American Express Blue Cash Preferred – Top Grocery and Streaming Cash Back Card for U.S. Families

Overview of the card

American Express Blue Cash Preferred is built for U.S. families who want to turn everyday spending into meaningful savings. With 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, and 3% at gas stations and on eligible transit, this Blue Cash Preferred card targets the categories where households spend most.

The first year comes with a $0 annual fee intro, then $95 thereafter, and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. Those features make the American Express Blue Cash Preferred appealing for both short-term financing and long-term cash back optimization.

Rewards, rates and practical limits

Rewards are straightforward: 6% back at supermarkets and streaming, 3% back on gas and transit, and 1% on other purchases. Keep in mind the supermarket 6% is capped at $6,000 annual spend, so heavy grocery spenders should calculate whether the cap matches their household budget.

Key costs include a $95 annual fee after the first year, a variable APR typically in the high teens to upper 20s dependent on credit, and a balance transfer fee (either $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater). Foreign transaction fees apply, so this card is best for U.S.-based everyday use.

How to maximize cash back

To squeeze the most value from the American Express Blue Cash Preferred, route grocery bills and streaming subscriptions to the card first. For a typical U.S. family, the 6% grocery rate can quickly translate to several hundred dollars back annually up to the $6,000 cap. Pay streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ on this card to collect the 6% streaming rewards.

Pair the Blue Cash Preferred with a no-annual-fee backup card for purchases outside bonus categories or for international travel. Use the Plan It feature for large buys during the 0% intro APR window to spread payments without interest. Redeem rewards as statement credits or at checkout options like Amazon for effortless savings.

Who should apply and next steps

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred is ideal for U.S. households with steady grocery and streaming expenses and a good to excellent credit score. If your grocery spending approaches or exceeds the $6,000 annual cap, the card still delivers top-tier value, and the welcome offer can offset the first-year fee for many families.

Applying is simple online—compare your monthly grocery, gas and streaming spend first to estimate annual cash-back potential. If you want an easy win on everyday expenses, consider applying for the American Express Blue Cash Preferred and pairing it with a complementary card to cover gaps. Start by checking your eligibility and see how much cash back you could earn this year.