diff --git a/circuitforge_core/preferences/__init__.py b/circuitforge_core/preferences/__init__.py
index 5b3e1f7..113629f 100644
--- a/circuitforge_core/preferences/__init__.py
+++ b/circuitforge_core/preferences/__init__.py
@@ -1,3 +1,47 @@
+from . import store as store_module
 from .paths import get_path, set_path
+from .store import LocalFileStore, PreferenceStore
 
-__all__ = ["get_path", "set_path"]
+
+def get_user_preference(
+    user_id: str | None,
+    path: str,
+    default=None,
+    store: PreferenceStore | None = None,
+):
+    """Read a preference value at dot-separated *path*.
+
+    Args:
+        user_id:  User identifier (passed to store; local store ignores it).
+        path:     Dot-separated preference path, e.g. ``"affiliate.opt_out"``.
+        default:  Returned when the path is not set.
+        store:    Optional store override; defaults to ``LocalFileStore`` at
+                  ``~/.config/circuitforge/preferences.yaml``.
+    """
+    s = store or store_module._DEFAULT_STORE
+    return s.get(user_id=user_id, path=path, default=default)
+
+
+def set_user_preference(
+    user_id: str | None,
+    path: str,
+    value,
+    store: PreferenceStore | None = None,
+) -> None:
+    """Write *value* at dot-separated *path*.
+
+    Args:
+        user_id:  User identifier (passed to store; local store ignores it).
+        path:     Dot-separated preference path, e.g. ``"affiliate.byok_ids.ebay"``.
+        value:    Value to persist.
+        store:    Optional store override; defaults to ``LocalFileStore``.
+    """
+    s = store or store_module._DEFAULT_STORE
+    s.set(user_id=user_id, path=path, value=value)
+
+
+__all__ = [
+    "get_path", "set_path",
+    "get_user_preference", "set_user_preference",
+    "LocalFileStore", "PreferenceStore",
+]
diff --git a/circuitforge_core/preferences/store.py b/circuitforge_core/preferences/store.py
index 126b99a..7ec8776 100644
--- a/circuitforge_core/preferences/store.py
+++ b/circuitforge_core/preferences/store.py
@@ -73,3 +73,6 @@ class LocalFileStore:
 
     def set(self, user_id: str | None, path: str, value: Any) -> None:  # noqa: ARG002
         self._save(set_path(self._load(), path, value))
+
+
+_DEFAULT_STORE: PreferenceStore = LocalFileStore()
diff --git a/tests/test_preferences.py b/tests/test_preferences.py
index 4e85170..1934536 100644
--- a/tests/test_preferences.py
+++ b/tests/test_preferences.py
@@ -117,3 +117,32 @@ class TestLocalFileStore:
         store = self._store(tmp_path)
         store.set(user_id="u123", path="affiliate.opt_out", value=True)
         assert store.get(user_id="u456", path="affiliate.opt_out", default=False) is True
+
+
+from circuitforge_core.preferences import get_user_preference, set_user_preference
+
+
+class TestPreferenceHelpers:
+    def _store(self, tmp_path) -> LocalFileStore:
+        return LocalFileStore(prefs_path=tmp_path / "preferences.yaml")
+
+    def test_get_returns_default_when_unset(self, tmp_path):
+        store = self._store(tmp_path)
+        result = get_user_preference(user_id=None, path="affiliate.opt_out",
+                                     default=False, store=store)
+        assert result is False
+
+    def test_set_then_get(self, tmp_path):
+        store = self._store(tmp_path)
+        set_user_preference(user_id=None, path="affiliate.opt_out", value=True, store=store)
+        result = get_user_preference(user_id=None, path="affiliate.opt_out",
+                                     default=False, store=store)
+        assert result is True
+
+    def test_default_store_is_local(self, tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+        """When no store is passed, helpers use LocalFileStore at default path."""
+        from circuitforge_core.preferences import store as store_module
+        local = self._store(tmp_path)
+        monkeypatch.setattr(store_module, "_DEFAULT_STORE", local)
+        set_user_preference(user_id=None, path="x.y", value=42)
+        assert get_user_preference(user_id=None, path="x.y") == 42