There are many great options for cash back credit cards currently offering cash back rate very compelling and lucrative bonuses intro. But the only card that comes to mind in our analysis of the structure of expenditure of the average person's map Blue Cash Preferred from American Express (NextAdvisor a seller). Its continuous cash back rate of 6% on food products are the highest we found of any map in one category, and 3% back on gas and department stores is the highest rate in the year categories. To top it off, its $ 150 introductory bonus is the highest of any card cash back, we have reviewed. We decided to delve deeper into its potential benefits, the pros and cons to see if it is a wise choice for you. In short, if you have excellent credit and spending habits fairly typical, it is probably your best choice. In fact, it is so big that I have and use it frequently, enjoying generous cash back rewards. You can learn more about Blue Cash Preferred in our detailed analysis below.
Highlights
If you like to earn phenomenal cash back rewards, you'll love this card. Blue Cash Preferred card from American Express combines great cash back with a 0% introductory APR and great benefits American Express. It begins with a bonus $ 150 after you spend $ 1,000 in the first 3 months. If you use your card as a typical consumer, it should be fairly easy to meet these requirements. You can even pay for your mortgage and your utility with the card (if these entities accept credit cards - most do). To help initial $ 1,000 accumulate and earn you extra cash back in time
To begin, you will win a huge cash% 6 return in US supermarkets on your first $ 6K grocery shopping every year after you earn 1% back. If you do a lot of food shopping, this is a huge bonus and a great way to earn extra money than 6% may be added to the back of significant cash. You can even think of it as 6% effective discount on your groceries when you pay with this card - a rather large 'coupon'! You will also gain 5% on eligible travel purchases made in the first 6 months of ownership of the card, up to a maximum of $ 200 in cash. eligible travel purchases include airfare on regular passenger carrier bought directly from airlines, hotel stays purchased directly from hotels and car rentals purchased directly from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, and a list others. Purchases directly from cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies like Expedia and Orbitz are also included.
In addition, you will gain ended 3% cash back at gas US stations and 3% back at some department stores as Sears, Macy's, Kohl Nordstrom, JC Penney and many more. 3% back on gas can take some of the sting to fill your tank, and if you shop in select department stores the extra 3% return can make your purchase even more enjoyable. Note that there is no limit on the amount of cash back you can earn that rate of 3%, so if you are a big spender of each gas or department stores, this card is probably obvious. The rest of your card purchases earn a decent 1% cash back. You can redeem your cash back earned for a statement credit, gift cards (including AmEx gift cards) or section in their online mall.
With large cash back rewards, preferred Blue Cash holders pay no interest for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers . This period of 0% APR you take in 2017 without interest, and can help you pay the purchase cards or unreasonably balance transfers interest expenses.
world travelers appreciate that Blue Cash Preferred features of chip technology, making it easier to pay for purchases outside the International American merchants, particularly in Europe, are starting to require this technology to accept credit card for payment.
Have an American Express card also means you get great benefits such as extended warranties on qualified purchases, purchase protection and return protection. And the holidays can be easier with car rental loss / damage insurance, accident travel insurance and their roadside assistance hotline. Plus you get exclusive access to presale tickets and events card members only.
The best part is that all these benefits are available to those who just good (rather than excellent) credit. Good credit is generally considered a great score above 670, so if you have a question or two on your credit report you can still qualify for the functionality Blue Cash Preferred from American Express offers.
Things to consider
Blue favorite Cash not charge fees $ 95 annual , which may seem a lot, but is usually something you can more than compensate through cash back rewards you earn during the year. If this is something you're not willing to compromise on, his sister next card might be more up your alley. The Everyday Card Blue Cash from American Express charges no annual fee, has a 12 months 0% APR, and you earn 5% on eligible travel purchases made during the first 6 months (maximum $ 200 cash back), 3% return in US supermarkets, 2% return as gas stations and select department stores and 1% back on everything else.
Although earn 6% on food and 3% in the stations and department stores is large enough, if you do not normally do spend a lot of these places, then you are probably better off with a card that offers a higher fixed rate of return on all purchases. Our favorite in this category is the Double Cash Card Citi - 18 months BT offers. It has a 2% cash back effective on all purchases and no annual fee and the opportunity to get your rewards by check or direct deposit. You should also be aware that purchases in warehouses and supermarkets are not eligible for the 6% cash back with Blue Cash Preferred. Instead, you earn the standard 1% cash back, which is still pretty darn good many cards will not give you money back at all for shopping at places like Target and Walmart. Superstores and warehouses are not eligible for the 3% back on gas, you will get 1% there too. If you are not sure how this could affect you, use our Cash Back Calculator free card to estimate how much you could earn with each of the different cash back cards based on your spending habits.
If you like to travel outside the US, know that Blue Cash Preferred load a 2.7% foreign transaction fee . This charge may be added over time, especially if you make all your purchases on the international map. If it's not something you're willing to consider taking a look at the map of Capital One rewards Quicksilver cash, which does not charge foreign transaction fees and offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases .
The cash back rewards for Blue Cash Preferred are very generous, but you are not able to receive a check or direct deposit to your bank account with money from your rewards. Instead, you have redeem your rewards credit statement on your account, or gift cards and other goods. While a credit instruction is the same thing as money for most people, if you will get money in your hand, see the above mentioned Citi Double Cash Card, which offers the possibility get your rewards by check or direct deposit.
If you apply for favorite Blue Cash from American Express?
Blue Cash Preferred is a great card for anyone with excellent credit who wants to get great rewards cash back on groceries, travel, gas, and purchases at select department stores. In fact, back 6% in supermarkets are the highest rates we have seen offered to consumers in any category. In addition, you can enjoy 12 months 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases. It has an annual fee, and if you shop in supermarkets and warehouse stores you will earn the standard of 1% instead of the higher rate of cash back. You can not get your rewards in the form of a check or direct deposit and it will charge a foreign transaction fee. If these are important to you, consider some of the options described above. But overall, Blue Cash Preferred is our # 1 cash card face back and a great choice for a high cash back card.
Visit our favorite review American Express Blue Cash for more and apply for the card today.
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