This Amex Card Pays 6% Back at U.S. Supermarkets, and It's a Game-Changer for Families
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If you're still wincing at grocery store receipts, you're not alone. Every time I swipe my card at checkout, I feel like I should get a thank-you note for funding the store's next renovation. But here's the thing: I've learned that the right card can make those painful grocery runs way more rewarding.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the few cards that makes everyday family spending actually feel smart instead of draining. And if you've got a fridge to fill, it could easily become your most valuable card.
Why this card stands out
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is famous for its 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions (then 1%). Terms apply. That's not some limited-time promo. It's the card's main event, and it adds up fast.
The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (See rates and fees.) But for families with high grocery spending, it's easy to make that amount back and still come out way ahead.
Here's how: If you spend $500 a month on groceries (pretty average for families), that's $6,000 a year. With this card, you'd get $360 back annually just from food shopping. Stack in other rewards, and you'll see why it's so popular.
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Intro APR
Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months
APR
19.99%-28.99% Variable
Rewards Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
1%-6% Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Welcome Offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
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This card is a smart choice for earning top-tier rewards on everyday purchases. It features a market-leading rate of a whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, and 3% on U.S. gas and transit. Plus, there’s a strong welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. With 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months and $0 annual fee for the first year (then $95), it’s one of our favorite credit cards for a reason. Terms apply.
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- Big welcome offer
- U.S. supermarkets rewards
- U.S. gas stations rewards
- Streaming subscription rewards
- Annual fee
- Foreign transaction fee
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- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.99%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Show your math: groceries alone
- Spend: $6,000/year
- Cash back: $360
- Minus annual fee after first year
- Net gain: $265 -- and that's before factoring in gas, streaming, or other spending.
For many households, this card's payoff is bigger than any "couponing strategy" you could dream up.
Who it's best for
- Families and couples who spend big at supermarkets.
- Anyone juggling streaming subscriptions (it basically makes binge-watching profitable).
- Drivers and commuters who spend a few hundred a month on gas or transit.
If you mostly eat out or don't cook much at home, this might not be the perfect fit. But for the majority of households, it's one of the easiest wins in the credit card world. Read our full review and apply for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred today.
Why I recommend it
I've spent years writing about personal finance, and cards like this are why I always tell people: Let your everyday spending work for you. You don't need to chase complicated travel points or luxury perks. Sometimes the smartest play is just picking up cash back where you already spend the most.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is built exactly for that. And if you're still using a no-rewards debit card at the grocery store? That's like walking past free money every single week. Check out our list of the best credit cards for gas and grocery spending to find a good fit for you.
Our Research Expert
Jake FitzGerald is a full-time Editorial Strategist and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, leading content production and distribution while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, and other financial products. He has more than a decade of experience editing and shaping financial content to give readers clear, trustworthy money advice. His work focuses on delivering practical insights that empower people to make smarter financial decisions. Off the clock, he’s a fan of college football tailgates and still loyal to his favorite putter -- despite what his short game suggests.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express.
For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here