Blue Cash Preferred from Amex Review
American Express · Families spending heavily on groceries
Our Expert Verdict
The best card for grocery shoppers with 6% back at U.S. supermarkets.
Pros
- 6% at supermarkets is industry-leading
- 6% on streaming
- Annual fee waived first year
- Intro APR offer
Cons
- $95 annual fee after year 1
- 6% grocery cap at $6,000/year
- Not accepted everywhere (Amex)
$250 after spending $3,000 in 6 months
Key Benefits & Perks
Rewards Breakdown
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| U.S. Supermarkets | 6% |
| Streaming | 6% |
| Transit | 3% |
| Gas Stations | 3% |
| Everything else | 1% |
In-Depth Review
Who Is the Blue Cash Preferred Best For?
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is the cash back card for families who spend big at the supermarket. At 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000/year), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on transit, it's laser-focused on the spending categories that matter most to households. If you spend $500+/month on groceries, this card pays for its $95 annual fee many times over.
Grocery Rewards Math
At $500/month in groceries, you earn $360/year at the 6% rate. Subtract the $95 fee, and you net $265 in pure profit from groceries alone — before counting gas, streaming, and transit rewards. At $1,000/month (the $6,000 cap spread over 6 months), you earn $360 in the first half and still earn 1% on grocery purchases above the cap.
The 6% streaming benefit covers Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Spotify, Apple Music, and more — easily worth $20-30/year for most households. Combined with 3% at gas stations and transit, a typical family earning $100/month on bonus categories nets over $1,000/year in rewards.
Supermarket ≠ Walmart or Target
The 6% grocery rate applies at U.S. supermarkets only. Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs (Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's) are excluded. If your primary grocery shopping is at Walmart or Target, this card loses its main advantage. Stores like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Aldi all qualify.
How It Compares
vs. Amex Gold: The Gold earns 4x MR points at supermarkets (worth roughly 4-8% depending on redemption) with a $25,000 cap, plus 4x at restaurants. The BCP earns 6% at supermarkets with a lower $6,000 cap and no restaurant bonus. For families spending under $6,000/year on groceries who want cash back (not points), the BCP is simpler. For higher spenders or those who want transferable points, the Gold wins.
The Bottom Line
The Blue Cash Preferred is the best pure cash back card for grocery shoppers. The 6% rate at supermarkets is unmatched, and the $95 fee is easily justified by anyone spending $250+/month on groceries. For families, it's essentially a $300+/year raise on spending you'd do anyway.
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Families spending heavily on groceries
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Customer Reviews
2 reviews
Best grocery card hands down
6% at supermarkets is unbeatable. Our family spends about $500/month on groceries, so we earn $360/year just on that. The $95 fee pays for itself easily.
Great if you max the categories
The 6% grocery and streaming categories are fantastic. Just note the $6,000 annual cap on groceries — after that it drops to 1%.
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