Chase Sapphire Preferred is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 8.7/10. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: families spending $250+/month at us supermarkets. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Chase Sapphire Preferred (8.7/10) wins for most people. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people. Amex Blue Cash Preferred is the right choice if: families spending $250+/month at us supermarkets.
What is Claire's score for Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Claire rates Chase Sapphire Preferred 8.7/10. Verdict: Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.
What is Claire's score for Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Claire rates Amex Blue Cash Preferred 8.3/10. Verdict: Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
Who should choose Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining.
Who should choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets.
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Head to head, by the numbers
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Claire's score
8.7/10
8.3/10
Price
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—
Top strength
3x points on dining
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
Biggest drawback
$95 annual fee
$95 annual fee from year two
The case for Chase Sapphire Preferred
3x points on dining
2x on all travel
1x on everything else
60,000 point welcome bonus (worth $750+)
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
Bottom line
Chase Sapphire Preferred takes this one on the numbers (8.7/10 vs 8.3/10). The best entry-level premium travel card. The math works for anyone spending over $300/month on dining.
That said, Amex Blue Cash Preferred isn't a loser — it's a different answer. Best grocery card for families. 6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest earn rate in the category.