The Amex Blue Cash Preferred charges a $95 annual fee (waived the first year) and earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets up to a yearly cap, 6% on select U.S. streaming, and 3% on transit and U.S. gas. It returns cash back as Reward Dollars. Figures are as of 2026; confirm current terms and welcome offers at the issuer.
What the Amex Blue Cash Preferred earns
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| U.S. supermarkets | 6% back, up to $6,000 a year, then 1% |
| Select U.S. streaming | 6% back |
| Transit and U.S. gas stations | 3% back |
| Everything else | 1% back |
The perks and details
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The Blue Cash Preferred is built for families with heavy grocery, streaming, gas, and transit spending. Cash back comes as Reward Dollars you can use as a statement credit. It is a cash-back card, so the rewards do not transfer to travel partners. It does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it is best used for spending in the United States. Confirm the current fee at American Express.
The fee math
The $95 fee (waived the first year) is easy to beat if you spend near the $6,000 supermarket cap: 6% on that alone is $360 before the streaming and gas categories. If your grocery spending is light, the no-fee Blue Cash Everyday may fit better. Confirm the current fee and caps at the issuer.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Earn rates and the fee are current as of 2026. Confirm the current welcome offer at the issuer before you apply.
Who it fits and who it does not
The Blue Cash Preferred fits households with high supermarket, streaming, and gas spending who want simple cash back. It does not fit someone who wants transferable travel points, which the Amex Gold or Platinum provide.
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FAQ
Does the Amex Blue Cash Preferred have an annual fee?
Yes, $95, though it is often waived the first year. It is easy to offset if you spend near the supermarket cap. Confirm the current fee at American Express.
What is the supermarket cap on the Blue Cash Preferred?
It earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases a year, then 1%. Confirm the current cap and eligible merchants at American Express.
Are Blue Cash Preferred rewards transferable to travel?
No. It earns cash back as Reward Dollars, not transferable Membership Rewards. For transferable points, the Amex Gold or Platinum fit better. Confirm current terms at American Express.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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