Home / Compare / Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Wells Fargo Active Cash

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

Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Wells Fargo Active Cash wins for a specific profile.

Winner
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
8.3/10
Fee: $95
6% groceries, 6% streaming
Full review →
Runner-up
Wells Fargo Active Cash
7.9/10
Fee: $0
2% flat
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 Wells Fargo Active Cash

2% flat rate with a welcome bonus. Closest Citi Double Cash competitor. $200 bonus + cell phone protection.

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Head to head, by the numbers

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash
Claire's score8.3/107.9/10
Price——
Top strength6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/yearFlat 2% on everything, no categories
Biggest drawback$95 annual fee from year twoSlightly behind Citi Double Cash in long-term simplicity
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 Wells Fargo Active Cash
•Flat 2% on everything, no categories
•$200 welcome bonus after $500 spend
•Cell phone protection up to $600
•No annual fee
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.

Wells Fargo Active Cash (7.9/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: 2% flat rate with a welcome bonus. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.

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