American Express Blue Cash Preferred: Top Choice for Groceries & Gas

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers an impressive combination of high cashback rates and everyday protections, making it one of the best rewards cards on the market for U.S. consumers—especially families and regular spenders.

Generous Cashback Rates

• 6% Cashback at U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent annually; then 1%) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• 6% Cashback on Select U.S. Streaming Services with no annual cap :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• 3% Cashback at U.S. Gas Stations & Transit (includes rideshare, tolls, public transport) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• 1% Cashback on All Other Purchases :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Intro Offers & Benefits

• $250 Statement Credit after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months (offer for select customers) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• No Annual Fee First Year; $95 thereafter :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• 0% Intro APR for 12 Months on purchases and balance transfers, then variable APR applies :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Up to $120 Annual Disney+ Credit – $7 per month statement credits on select Disney streaming services (enrollment required) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Why the Blue Cash Preferred Shines

This card leads the industry with 6% back at supermarkets. That alone can cover the annual fee—if you spend just $61/week at groceries, you break even :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. When you add the 6% streaming, 3% gas/transit, and other perks like the annual Disney+ credit, the card becomes a powerful cashback tool for daily spending and entertainment.

As one Redditor put it, it’s “underrated” because the annual fee is often overshadowed by the significant rewards and first-year bonuses :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Smart Ways to Maximize Your Cashback

• Use the card primarily at U.S. supermarkets to earn a full 6% until you hit the $6,000 cap.
• Pay for streaming subscriptions using the card to capitalize on unlimited 6% cashback.
• Use it for everyday transport and fuel to enjoy 3% back.
• Enroll in Amex Offers and use the $120 Disney+ credit every month.
• Take advantage of the first-year $250 credit—especially for planned large purchases or recurring expenses.

Extra Cardholder Protections

Beyond rewards, the card includes:

• Purchase protection and extended warranty
• Fraud safeguards and account alerts
• Easy redemption of Reward Dollars as statement credits or Amazon checkout discounts

Is It Right for You?

Ideal for:

• Frequent U.S. supermarket spenders
• Streaming service users
• Families or households with high recurring expenses
• Anyone who can cover the $95 fee through cashback and bonuses

Consider other cards if:

• You spend minimally on groceries or streaming
• You prefer a no–annual fee card, though the Everyday version offers lower reward rates
• Your grocery shopping occurs primarily at superstores not recognized as U.S. supermarkets by Amex :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Conclusion

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card stands out for delivering exceptional value through its high cashback rates, welcome offer, and extra perks—all without compromising on protection or flexibility. For U.S. consumers with typical household spending patterns, it’s a card that truly pays for itself.