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Blue Cash PreferredSM Card from American Express - the Best for Big Spenders


by Jennifer on December 13, 2011

The Blue Cash PreferredSM Card from American Express is one of the best cash back credit cards to get. It is designed to reward consumers for the purchases that they make most frequently. The cash rewards program is very straightforward, no rotating categories, no enrollment needed, no caps. Purchases made from supermarkets, gas stations and department stores are rewarded with a higher reward level than other less common purchases. American Express realizes that not every purchase is as common as others for consumers and not everyone is motivated by the same rewards programs. Some might want to earn cash back on a regular basis, while others want to save up for large rewards. For new users, American Express rewards them according to purchasing habits, offers discounts for shopping with specific vendors, and incentives for recommending the card to other shoppers.

Blue Cash PreferredSM Card from American Express

  • Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership

  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time

  • Get 6% cash back at supermarkets, 3% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • No spend minimum, No enrollment, and No rotating rewards categories

  • Get a $75 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card

  • The annual fee pays for itself. With 6% cash back at supermarkets, if you spend just $25 weekly at your supermarket, you can receive over $75 cash back from these purchases alone.

  • Click here for official application, terms, and details

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Apply for Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Online
Intro APR Intro APR Period Regular APR Annual Fee
0% on Purchases 12 months 17.24% - 22.24% variable $75

Earn $150 Bonus Cash Back

As a welcome reward, new card holders have the opportunity to earn $150 cash back within the first 90 days of card ownership. If the card holder spends at least $1000 in qualified purchases in that time period, he receives $100 back, which is a 15 percent bonus.

Earn 6% Cash Back Rewards

Grocery shoppers will find highest rebate rates in the industry with 6 percent cash back earned on all grocery purchases. Purchases on gas and department stores are rewarded at higher than the standard 1 percent rate as well, with a 3 percent bonus rate. All other purchases are rewarded with 1% cash back.

Redeem Rewards

Card holders only need to earn as little as $25 cash back to start to redeem for the reward. You can also redeem your rewards for gift cards and merchandise. The savings doesn't end with the cash back percentages. American Express Blue Cash PreferredSM Card holders get to take advantage of the Blue Savings Program. This program offers reduced rates and special savings at retailers ranging from hotels and airlines to local retailers such as restaurants. Word of mouth is a great way of marketing a product, and American Express recognizes that and rewards card holders for doing it. For every friend or family member an American Express Blue Cash PreferredSM Card holder recommends, he receives $75 as a bonus. There is no limit to the number of applicants a card holder can recommend.

Interest and Fees

During the first year of card membership, the card holder does not pay any interest as an American Express Blue Cash PreferredSM Card holder. After that, the rate will be 17.24, 20.24 or 22.24 percent based on the applicant's credit rating and history. There is an annual fee of $75. But if a card holder spends $1000 a month on groceries, $300 a month on gas and $300 a month on department stores, which is very common these days for a 4-people family, he will cover the annual fee in 1 month of card ownership. Even if you spend just $25 per week at supermarkets, you can receive over $75 in cash back by the end of the year.

Summary

Overall, the Blue Cash PreferredSM Card issued by American Express is the best cash back credit card for your everyday purchases. You can earn 6% for eligible purchases at supermarkets (excluding superstores and warehouse clubs), 3% for eligible purchases at department stores and for automobile gasoline purchased at stand-alone gas stations, and 1% for all other eligible purchases posted to your account. You can also earn $150 bonus cash back after spending $1000 in the first 3 months of Card membership. You also enjoy the 0% APR on purchases for 12 months which let you keep more cash in your pocket. Although this card charges $75 annual fee, you only need to spend $25 a week at supermarkets to break even.

Click here to go to the official American Express website to apply online for Blue Cash PreferredSM Card now.

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