<a href="https://sovrn.co/9zs9yj2" rel="noopener sponsored" target="_blank">Chase Sapphire Preferred</a> vs Amex Gold

Credit Cards Comparison

WiseIQ Editorial Team

Reviewed by certified financial experts · Updated March 2026

OUR VERDICT

WiseIQ Expert Tip

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.

Amex Gold wins for dining and grocery spenders (4x on both). Chase Sapphire Preferred wins for travel flexibility and lower annual fee.

Last Updated: March 2026 WiseIQ Editorial Team

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Travel Flexibility

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

APR / Rate

20.99%–27.99% variable

Min. Score

700+

Unique advantage: Points worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Travel portal

✓ Pros

Lower annual fee ($95)
Points transfer to 14 travel partners
25% bonus on Chase Travel redemptions
Strong travel protections
No foreign transaction fees

✗ Cons

Lower dining rewards (3x vs 4x)
No grocery rewards
Points worth less than Amex for some redemptions

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Best for Dining & Groceries

American Express Gold Card

APR / Rate

See rates & fees

Min. Score

700+

Unique advantage: $120 dining credit + $120 Uber Cash annually (offsets annual fee)

✓ Pros

4x on dining AND groceries
More transfer partners (21)
$240 in annual credits
Strong purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees

✗ Cons

Higher annual fee ($250)
Credits require activation and specific merchants
Amex not accepted everywhere

Apply Now →

💡 Expert Insight

Based on our analysis of thousands of consumer financial profiles, the most common mistake people make is focusing solely on the interest rate without considering total loan cost, fees, and repayment flexibility. Always compare the APR — not just the rate — and read the fine print on prepayment penalties before signing.

Detailed Comparison

Rates verified May 2026 · Updated weekly

Feature	Chase Sapphire Preferred®	American Express Gold Card
Annual Fee	$95	$250
Sign-Up Bonus	60,000 points	60,000 points
Dining Rewards	3x points	4x points
Grocery Rewards	None	4x (up to $25K/yr)
Travel Rewards	2x points	3x on flights
Transfer Partners	14 airlines/hotels	21 airlines/hotels
Annual Credits	None	$240 dining/Uber
Foreign Transaction Fee	None	None
Travel Insurance	Strong	Good
Acceptance	Visa (universal)	Amex (limited abroad)

Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred® if:

Chase Sapphire Preferred is best for travelers who want flexibility, lower annual fee, and don't spend heavily on groceries.

Choose American Express Gold Card if:

Amex Gold is best for people who spend heavily on dining and groceries — the 4x rewards easily justify the higher annual fee for most households.

🎯

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WiseIQ Editorial Team

Reviewed by Certified Financial Planners & Industry Experts

Our editorial team consists of financial writers, CFPs, and former banking professionals dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased financial guidance. All content is fact-checked and updated regularly. Learn about our editorial standards →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold better?

For dining and grocery spenders, Amex Gold wins — 4x on both categories vs 3x dining and 0x groceries for Chase. If you spend $1,000/month on dining and groceries, Amex Gold earns 4,000 more points per month. For travelers who want lower fees and broader acceptance, Chase Sapphire Preferred wins.

Is the Amex Gold worth the $250 annual fee?

Yes, if you use the credits. The $120 dining credit and $120 Uber Cash bring the effective annual fee to $10. Add 4x on dining and groceries, and the card pays for itself easily for most households. The key is actually using the credits.

Can I have both Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold?

Yes. Many travel rewards enthusiasts hold both cards — using Amex Gold for dining and groceries (4x) and Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel and everything else. The points can be used independently through their respective travel portals.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Gold Card (2026)