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Blue Cash Preferred vs Blue Cash Everyday
Offers last updated October 26, 2026. Disclosure: We may earn a referral bonus if you apply through links on this page; it never changes our analysis. Terms apply. Not financial advice.
These are cash-back cards, not travel cards, and the choice is simple arithmetic. The Preferred doubles the Everyday’s rate at U.S. supermarkets and adds a high rate on select streaming, in exchange for a $95 annual fee. If your grocery spending is high enough, the fee pays for itself.
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred® from Amex | Blue Cash Everyday® from Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 |
| Welcome offer | Earn $300 back after $3,000 spend in 6 months | Earn $200 back after $2,000 spend in 6 months |
| Minimum spend | $3,000 in 6 months | $2,000 in 6 months |
| Est. first-year value* | +$205 | +$284 |
| Bonus earning | 6x U.S. groceries · 3x dining · 3x gas | 3x dining · 3x U.S. groceries · 3x gas · 3x online shopping |
| Key perks | 6% on Streaming · Return Protection · Purchase Protection | $84 Disney Streaming Credit · No Annual Fee · Return Protection |
| Transfer partners | None (cash back) | None (cash back) |
| Typical credit needed | Good / Excellent | Good / Excellent |
*Estimated welcome-bonus value plus dollar-denominated credits, minus the annual fee. Point values are estimates; your results depend on how you redeem.
Pick the Blue Cash Preferred if…
- Your household spends roughly $265+ a month at U.S. supermarkets.
- You pay for several streaming subscriptions.
- You want the higher welcome offer and can meet its spending requirement.
Terms apply. See Rates & Fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® from Amex. You'll be taken to American Express's official site to apply.
Pick the Blue Cash Everyday if…
- Your grocery spending is modest, or you simply won’t pay an annual fee.
- Online shopping is a bigger category for you than streaming.
- You want a no-fee card to keep long-term for credit history.
Terms apply. See Rates & Fees for the Blue Cash Everyday® from Amex. You'll be taken to American Express's official site to apply.
The break-even
The Preferred earns 3 percentage points more at U.S. supermarkets. Divide the $95 fee by 3% and you get about $3,170 a year — roughly $265 a month. Above that, the Preferred earns more on groceries alone; below it, the Everyday comes out ahead (before counting streaming). Both cards cap their bonus supermarket rates each year, so check current terms if you spend heavily.
Beyond groceries
The Everyday also earns 3% on U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail, which the Preferred doesn’t match on online shopping. Heavy online shoppers with moderate grocery bills can come out ahead on the no-fee card.
Not a travel card
Neither card earns transferable points or offers travel perks like lounge access. If your goal is a trip, take the quiz — a travel card will usually get you further.
Still not sure? Let your trips decide.
Answer a few questions about where you’re going and how you spend. Free, no signup, no credit check — about 90 seconds.
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