Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
On the criteria below, IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Amex
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on annual fee; IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and foreign transactions.
Pick the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 3- First-year math IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is $4 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card earns more on its best category (10× vs 6×).
- Foreign transactions IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- $99
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $300
- $1,295
- First-year net
- +$205
- +$1,196
- Peak earning rate
- 6×
- 10×
- Top categories
- U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
- Hotels Resorts, Dining, Gas
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- 2.70%
- None
- Reward currency
- Cashback
- IHG One Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.