Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express vs The Platinum Card® from American Express

This comparison aims to help users decide between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and The Platinum Card® from American Express. Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and lifestyles.

Card Overviews

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed for families and everyday shoppers who want to maximize cash back on groceries and streaming services. It offers a generous rewards structure for U.S. supermarket purchases and includes attractive introductory offers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers and luxury seekers. This premium card provides extensive travel rewards, access to airport lounges, and a variety of credits for travel-related expenses, making it a great choice for those who travel often.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Rewards Highlights

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Rewards

• 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.

The Platinum Card® from American Express Rewards

• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Pros and Cons

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Pros: Strong cash back rewards on groceries, no foreign transaction fees.
• Cons: High annual fee after the first year, limited rewards on non-bonus categories.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

• Pros: Extensive travel benefits, high rewards on travel-related expenses, access to airport lounges.
• Cons: High annual fee, requires significant spending to maximize benefits.

Who Should Consider Which Card?

• The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for families and individuals who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services and prefer cash back over travel rewards.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express is suited for frequent travelers who can take advantage of luxury travel perks and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for premium benefits.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and The Platinum Card® from American Express should depend on individual spending patterns and financial goals. Consider where you spend the most and what types of rewards you value more before making a choice.

“Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.”