Choosing between the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) and the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards (no annual fee) 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.
Strongest in groceries at 6% (up to $6,000/yr). 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas.
Perfect if: Your monthly spending stays within the bonus cap for maximum value.
Apply Now2% first year, then 1.5% unlimited, up to 2.62% with Preferred Rewards. Earns a solid 1.5% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $250 after $3,000 spend in 6 months | $200 after $1,000 spend in 90 days |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% | 3% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | <strong>1.5%</strong> |
| Travel Rewards | <strong>3%</strong> | 1.5% |
| Groceries Rewards | <strong>6% (up to $6,000/yr)</strong> | 1.5% |
| Gas Rewards | <strong>3%</strong> | 1.5% |
| Key Benefits | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas. | 2% first year, then 1.5% unlimited, up to 2.62% with Preferred Rewards. |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express pulls ahead for travel, groceries, gas spending.
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards wins on dining.
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.
Enter your typical monthly spending and we’ll show you exactly which card earns more — including fees and bonuses.