Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. United Gateway Card
On the criteria below, United Gateway Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Amex
United Gateway Card
Chase
United Gateway Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on earning ceiling; United Gateway Card wins on first-year math, annual fee, and foreign transactions.
Pick the United Gateway Card if year-one math is your priority; take the United Gateway Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
1 vs 3- First-year math United Gateway Card
United Gateway Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee United Gateway Card
United Gateway 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 5×).
- Foreign transactions United Gateway Card
United Gateway Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $300
- $520
- First-year net
- +$205
- +$520
- Peak earning rate
- 6×
- 5×
- Top categories
- U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
- Airfare, Travel, Gas
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- 2.70%
- None
- Reward currency
- Cashback
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.