Robert Sambrick, WalletHub Analyst
@robsam
You might get your Blue Cash Preferred annual fee waived if you are applying for the Amex financial relief program. You can also try calling the Amex retention line and request for your annual fee to be waived, but it is not guaranteed that it will work.
Also, keep in mind that the Blue Cash Preferred’s annual fee is $0 intro for the first year, and $95 after that.
Here’s how to get the Blue Cash Preferred annual fee waived:
- Call the retention line: You can ask Amex to waive or lower the annual fee by calling (800) 452-3945. However, it’s important to understand that this approach may not be successful. If you are considering closing your Blue Cash Preferred account if the annual fee is not waived, you may want to say so over the phone. And if you’re a long-time customer and high spender with great credit who always pays in full, you might have a chance.
- Apply for the Amex financial relief program: If you’re having difficulty paying your annual fee due to unforeseen financial difficulty, apply for the financial relief program online or call Amex at (866) 703-4169. You could potentially have your annual fee waived. Or you might receive other assistance such as lower monthly payments or lower interest rates. If you decide to enroll in a financial relief program, though, your spending ability will likely be greatly reduced for the duration. Your credit score may be impacted by the reduction in credit limit. And if you don’t comply with the terms of the program, that will appear as a negative on your credit report.
- Other option: You might be able to get your Blue Cash Preferred annual fee waived if you’re an active member in the military.
However, if you don’t end up getting the $95 annual fee waived, you should consider keeping the card for its rewards. With the Blue Cash Preferred, you’ll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on all other purchases, earned as statement credits. If you spend a lot on these categories, the rewards you’ll get will more than make up for the cost.
Alternatively, if you really want to avoid fees, you should get a no annual fee credit card. Hundreds are available, including cards with rewards and 0% APRs.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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