Choosing between the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) and the U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card (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 NowUnlimited 2% cash back on every purchase (up to 4% with large U.S. Bank deposit balances). Earns a solid 2.0% on everything else.
Perfect if: You want solid rewards without paying an annual fee.
Apply Now| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | $300 after $3,000 spend in 6 months | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% | 3% |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.0% | 2.0% |
| Travel Rewards | 3% | 2% |
| Groceries Rewards | 6% (up to $6,000/yr) | 2% |
| Gas Rewards | 3% | 2% |
| Key Benefits | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming, 3% on transit and gas. | Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase (up to 4% with large U.S. Bank deposit balances). |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express pulls ahead for travel, groceries, gas spending.
U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card 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.