Discover the Steps to Apply for the American Express Blue Preferred Card
Key Details to Know Before Applying for the American Express Blue Preferred Card
The Blue Preferred credit card offers an impressive 6% cashback on supermarket purchases and streaming subscription fees.
All eligible purchases earn a 1% cashback with the Blue Preferred, except for some specific categories detailed below:
- 3% cashback on gas station purchases across the U.S.
- 3% back on costs like parking, tolls, trains, buses, and taxis.
- 6% back on subscription fees for streaming services.
- 6% cashback on grocery purchases, capped at $6,000 annually.
The initial credit limit for the Blue Preferred Card usually starts at $1,000, with adjustments possible depending on the cardholder’s needs.
New applicants can take advantage of a special promotion offering a $300 cashback bonus after spending $3,000 within the first three months. The card has no annual fee for the first year, but from the second year onward, a $95 fee applies.
There is also a promotional offer featuring 0% APR for the first 12 months on balance transfers and purchases alike.
After this period, the purchase APR changes to a variable rate ranging from 19.24% to 29.99%. Additionally, American Express offers the Pay It feature, which lets cardholders pay off small charges throughout the month while continuing to earn rewards.
The Plan It feature also allows cardholders to split purchases of $100 or more into fixed monthly installments. If you’re aiming to have an Amex Blue Preferred card, this option could be especially appealing.
Criteria for Eligibility
Compared to other American Express cards, which generally target premium personal and business users, the Blue Cash Preferred Card provides greater flexibility.
American Express sets clear basic eligibility rules: you must be a documented U.S. citizen aged 18 or older and have a verifiable income source.
A solid credit history is crucial to secure approval. Applicants consent to Amex running a credit check, which ideally yields a positive result, alongside reviewing their credit and payment behavior over time.
You don’t need to have previous ties with Amex, but those with a record of negative experiences with Amex cards may face difficulties when applying for the Blue Cash Preferred Card.
Keep in mind that meeting all the eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee approval, as card issuance depends on the brand’s discretion.
How to Apply for the American Express Blue Preferred Card
American Express provides an easy-to-use online application for this card through a streamlined form on their official website.
Although you don’t need an Amex account to apply, logging in with your username and password can help speed up the data entry process.
Clicking the “Apply Now” button will direct you to the Blue Preferred Card application page, where you’ll be asked to provide your full name, birth date, email, and home address.
In addition, you’ll need to provide details like your social security number, annual income, yearly spending, and the sources of your earnings — whether from employment, military service, business ownership, or retirement.
After submitting all required information, American Express performs a thorough credit evaluation to assess your application and issue either an approval or denial.
The American Express website also features an integrated chat tool, allowing users to ask questions and receive immediate assistance directly through the platform.
Ensuring that all submitted information is accurate is essential to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays or repeated document requests from American Express.
More Details to Know
The innovative “Send & Split system” allows users to effortlessly share expenses with friends right inside the Amex app. Additionally, card members get exclusive access to special offers for a variety of concerts and events through American Express.
Cardholders can earn up to $84 annually in cashback by subscribing to Disney Bundle with a minimum monthly spend of $9.99, along with receiving $10 monthly statement credits for the Equinox+ subscription service.
In addition, the card comes with benefits such as rental car insurance protection, access to a Global Assist hotline, support with dispute resolution, and full online account management capabilities.
Looking for Another Option?
American Express also offers other options like the Gold Card, which rewards you with 4x points plus an exclusive 60,000-point welcome bonus for new applicants.
Though these cards may appear similar, the Gold Card includes distinct benefits. Learn more about how to apply for it.
