Head to head

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. Capital One Platinum Credit Card

On the criteria below, Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins 3 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Amex

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Capital One

At a glance

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins 3 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and travel insurance; Capital One Platinum Credit Card wins on annual fee and foreign transactions.

Pick the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if year-one math is your priority; take the Capital One Platinum Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

3 vs 2
  • First-year math Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Capital One Platinum Credit Card

    Capital One Platinum Credit Card is $95 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns more on its best category (6× vs 0×).

  • Travel insurance Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express carries built-in travel insurance.

  • Foreign transactions Capital One Platinum Credit Card

    Capital One Platinum Credit Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$95
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$300
First-year net
+$205
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
2.70%
None
Reward currency
Cashback

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.