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Blue Cash Preferred from American Express vs U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature
Side-by-side comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and more.
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Feature Comparison
| Feature | Blue Cash Preferred from American ExpressAmerican Express | U.S. Bank Smartly Visa SignatureU.S. Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 |
| APR | 19.49% - 28.49% | 17.49% - 27.49% |
| Signup Bonus | $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in 6 months | None publicly listed |
| 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 | 2% cash back on every purchase, up to 4% with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance |
| 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 | 2% unlimited cash back with no annual fee — matches Citi Double Cash Up to 4% back with qualifying U.S. Bank Smartly Savings balance 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers |
| Cons | $95 annual fee ($0 intro first year) $6,000 annual cap on 6% grocery earnings American Express not accepted everywhere | Best rates (3-4%) require U.S. Bank banking relationship with large balances No signup bonus publicly listed Limited to U.S. Bank ecosystem for maximum value |
| 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 U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature (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.