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Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred from American ExpressAmerican Express | Southwest Rapid Rewards PlusChase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $69 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 19.49% - 27.99% |
| Signup Bonus | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in 6 months | 40,000 points plus Companion Pass after spending $5,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/yr), 6% on select U.S. streaming, 3% on U.S. gas and transit, 1% on everything else | 2X on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, and local transit & commuting, 1X on everything else |
| Credit Score | good | good |
| Pros | 6% at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest grocery rate available 6% on streaming subscriptions 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers | Companion Pass with signup bonus — a friend flies free on every trip Low $69 annual fee for an airline card 25% back on in-flight purchases and 2 free checked bags (Southwest standard) |
| Cons | $95 annual fee ($0 intro first year) $6,000 annual cap on 6% grocery earnings American Express not accepted everywhere | Companion Pass from signup is limited-time offer Southwest flies domestically only (no international routes) 2X earn rate limited to Southwest and partner purchases |
| View Details → | View Details → |
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Verdict
Our Pick: Blue Cash Preferred from American Express
With a 4.5/5 rating, the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express edges out the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus (4.2/5). At $95/yr, the value proposition is strong. The Blue Cash Preferred is the king of grocery rewards. 6% back at U.S. supermarkets plus 6% on streaming makes it the best card for families who spend heavily on groceries. The $95 fee pays for itself quickly if you spend $2,000+ per year on groceries.