If you are in pursuit of a cash back credit card that offers robust rewards for everyday spending, two great options are the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. The cards are quite different in form — one skewed towards generous rewards in specific categories (for a fee), the other favouring a straightforward, flat-rate reward on all spending with no annual fee. In this comparison post, we’ll explore the features, advantages and disadvantages of both cards to help you decide which one fits your needs.

Overview & Key Features

Blue Cash Preferred (American Express)

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
• 6% cash back on eligible U.S. streaming services.
• 3% cash back on transit and gas.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Annual fee: $95 (usually waived the first year).
• Additional benefits: Contactless payment, purchase protection, extended warranty, fraud protection.
• Cap: 6% supermarket rate capped at $6,000/year.

Trade-offs: If you don’t spend heavily in bonus categories, the $95 annual fee could outweigh the rewards. Value also diminishes for large families or heavy spenders who exceed the cap.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

• 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no categories.
• No annual fee.
• No foreign transaction fees, ideal for use outside the U.S.
• Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (terms apply).
• Bare bones: no rotating bonuses or activation, just straightforward rewards.

Trade-offs: The 1.5% flat rate is simple but less rewarding for heavy category spenders. Standard APR applies after the promotional period.

Rewards Structure: Side-by-Side

Analysis: Blue Cash Preferred works best for those maximizing groceries and streaming categories, while Quicksilver is best if you value simplicity and consistent rewards.

Welcome Bonuses & Promotional APRs

• Blue Cash Preferred: Features high reward rates in key categories and may include a welcome bonus (promotions vary).
• Quicksilver: Offers a cash bonus if you meet the minimum spend in the first 3 months, plus an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.

The better choice depends on whether you can meet spending thresholds or take advantage of the 0% APR period.

Fees & Costs

• Annual Fee: Blue Cash Preferred $95; Quicksilver $0.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: May apply with Blue Cash Preferred; none with Quicksilver.
• Balance Transfers: Quicksilver gives 0% intro APR for 15 months, then standard APR applies.
• Other Fees: Both may charge late payment or cash advance fees.

Use-Case Scenarios

Scenario A: Grocery & Streaming Big Spenders

If you can max out the $6,000 grocery cap and spend on streaming, Blue Cash Preferred’s 6% rates are hard to beat.

Scenario B: Simplicity Lovers

If you don’t want to track categories or caps, Quicksilver’s 1.5% flat rate is easy and reliable.

Scenario C: Frequent Travelers

Quicksilver’s lack of foreign transaction fees is ideal for international purchases. Amex may not be as widely accepted abroad.

Scenario D: Balance Transfers or Financing Purchases

Quicksilver’s 0% intro APR for 15 months helps with short-term balance carrying. Blue Cash Preferred holders should check for current promo APR offers.

Pros & Cons Summary

Blue Cash Preferred (American Express)

Pros:

• 6% cash back on groceries and streaming.
• 3% cashback on transit and gas.
• Amex benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee.
• Supermarket cashback capped at $6,000/year.
• Only 1% cashback outside bonus categories.

Capital One Quicksilver

Pros:

• 1.5% flat cashback on all spending.
• No annual fee.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 0% introductory APR for 15 months.

Cons:

• No elevated bonus categories.
• Less lucrative if you spend a lot on groceries or streaming.
• Standard APR applies after promo period.

Final Verdict

The best card depends on your spending patterns and personal preferences:

• Blue Cash Preferred: Great for larger households with high grocery, streaming, and transit/gas spending, provided the $95 annual fee is manageable.
• Capital One Quicksilver: Perfect for those who want a flat-rate, no-fee rewards card that works everywhere, especially for everyday spending and travel.

Both cards are excellent in their own right. If you want to maximize rewards in categories, go with Blue Cash Preferred. If you want simplicity and no annual fee, Quicksilver is the better option.