Head to head

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. Apple 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

Apple Card

Goldman Sachs Bank USA

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; Apple 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 Apple 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 Apple Card

    Apple 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 3×).

  • Travel insurance Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

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

  • Foreign transactions Apple Card

    Apple 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
Gas, Streaming, Transit
Apple And App Store, Apple Pay, Bonus Daily Cash Merchants
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
2.70%
None
Reward currency
Cashback
Apple Daily Cash

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