Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
On the criteria below, Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Amex
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on first-year math, annual fee, and earning ceiling; Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on foreign transactions.
Pick the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express 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
3 vs 1- 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 Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is $54 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 3×).
- Foreign transactions Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- $149
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $300
- —
- First-year net
- +$205
- $-149
- Peak earning rate
- 6×
- 3×
- Top categories
- U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
- Airfare, Groceries, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- 2.70%
- None
- Reward currency
- Cashback
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.