, these stores are considered "supermarkets" for the purpose of earning rewards:
But these stores are not:
If you're interested in earning this high cash back rate on groceries, check to make sure your favorite supermarket qualifies. Note that Amex doesn't offer a complete list of qualifying or non-qualifying stores. If you have questions, contact Amex customer service directly.
There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars. Amex is not widely accepted outside of the United States anyway -- so if you're looking for a card to use while you're traveling, this probably isn't it.
Applying for this powerhouse card is simple. Here's how:
Your application will be more attractive if your credit score is above 670. You can use Amex's online credit score tool to check your score for free. If you need to boost your credit score, check out our guide: How to Increase Your Credit Score
Amex offers a free pre-approval tool, which matches you to cards that are a good fit for your financial profile. Using this tool doesn't impact your credit score. This can be a great way to see if you qualify before submitting an application for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred.
When you're ready, you can apply for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card online. Some cardholders are instantly approved, while others may need to wait a few days for American Express to verify their information. Those who are approved can often get a card number instantly to add to digital wallets and use for online shopping.
If you're looking for a card that rewards everyday spending, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is a champion in our book. Few cards offer the high cash back rates this card provides -- and even the most mundane activities are rewarded with its generous rates. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is definitely worth a look for anyone interested in making their life a little more rewarding.
We recommend comparing options to ensure the card you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of standout credit cards.
Offer | Our Rating | Welcome Offer | Rewards Program | APR | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | 1% - 5% Cashback Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Intro: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months Regular: 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR |
||
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
$200 cash rewards Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. | 2% cash rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. |
Intro: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers Regular: 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR |
||
![]()
Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
On Bank of America's Secure Website. |
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
25,000 points 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases | 1.5-3 points per dollar Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. |
Intro: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America. Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days Regular: 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) |
Apply Now for Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
On Bank of America's Secure Website. |
While American Express doesn't explicitly state a credit score requirement for this card, the most qualified candidates will have a credit score of 670 or higher.
Yes -- you can earn a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months. Terms apply.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
***Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Amex.