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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs Chase Freedom Flex®
This comparison aims to help potential cardholders make an informed decision between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Chase Freedom Flex®. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different spending habits, making it essential to evaluate their features carefully.
Card Overviews
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed for individuals who frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets and enjoy streaming services. It offers substantial cash back rewards on everyday purchases, making it ideal for families and those with regular expenses in these categories.
Chase Freedom Flex®
The Chase Freedom Flex® is a versatile cash back card that appeals to users who want to earn rewards on a wide range of spending categories. With its rotating bonus categories and no annual fee, it's an excellent choice for those who can maximize their cash back potential each quarter.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Chase Freedom Flex® |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months | $200 Bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards Structure | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 6% on select streaming, 3% on transit and gas stations, 1% on other purchases | 5% on up to $1,500 in combined categories each quarter, 5% on travel via Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1% on other purchases |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None | None |
| Other Fees | Cash Advance Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater | Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater |
| Additional Benefits | Cash Back received as Reward Dollars, $84 Disney Bundle Credit, Buy Now, Pay Later options | No minimum to redeem cash back, access to Chase Credit Journey |
Rewards Highlights
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 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
Chase Freedom Flex®
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Pros and Cons
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Pros:
- High cash back rates on supermarket and streaming purchases
- Generous welcome bonus
- Additional benefits like the Disney Bundle Credit
- Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Higher spend requirement for the welcome bonus
Chase Freedom Flex®
- Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible rewards structure with rotating categories
- Lower spend requirement for the welcome bonus
- Cons:
- 5% cash back categories require activation
- Lower cash back rates on supermarket purchases
Who Should Consider Which Card?
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Ideal for families or individuals who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services. If your monthly expenses include significant amounts in these categories, this card can provide substantial rewards.
- Chase Freedom Flex®: Best suited for users who enjoy variety in their spending categories and prefer not to pay an annual fee. If you can manage to activate and maximize the rotating bonus categories, this card can yield excellent rewards on diverse purchases.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Chase Freedom Flex® depends on your individual spending habits and financial goals. Consider where you spend most and which rewards structure aligns more with your lifestyle to make the best choice.