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Financial decisions made with complete information consistently outperform those made under pressure or with incomplete data. Take time to compare at least 3 options before committing.
Quick Comparison: Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
Feature
Amex Gold
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual Fee
$325
$95
Welcome Offer
Spend $6,000 in 6 months
Spend $5,000 in 3 months
Dining Rewards
4X points
3X points
U.S. Supermarket Rewards
4X points (up to $25K/year)
3X points (online groceries, excl. Target, Walmart, wholesale)
Travel Rewards
3X flights, 2X prepaid hotels
5X Chase Travel, 2X other travel
Uber Cash
$120 annually ($10/month)
N/A
Dining Credits
$120 annually ($10/month)
N/A
Hotel Credit
$100 (The Hotel Collection)
$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit
Transfer Partners
Yes
Yes (1:1 value)
Foreign Transaction Fees
None
None
Verdict: Which Card is Right for You?
The **Amex Gold Card** is ideal for foodies and those who spend heavily on dining and U.S. supermarkets, willing to maximize statement credits to offset the higher annual fee. Its strong earning rates in these categories, coupled with valuable dining and Uber credits, make it a powerhouse for everyday spending on food.
The **Chase Sapphire Preferred Card** is better suited for general travelers and those seeking a lower annual fee with flexible travel rewards. Its broad travel earning categories, 1:1 point transfers, and annual hotel credit provide excellent value for a more modest cost, making it a great entry-level premium travel card.
Amex Gold: Full Review
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#1 Top Pick #1
American Express® Gold Card
A premium card for dining and supermarket rewards.
$325
Annual Fee
4X
Dining & Supermarkets
3X
Flights
Pros
- High rewards on dining (4X points)
- High rewards on U.S. supermarkets (4X points)
- Up to $120 annual Uber Cash
- Up to $120 annual dining credits
- Access to The Hotel Collection benefits
Cons
- High annual fee ($325)
- Credits require enrollment and specific usage
- Less flexible travel redemption compared to Chase
- No foreign transaction fees, but Amex not accepted everywhere
The American Express Gold Card stands out for its exceptional rewards on everyday spending, particularly for food. Cardmembers earn 4X Membership Rewards points on purchases at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1X). This makes it a top choice for those who spend a significant portion of their budget on groceries and dining out. The card also offers 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Beyond earning points, the Amex Gold Card provides substantial statement credits that can help offset its $325 annual fee. These include up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month) for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., and up to $120 in dining credits ($10 per month) at participating partners like Grubhub, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and Shake Shack. While these credits require active use and enrollment, they can provide significant value for those who utilize them fully.
Additional benefits include access to The Hotel Collection, offering a $100 hotel credit and a room upgrade when booking a stay of two or more nights through Amex Travel. The card also comes with various travel and purchase protections, though it comes with a higher annual fee and requires more effort to maximize its benefits through credits.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred: Full Review
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A versatile travel rewards card with a lower annual fee.
$95
Annual Fee
5X
Chase Travel
3X
Dining & Online Groceries
Pros
- Lower annual fee ($95)
- Excellent rewards on travel booked through Chase Travel (5X points)
- Strong dining and online grocery rewards (3X points)
- $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel
- 1:1 point transfer to numerous airline and hotel partners
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protections
Cons
- No direct statement credits for dining or ride-sharing
- Earning rates for general spending are lower (1X point)
- Welcome offer requires significant spending in a shorter timeframe
- Travel credit is specific to Chase Travel portal
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular choice for travelers due to its robust rewards program and flexible redemption options. Cardmembers earn 5X total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3X points on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), and 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). Additionally, it offers 2X points on other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other spending.
A key benefit of the Sapphire Preferred is its 1:1 point transfer capability to a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering immense flexibility and potentially higher value for points. The card also provides a $50 annual hotel credit for stays purchased through Chase Travel, helping to offset its modest $95 annual fee. Beyond rewards, the card includes valuable travel and purchase protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary car rental insurance.
While it doesn't offer the same level of dining-specific statement credits as the Amex Gold, its broad travel earning categories, transfer partners, and lower annual fee make it an excellent value proposition for those who prioritize travel rewards and seek a more straightforward approach to maximizing their card benefits.
Who Should Choose Amex Gold?
The Amex Gold Card is best suited for individuals who:
- Spend a significant amount on dining out and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Are comfortable with a higher annual fee and actively utilize statement credits (Uber Cash, dining credits) to offset it.
- Value premium benefits and are loyal to the American Express Membership Rewards program.
- Seek strong earning rates on everyday food-related expenses.
Who Should Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice for individuals who:
- Are frequent travelers and prefer to book travel through the Chase Travel portal or utilize transfer partners.
- Desire a lower annual fee with strong, flexible travel rewards.
- Appreciate comprehensive travel and purchase protections.
- Want a versatile card that offers solid rewards across various spending categories, including dining and online groceries.