Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday: A Showdown of Cash-Back Cards

While American Express is renowned for its top-tier travel cards, it also boasts several excellent cash-back card choices. Nowadays, the option to redeem cash back for everyday expenses may take precedence over accumulating points for a future getaway.

Among the standout cash-back options in the Amex portfolio are the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. Both provide bonus cash-back rewards at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets, but there are additional bonus categories, earning rates, and annual fees to consider when comparing the two.

Right now, both cards are offering enhanced welcome bonuses that might prompt you to reassess your choice. Here’s a detailed comparison of the benefits from both cards to guide you in making an informed decision.

Comparing Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday

As evident, both cards share several similarities. But which one aligns better with your spending patterns? Let’s explore who might benefit more from each card.

Welcome Offer for Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday

The Blue Cash Preferred offers a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of opening your account.

On the other hand, the Blue Cash Everyday card provides a slightly smaller welcome bonus with a lower spending threshold. Cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of membership.

Both cards feature an introductory APR: Blue Cash Everyday provides a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, while Blue Cash Preferred offers 0% for 12 months.

It's essential to understand that both welcome bonuses will be issued as statement credits.

Winner: Blue Cash Preferred. Although it requires a higher spending limit, the bonus is more rewarding.

Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday Advantages

While the Blue Cash Preferred has a $0 introductory annual fee and a subsequent $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), it provides numerous benefits that justify this cost. Cardholders enjoy a monthly $7 Disney bundle statement credit when they spend $9.99 or more each month on a Disney+ subscription using the Blue Cash Preferred card. Enrollment is required.

It also includes secondary car rental loss and damage insurance. This benefit is often seen on travel cards, making it a nice addition to a cash-back card. Moreover, it offers return protection** and an extended warranty** on purchases, along with a ShopRunner membership, which grants free two-day shipping at many online retailers.

The Blue Cash Everyday card provides nearly identical benefits and an extended warranty on purchases, all without an annual fee (see rates and fees). The card also offers up to $180 in annual Home Chef credits and up to $15 in monthly statement credits after using your Blue Cash Everyday card for a Home Chef subscription.

Winner: Tie. Both cards present comparable benefits, so applicants should select the card that aligns best with their personal preferences.

**Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information.

***Eligibility and benefit levels differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. Policies are backed by AMEX Assurance Company.

Earning Cash Back: Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday

The Blue Cash Preferred offers cardholders 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1% thereafter) and on select U.S. streaming services. Additionally, cardholders earn 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, with no limit on the rewards that can be accrued. All other purchases receive 1% cash back.

In contrast, the Blue Cash Everyday offers lower earning rates. Cardholders earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per category annually, then 1% after that). All other purchases yield 1% cash back.

It's important to note that the Blue Cash Preferred features a $0 introductory annual fee, which rises to $95 after the first year, while the Blue Cash Everyday has no annual fee. Be sure to evaluate your potential earnings in the available bonus categories to determine if the Blue Cash Preferred’s fee is justified before applying. If not, the Blue Cash Everyday may be the better choice.

Winner: Blue Cash Preferred. This card provides a higher cash back rate for supermarket purchases and unlimited earnings on transit and U.S. gas station spending.

Cash Back Redemption: Blue Cash Preferred vs. Blue Cash Everyday

Both the Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday have limited redemption options. Cardholders earn cash back as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at checkout on Amazon.com.

Nevertheless, there are compelling reasons to maintain a cash-back card in your wallet. Senior points and miles writer Katie Genter recommended the Blue Cash Preferred to her parents, who desired straightforward statement credit redemption from their cash back rewards.

Winner: Tie. Both cards provide only a single method to redeem cash back rewards.

Should I choose the Blue Cash Preferred or Blue Cash Everyday?

Both cards offer bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets, though at different rates. If you plan to accumulate enough rewards with the Blue Cash Preferred to justify its $95 annual fee (with a $0 intro fee the first year; see rates and fees), it may be the better choice. However, if you are new to rewards cards and expect to spend only $100-$200 monthly, the no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday (see rates and fees) is the better option.

How to transition from the Blue Cash Preferred to the Blue Cash Everyday

Holders of either card can initiate a product change by calling Amex customer service or making a request through the Amex mobile app.

Keep in mind that any promotional welcome bonuses, introductory APR offers, or waived annual fees for the first year will not apply when switching between these two credit card options.

Final thoughts

Both the Blue Cash Preferred and the Blue Cash Everyday are fantastic options for cash-back rewards. If you can fully utilize the bonus categories to offset the annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred clearly stands out as the top choice. However, if you're uncertain about earning enough to justify that fee, the Blue Cash Everyday is the better option.

For further information, check out our comprehensive review of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred and the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.