Amex Blue Cash Preferred: pros and cons to help you decide with confidence

Choosing the right credit card goes far beyond credit limits or brand recognition. It’s about understanding whether the card truly fits your lifestyle, offers meaningful benefits, and most importantly, delivers real value on your everyday spending.

In this context, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred stands out as one of the top cashback options in the U.S. market.

But is it really the right card for you?

Below is an honest and detailed breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages of this card to help you make a smart and informed decision.

Advantages of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred

1. High cashback on key spending categories
The card offers 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year) and also 6% on select streaming services. You also get 3% at gas stations and on transit, and 1% on all other purchases. Few cards offer such high returns on such essential categories.

2. Attractive welcome bonus
Spend $3,000 within the first six months and receive a $300 statement credit. This is one of the best introductory offers in its category — a great way to start earning immediately.

3. Simple and direct rewards redemption
Cashback is automatically applied as a statement credit. No points, no complex rules — just clear, practical value.

4. Strong purchase protections and insurance benefits
Enjoy purchase protection, extended warranties, car rental insurance, return protection, and 24/7 global assistance — great tools for everyday peace of mind and travel safety.

5. First-year annual fee waived
You get the first year completely free, allowing you to experience all the benefits without any upfront cost.

6. Trust and reputation of American Express
You’ll benefit from Amex’s exceptional customer service and access to programs like Amex Offers and exclusive events for cardholders.

Disadvantages of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred

1. Annual fee after the first year
Although the first year is free, you’ll pay a $95 annual fee from the second year onward. If your spending is low in the high-cashback categories, the fee may not be worth it.

2. Supermarket cashback cap
The 6% cashback at supermarkets is limited to $6,000 per year. After that, the rate drops to 1%, reducing the potential return on higher or more frequent grocery purchases.

3. Foreign transaction fees
There’s a 2.7% fee on international transactions, making it a less attractive option for overseas travel or purchases in foreign currencies.

4. Higher approval requirements
Approval typically requires good to excellent credit, which may exclude applicants who are new to credit or rebuilding their credit history.

5. U.S.-centric benefits
Many of the card’s perks — such as streaming and transit rewards — are available only in the U.S., limiting its appeal for non-residents or frequent international travelers.

Conclusion: is this the right card for you?

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is undeniably one of the best credit cards for turning everyday expenses into tangible rewards. Its high cashback rates, welcome bonus, and additional protections place it ahead of many competitors.

However, the annual fee and limited international use mean that it works best for those who spend consistently in the U.S. on groceries, transit, fuel, and streaming.

The ideal decision lies in balancing what the card offers with how you plan to use it.

If you identified with the strong points, your next step is to explore our full article on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred — and learn how to use it strategically to earn while you spend.