Best cash-back rate on U.S. supermarkets — 6% up to $6,000 per year.
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Good–Excellent credit — 670+ FICO typical; hard pull required
ClearValue Rating: 4 / 5 — our editorial assessment (how we rate)
Editorial confidence (30%), cost (25%), value (25%), accessibility (20%) — scored consistently across every product, independent of compensation.
Households spending $500+ per month at U.S. supermarkets who can offset the $95 annual fee with grocery and streaming rewards.
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card has a $0 annual fee in year one, then $95 from year two. It earns 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select streaming, 3% on U.S. gas and transit, and 1% on all other purchases. A foreign transaction fee applies on international purchases. Verify the current APR and welcome bonus — $250 after $3,000 in 6 months — at the issuer.
| Year 1 value | Ongoing value |
|---|---|
| $250 welcome bonus after $3K in 6 months + 6% on U.S. supermarkets + $0 annual fee in year one | 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6K/yr); 6% select streaming; 3% U.S. gas + transit; 1% other; $95 annual fee |
| At ~$500/month grocery spend, the 6% rate yields ~$360/yr — $265 net after the $95 fee | |
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card — Best cash-back rate on U.S. supermarkets — 6% up to $6,000 per year. Best for: Households spending $500+ per month at U.S. supermarkets who can offset the $95 annual fee with grocery and streaming rewards.. Compare it against alternatives before applying; the right fit depends on your situation, credit, and goals.
The break-even is approximately $1,584 in U.S. supermarket spend per year (~$132/month) versus a no-fee 2% flat card. At that spend level, the 6% rate yields $95.04/year more than a 2% card — covering the fee exactly. Any grocery spend above $132/month produces net savings versus the best no-fee alternative. The $250 welcome bonus (after $3K in 6 months) makes year-two the actual test, since year-one is fee-free. Verify the current welcome offer and fee schedule at the American Express issuer page.
American Express defines U.S. supermarkets as standalone grocery stores, not superstores (Walmart, Target, Costco) or wholesale clubs (BJ's, Sam's Club). Traditional supermarket chains — Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Whole Foods, Publix, and others — generally qualify. The exact merchant-category coding matters; some specialty food stores may or may not code as supermarkets depending on their Amex merchant category. Verify the current supermarket definition at the American Express issuer page and confirm with a small test purchase at an unfamiliar store if you're unsure.
The Blue Cash Preferred earns 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr) versus the Blue Cash Everyday's 3% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr). Blue Cash Preferred has a $95 annual fee after year one; Blue Cash Everyday is $0. The break-even on grocery spend: you need approximately $133/month at U.S. supermarkets for the Preferred's extra 3% to cover its $95 annual fee. Below that threshold, the Everyday costs less. Verify current terms for both cards at the American Express issuer page.
No. ClearValue Lending is not a bank, card issuer, lender, or financial advisor. This review presents publicly available editorial information about the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card. The Blue Cash Preferred is issued and operated by American Express National Bank. APRs, rewards rates, fees, and terms are determined solely by American Express and may change — verify current terms at americanexpress.com before applying.
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