Maximize Family Cash Back with Amex Blue Cash Preferred on Groceries and Streaming
Turn everyday grocery trips and streaming subscriptions into serious savings for busy families with Amex Blue Cash Preferred, earning 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr) and on select streaming services
How Amex Blue Cash Preferred helps U.S. families save
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card turns routine household spending into real savings by offering strong cash back on categories families use most. With 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases and 6% on select streaming services, it is built around grocery and streaming rewards that matter to busy households.
Beyond groceries and streaming, the card pays 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, helping lower commuting and travel costs. For many American households, the combination of grocery, streaming, and transit rewards quickly offsets the card’s annual fee when used strategically.
Rewards breakdown and key features
The core selling points are straightforward: 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on gas and transit, and 1% on other purchases. The card also often includes a 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers, which can help with short-term cash flow.
Rewards post as statement credits or can be redeemed at checkout at participating merchants, giving flexibility in how you use your cash back. Cardholders in the U.S. should note the $95 annual fee after the first year and the foreign transaction fee if you travel abroad and use the card.
Practical tips to maximize cash back
Prioritize using the card for supermarket shopping and streaming bills to capture the 6% back categories. Load shared household subscriptions like Netflix, Disney+, or other eligible services onto the card, and keep receipts organized to track the $6,000 grocery cap for the year.
Pair the card with a no-fee cash back card for purchases that don’t earn bonus rates to balance rewards against fee cost. Also consider timing large purchases during the 0% intro APR window to spread payments without interest while still earning rewards where applicable.
Fees, eligibility and deciding if it’s right for you
Expect an annual fee of $95 after the first year and a variable APR for ongoing balances. Approval typically requires good to excellent credit, so check your score before applying. Evaluate whether your household grocery and streaming spend is high enough to justify the fee each year.
If your family spends heavily on U.S. supermarket groceries and streaming, the card often delivers more value than many general-purpose cash back cards. Compare your monthly grocery spend against the $6,000 cap and consider pairing cards to cover categories outside the bonus rewards.