Compare Amex Blue Cash Everyday and Preferred: Which Fits You?
The competition between the Blue Cash Everyday® Card and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express continues to draw attention as consumers seek the best cash-back credit card suited to their spending habits. Both cards are popular choices in the United States, particularly for families focused on maximizing rewards from grocery shopping, streaming services, and fuel purchases.
The key difference lies in the earning potential and associated fees. The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers a straightforward cash-back structure with no annual fee, making it ideal for those who prefer simplicity and moderate spending. In contrast, the Blue Cash Preferred Card caters to heavy spenders, especially those who regularly purchase groceries and subscribe to multiple streaming services, justifying its annual fee of $95 after the first year, when it is waived.
Welcome Offers and Spending Benefits
Both cards feature welcome bonuses that can enhance their appeal. The Blue Cash Preferred Card provides a higher welcome offer, contingent on meeting a specific spending threshold. While this may initially seem attractive, the value derived from either card ultimately depends on individual spending patterns.
For instance, if a cardholder spends $6,000 annually at US supermarkets, the Blue Cash Everyday Card yields a cash-back reward of $180. In contrast, the Blue Cash Preferred Card significantly increases that amount to $360, showcasing its advantages for those who spend heavily in this category. Additionally, both cards provide the same cash-back reward of $90 for $3,000 spent on gas, but the Preferred card offers an extra $30 for $500 spent annually on streaming services, further enhancing its reward potential.
Choosing the Right Card for You
Deciding between these two cards hinges on your spending behavior. The Blue Cash Everyday Card is preferable if you want to avoid an annual fee and your spending is moderate. Conversely, the Blue Cash Preferred Card is more suitable for families or individuals who frequently shop for groceries and subscribe to multiple streaming services.
While both cards lack luxury travel benefits, they do present useful features such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. Nonetheless, it is important to note that both cards impose a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, making them less than ideal for international travelers.
For those considering alternatives, options such as the American Express® Gold Card offer flexible rewards. This card earns 4x Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year) and 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. However, it carries a higher annual fee of $325.
Another alternative is the Citi Custom Cash® Card, which provides 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), without an annual fee.
In evaluating these credit card options, it is crucial to align the choice with your spending patterns and financial goals. Each card offers unique benefits that can cater to different lifestyles and budgets, allowing consumers to optimize their cash-back rewards effectively.
The insights presented in this article draw from expert analysis by Kyle Olsen, a seasoned credit card and personal finance expert at CNN Underscored. The editorial team at CNN Underscored is dedicated to delivering practical, unbiased advice, ensuring recommendations are based on in-depth evaluations of features, fees, and overall value.
