Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express vs Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Which Card Wins for Your Spending?

Choosing between the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express (no annual fee) and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) comes down to where you spend most. Both cards can deliver real value — let’s break it down, then run your numbers to find the winner.

Meet the Contenders

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Strongest in groceries at 3% (up to $6,000/yr). 3% at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail (each up to $6,000/yr).

Annual fee: None Sign-up bonus: $200 after $2,000 spend in 6 months Foreign fees: 2.7%

Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.

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Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Strongest in groceries at 6% (up to $6,000/yr). 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas.

Annual fee: $95 Sign-up bonus: $250 after $3,000 spend in 6 months Foreign fees: 2.7%

Perfect if: Your monthly spending stays within the bonus cap for maximum value.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Annual Fee $0 $95
Sign-Up Bonus $200 after $2,000 spend in 6 months $250 after $3,000 spend in 6 months
Foreign Transaction Fee 2.7% 2.7%
Base Reward Rate <strong>1.0%</strong> <strong>1.0%</strong>
Travel Rewards 1% <strong>3%</strong>
Groceries Rewards 3% (up to $6,000/yr) <strong>6% (up to $6,000/yr)</strong>
Gas Rewards 3% (up to $6,000/yr) 3%
Key Benefits 3% at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail (each up to $6,000/yr). 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas.

The Verdict

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on travel, groceries.

The $95/year fee difference means Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express needs to earn at least that much more in rewards to justify its cost.

Not sure which fits your life? Enter your spending below and we’ll do the math.

See Which Card Wins for YOU

Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.