Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Annual fee
APR
Intro Purchase APR
Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Earn $250 Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
APR
Intro Purchase APR
Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
1% – 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations; 1% Cash Back on other purchases
No current offer
Annual fee
APR
Intro Purchase APR
Recommended Credit A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
N/A This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points
If you’re simply comparing each card by its features, the Active Cash card is more flexible and less expensive while still offering a good introductory APR offer, welcome bonus and competitive rewards. It’s the one to go with if you’re on a budget and looking to earn a solid rewards rate across your spending.
However, if you spend a lot on U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. gas stations or transit, choose the Blue Cash Preferred. Given the high rewards rates for those categories, the cash back you earn from your everyday spending can quickly cover the $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year). The card also provides a solid selection of additional benefits that, if used to their full potential, can have a value greater than the annual fee.
The best strategy here would be to get both credit cards. Since the Active Cash doesn’t have an annual fee and earns a flat-rate for your purchases, it pairs well with an annual fee card that earns greater rewards in specific categories. Use the Blue Cash Preferred for your grocery, streaming, gas and transit spending and the Active Cash for other purchases to maximize your returns.
Generally speaking, a credit card with an annual fee will have higher rewards, a better welcome bonus and more card perks than a card without an annual fee. However, you’ll need to make sure an annual fee fits into your budget, and that you can generate enough rewards from your normal spending to cover it.
A ShopRunner membership unlocks free 2-day shipping from a number of popular merchants.
Purchase protection covers your new purchases against damage or theft for -- depending on your card and issuer -- anywhere between 90 to 120 days, up to a certain maximum amount per account. Check your Guide to Benefits to find out the details of your plan.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
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Source: cnet.com