Head to head

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit 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

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Bank of America

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 earning ceiling, travel insurance, and foreign transactions; Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card wins on first-year math and annual fee.

Pick the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card if year-one math is your priority; take the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

3 vs 2
  • First-year math Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

    Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

    Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit 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 0×).

  • Travel insurance Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

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

  • Foreign transactions Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

    Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$95
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$300
$250
First-year net
+$205
+$250
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Gas, Streaming, Transit
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
2.70%
3.00%
Reward currency
Cashback
Cashback

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