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Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Claire's comparison  ·  June 2026  ·  Last verified June 2026
Claire's Quick Verdict

Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Chase Sapphire Reserve wins for a specific profile.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Runner-Up
Chase Sapphire Reserve
8.2
Fee: $550
3x travel, 3x dining
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Winner
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
8.3
Fee: $95
6% groceries, 6% streaming
Full review →

Who Should Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve

Frequent travelers who use airport lounges. Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.

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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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Claire's Final Verdict

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.

Chase Sapphire Reserve (8.2/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: frequent travelers who use airport lounges. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) wins for most people. Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month. Chase Sapphire Reserve is the right choice if: frequent travelers who use airport lounges.
What is Claire's score for Chase Sapphire Reserve?
Claire rates Chase Sapphire Reserve 8.2/10. Verdict: Better than Preferred at $500+/month travel spend. Lounge access tips the math.
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 Reserve?
Frequent travelers who use airport lounges.
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 ReserveAmex Blue Cash Preferred
Claire's score8.2/108.3/10
Price$550.
Top strength$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
Biggest drawback$550 annual fee requires high spend to justify$95 annual fee from year two

The case for Chase Sapphire Reserve

The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Bottom line

Amex Blue Cash Preferred takes this one on the numbers (8.3/10 vs 8.2/10). Best grocery card for families. 6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest earn rate in the category.

That said, Chase Sapphire Reserve isn't a loser — it's a different answer. The better card if you spend $500+ per month on travel. The $550 fee math only works at high spend.

Read the full breakdowns: Chase Sapphire Reserve review · Amex Blue Cash Preferred review · all rankings.