The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers the highest cash-back rate on US supermarket purchases of any major credit card — a remarkable 6% back, up to $6,000 spent per year. For families and individuals who spend heavily on groceries and gas, the math often works out strongly in your favor despite the $95 annual fee.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6% cash back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000/year = up to $360/year)
- 6% cash back on select US streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- 3% cash back at US gas stations and transit
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $250 welcome bonus after $3,000 spend in 6 months
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit per year (effectively offsets annual fee)
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
❌ Cons
- $95 annual fee (waived first year)
- 6% grocery rate limited to $6,000/year (then 1%)
- Does not apply to warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club) or superstores (Walmart, Target)
- Foreign transaction fee of 2.7%
Rates & Fees
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 (waived first year) |
| Grocery Cash Back | 6% at US supermarkets (up to $6,000/year) |
| Streaming Cash Back | 6% on select US streaming services |
| Gas/Transit Cash Back | 3% |
| All Other Purchases | 1% |
| Welcome Bonus | $250 after $3,000 in 6 months |
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 months on purchases |
| Regular APR | 19.24%–29.99% Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% |
Who Should Apply
This card is best for families spending $400+ per month on groceries. At that level, the 6% rate earns $288/year in grocery cash back alone — well exceeding the $95 fee. Add streaming and gas rewards plus the $84 Disney Bundle Credit, and the value proposition is very strong. Requires Good to Excellent credit (700+ FICO).
How to Apply
- Visit americanexpress.com/blue-cash-preferred.
- Check your pre-approval status using the Amex pre-qualification tool.
- Click "Apply Now" and complete the application form.
- Provide income, address, and SSN details.
- Submit — Amex typically gives a decision within 30–60 seconds.
- Activate your card via the Amex app and enroll in Membership Rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whole Foods count as a US supermarket for the 6%?
Yes! Whole Foods Market qualifies as a US supermarket for Amex Blue Cash Preferred, as does Trader Joe's, Safeway, Kroger, and most major grocery chains.
Is the annual fee waived the first year?
Yes — the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year, giving you 12 months to evaluate whether the rewards justify keeping the card.
What happens after I hit the $6,000 grocery cap?
After $6,000 in US supermarket spending within a calendar year, your grocery cash back rate drops to 1% for the remainder of the year. The cap resets on January 1.