American Express offers several compelling cashback credit cards, with options to earn rewards on everyday purchases or in bonus categories. One of their most rewarding cards for grocery shopping and streaming services is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card. This card offers a straightforward value proposition – earn accelerated Cashback at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services and gas stations. With no caps on the bonus categories (except for an annual limit), this card can be tremendously valuable if you focus spending on its six percent categories. Let’s look closer at where the Blue Cash Preferred shines.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card: Lucrative Bonus Categories
6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets
The Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card offers a market-leading six percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases. This equates to $360 per year in rewards from grocery store spending. The six percent rate applies at most national supermarket chains, from Albertsons to Kroger to Whole Foods. Convenience stores and smaller grocery stores may not qualify.
6% Cash Back on Select U.S. Streaming Services
In addition to the generous supermarket rewards, the Blue Cash Preferred Card earns six percent cash back on purchases made with select U.S. streaming services, up to $6,000 annually. So, suppose you regularly pay for subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple Music, or Audible. In that case, you can earn over $300 annually using this Amex card for those services. Popular streaming platforms typically qualify, making it easy to maximize this benefit.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card: Maximizing the 6% Categories
Grocery Purchases Strategy
To optimize the value of the Blue Cash Preferred Card, it pays to be strategic with supermarket spending. Carefully tracking the amount spent at grocery stores ensures you fully utilize the $6,000 annual cap at 6 % before reverting to just one percent. As the year progresses, check your account online to see supermarket rewards earned to date. If needed, strategically shift more food, health, and household purchases to grocery merchants in the later months to enjoy more than 6 % cashback rewards.
Streaming Services Gameplan
Similarly, keep tabs on your annual streaming services spending to squeeze the most value from this bonus category. After activating your Blue Cash Preferred Card, update your Netflix, Spotify, Audible, and other streaming subscriptions to this new payment method. If you approach the $6,000 cap with a few months left, you could prepay some annual subscriptions earlier to earn the full six percent rewards. Or, if needed, supplement with new streaming subscriptions for the remainder of the year. Maximizing this category alongside the grocery bonuses can mean over $600 in annual Cashback.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card: Other Cash Back Earnings
3% at U.S. Gas Stations
This Amex card also offers a nice three percent cash back for purchases made at U.S. gas stations, with no caps on annual earnings. Compared with the rotating gas station bonuses on other credit cards, the Blue Cash Preferred provides reliable quarter-after-quarter gas rewards. Whether prices spike or plummet, that consistent three percent return helps offset the cost at the pump. And there’s no need to activate the bonus each quarter or track a calendar of which card offers the best gas perks. The Blue Cash Preferred provides automatic peace of mind.
1% on Other Eligible Purchases
While the Blue Cash Preferred Card shines for supermarket, streaming, and gas station spending, it also offers an unlimited one percent cash back on everyday purchases. This flat-rate return applies to any eligible buying not already earning bonus rewards with this card. So purchases at department stores, dining out, travel, and more will garner the standard one percent. Unlike rotating category bonuses, there are no spending caps. So whether you put $5,000 or $50,000 annually on general purchases with this card, you’ll earn steady cash rewards every time you use it.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card: Benefits Beyond Cash Back
Lucrative New Cardmember Offer
New American Express card members can take advantage of a compelling welcome offer with the Blue Cash Preferred Card. Currently, you can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months after opening the account. That essentially amounts to 10% back on your initial $3K spent across all purchases. Plus, for the first six months, cardholders earn 10% back on purchases made at U.S. restaurants, up to $200 back. Combined, that’s up to $500 in cash rewards just for signing up and using this new card.
Amex Offers and Savings
Beyond the rewards earning rates and welcome bonus, American Express cards provide access to special Amex Offers. These are cardholder-exclusive rebates and discounts for using your card at select online retailers, local merchants, restaurants, and service providers. Offers range from $5 off a $15 Uber ride to 10% off certain Best Buy purchases to savings at wine tastings near you. New Amex Offers become available each month, making everyday spending more rewarding. Simply “save” relevant discounts to your account, then visit those merchants and pay with your linked Blue Cash Preferred Card to trigger the rebate.
Our Final Thoughts about Blue Cash Preferred®
With six percent cash back on up to $6,000 per category annual spending at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express provides exceptional rewards potential. Strategically maximizing those bonus categories could mean over $600 in yearly Cashback. The unlimited three percent rebate for U.S. gas stations and default one percent return on other purchases provide reliable earnings on non-bonused spending.
For new card members, the current $300 welcome bonus plus 10% cash back at restaurants for six months offer quick rewards after approval; for high grocery and streaming budgets or simplified Cash, the Blue Cash Preferred Card deserves strong consideration as your go-to, with lucrative earnings that could offset much of your annual household expenses.
Disclaimers: The information is for general purposes only and not financial advice. Not all convenience stores and smaller grocery stores are excluded from the 6% supermarket category. It depends on the merchant code assigned by the store. It is important to note that credit card rewards and benefits can change over time, so it is always best to check the issuer’s website for the latest information.
What are the main cash-back rewards for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers a standout 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services. That’s potentially $360 back on groceries and $300 on streaming alone! Additionally, you’ll earn a reliable 3% back on U.S. gas stations and 1% on all other purchases, with no caps on these earnings.
Is there a welcome bonus for new card members?
Currently, yes! You can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening. Plus, for the first 6 months, enjoy 10% back on purchases at U.S. restaurants, up to $200 back. This limited-time offer puts up to $500 in your pocket just for signing up and using the card!
Are there any annual fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card?
Yes, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card has an annual fee of $95. However, if you can maximize the 6% categories and utilize other benefits like Amex Offers, the rewards potential can easily outweigh the annual cost.
Are there any foreign transaction fees?
Yes, unfortunately, there is a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for purchases made outside the U.S. This is important to consider if you plan to use the card for international travel.
Is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express a good fit for me?
This card could be ideal if you spend heavily on groceries and streaming services and value consistent rewards on gas purchases. However, if you travel frequently internationally or prefer cards with travel rewards and benefits, other options might be better suited.
