Home / Compare / Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Discover it Cash Back

Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Discover it Cash Back

Claire's comparison · last verified June 2026
Claire's quick verdict

Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Discover it Cash Back wins for a specific profile.

Winner
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
8.3/10
Fee: $95
6% groceries, 6% streaming
Full review →
Runner-up
Discover it Cash Back
7.6/10
Fee: $0
5% rotating, 1% base
Full review →
Who should choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.

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Who should choose Discover it Cash Back

First credit card / building credit. Best first card. Year-one Cashback Match doubles every dollar earned.

Apply now →

Head to head, by the numbers

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Discover it Cash Back
Claire's score8.3/107.6/10
Price
Top strength6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/yearYear-one Cashback Match effectively doubles all earnings
Biggest drawback$95 annual fee from year twoRotating 5% categories require quarterly activation
The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
6% on select streaming services
3% at US gas stations
$0 first-year annual fee
The case for Discover it Cash Back
Year-one Cashback Match effectively doubles all earnings
No annual fee
Free FICO score monitoring
Good approval odds for limited credit history
Bottom line

Amex Blue Cash Preferred is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.3/10. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.

Discover it Cash Back (7.6/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: first credit card / building credit. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.

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