CardRewardsEditorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Our analysis is based on publicly available card data and is reviewed regularly by our editorial team. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Rakuten American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
American Express
First Electronic Bank
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Rakuten American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | 6X |
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Rakuten American Express Card leads in 1.
Streaming
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6X vs 1X
Grocery Stores
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6X vs 2X
Transit
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Gas Stations
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Ridesharing
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Tolls
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Dining
Rakuten American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Rakuten American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The $95 difference is small enough that the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
The Rakuten American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.
Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Rakuten American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
American Express
First Electronic Bank
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Rakuten American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | 6X |
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Rakuten American Express Card leads in 1.
Streaming
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6X vs 1X
Grocery Stores
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6X vs 2X
Transit
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Gas Stations
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Ridesharing
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Tolls
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Dining
Rakuten American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Rakuten American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The $95 difference is small enough that the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
The Rakuten American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.
Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
The Rakuten American Express Card ($0/yr) is better for everyday value, while the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express ($95/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.
American Express
First Electronic Bank
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
| Category | Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | Rakuten American Express Card |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | 6X |
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins in 6 of 7 categories. The Rakuten American Express Card leads in 1.
Streaming
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6X vs 1X
Grocery Stores
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 6X vs 2X
Transit
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Gas Stations
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Ridesharing
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Tolls
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns 3X vs 1X
Dining
Rakuten American Express Card earns 2X vs 1X
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express costs $95/yr — that's $95 more than the Rakuten American Express Card (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $95 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.
The $95 difference is small enough that the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express's extra perks make it worth considering for most cardholders.
The Rakuten American Express Card has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $95), making it the more accessible option.
Choose the Rakuten American Express Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.
Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.
| 2X |
| Streaming | 6X | 1X |
| Gas Stations | 3X | 1X |
| Ridesharing | 3X | 1X |
| Tolls | 3X | 1X |
| Transit | 3X | 1X |
| Dining | 1X | 2X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Get the Rakuten American Express Card if you:
| 2X |
| Streaming | 6X | 1X |
| Gas Stations | 3X | 1X |
| Ridesharing | 3X | 1X |
| Tolls | 3X | 1X |
| Transit | 3X | 1X |
| Dining | 1X | 2X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Get the Rakuten American Express Card if you:
| 2X |
| Streaming | 6X | 1X |
| Gas Stations | 3X | 1X |
| Ridesharing | 3X | 1X |
| Tolls | 3X | 1X |
| Transit | 3X | 1X |
| Dining | 1X | 2X |
Network
Key Benefits
Pros
Cons
Get the Rakuten American Express Card if you: