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Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Claire's comparison · 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.

Runner-up
Chase Sapphire Reserve
8.2/10
Fee: $550
3x travel, 3x dining
Full review →
Winner
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
8.3/10
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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Head to head, by the numbers

Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex 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
•$300 travel credit nearly halves the effective fee
•3x on all travel and dining
•Priority Pass lounge access
•1.5cpp through Chase travel portal
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

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.

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