Amex Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Wins?
Choosing the right travel rewards credit card can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Two of the most popular contenders, the American Express Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer a wealth of benefits designed to enhance your spending and travel experiences. But which one reigns supreme?
This in-depth comparison of the Amex Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore rewards rates, annual fees, travel perks, and other valuable features to help you determine which card best aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. Get ready to discover which card unlocks the most value for you.
Whether you’re a foodie, a frequent flyer, or simply someone who appreciates premium benefits, this analysis will provide clarity. We’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of each card, ensuring you have the information needed to make a confident decision between the American Express Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Amex Gold | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $250 | $550 |
| Rewards on Groceries | 4x | 1x |
| Rewards on Dining | 4x | 3x |
| Rewards on Travel | 1x | 5x (on flights & hotels through Chase Travel) |
| Welcome Bonus | Varies | Varies |
| Airline Credit | Up to $120 per year (select airlines) | $300 annual travel credit |
| Dining Credit | Up to $120 per year (grubhub, etc.) | N/A |
| Hotel Benefits | N/A | Hotel Collection & Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection benefits |
| Application for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | N/A | Yes |
| Points Redemption Value | Variable | 1.5x through Chase Travel |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Card Design | Metal | Metal |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Gold Card: $250 annual fee. Offers value through rewards, but the fee can be a barrier for some. It’s partially offset by statement credits.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: $550 annual fee. A higher fee than the Gold card, but it comes with significant perks and credits to help offset the cost.
- Winner: Amex Gold
Rewards on Dining & Groceries
- Amex Gold Card: Earns 4x points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and restaurants worldwide. Excellent for everyday spending on food.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earns 3x points on dining and 3x points on groceries. A slightly lower earning rate on groceries compared to Amex Gold.
- Winner: Amex Gold
Travel Rewards
- Amex Gold Card: Earns 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. Solid for travel, but lacks some travel perks of the Sapphire Reserve.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Earns 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel. Includes a $300 annual travel credit.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Travel Benefits
- Amex Gold Card: Limited travel benefits. Includes secondary car rental insurance and access to Amex Offers.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access (Priority Pass Select), primary car rental insurance, and other travel protections.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Bonus Categories
- Amex Gold Card: Strong rewards on dining, groceries, and flights. Benefits are focused on areas where people spend the most money.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Offers strong rewards on travel categories and dining. Provides good flexibility for earning points.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Point Value & Redemption
- Amex Gold Card: Points can be redeemed for various options, including statement credits, gift cards, and travel through Amex Travel. Transfer partners offer potentially higher value.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 50% more when redeemed through Chase Travel. Transfer partners provide significant value for travel.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Other Perks & Credits
- Amex Gold Card: Offers statement credits for dining (e.g., Uber Cash) and a monthly credit for select dining partners.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Includes a $300 annual travel credit, plus credits for Lyft and DoorDash.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Card Design & Feel
- Amex Gold Card: Known for its distinctive gold design. It is a metal card.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: A heavy, premium metal card with a sleek design.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Rewards on Groceries | Amex Gold |
| Rewards on Dining | Amex Gold |
| Rewards on Travel | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Annual Travel Credit | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Airport Lounge Access | Chase Sapphire Reserve (through Priority Pass) |
| Overall Travel Benefits | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Annual Fee | Amex Gold |
| Hotel Benefits | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
| Application for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
What They Have in Common:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international travel.
- Rewards on Dining: Both cards offer rewards on dining, though the rates differ. This is a common benefit for premium cards.
- Airport Lounge Access: Neither card includes airport lounge access by default.
- Travel Insurance: Both cards offer some form of travel insurance, such as trip cancellation/interruption coverage and baggage delay insurance.
- Mobile Wallet Compatibility: Both cards are compatible with mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Amex Gold Card Vs Chase Sapphire Reserve Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The Amex Gold Card excels in everyday spending categories, offering 4x points on groceries (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and dining, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com. This makes it ideal for those who spend heavily on food and travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides 3x points on travel and dining, and 1x on all other purchases. The Reserve’s broader definition of travel, encompassing more than just flights, can be advantageous for some. Consider your spending habits to determine which card’s reward structure best aligns with your lifestyle.
Annual Fees & Benefits
The Amex Gold Card has a lower annual fee, making it more accessible. It includes valuable perks such as statement credits for dining (Grubhub, Seamless) and Uber Cash, effectively offsetting the fee for some users. The Chase Sapphire Reserve boasts a higher annual fee but offers a larger suite of benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select airport lounge access, and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Evaluate which card provides the most value relative to its annual fee based on your spending and travel patterns.
Travel Perks & Protections
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the clear winner in travel perks and protections. It offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, and baggage delay insurance. These benefits can save you significant money and hassle during unforeseen travel events. While the Amex Gold Card offers some travel insurance, its coverage is less comprehensive. The Reserve’s added security and convenience make it a superior choice for frequent travelers who value peace of mind and protection.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer flexible redemption options, but they differ slightly. Amex Gold cardholders can redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or transfer them to a variety of airline and hotel partners. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can redeem points for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at a higher value. The Reserve also allows point transfers to various travel partners. Consider which redemption options and point values align best with your travel goals and preferred rewards.
Spending Habits & Lifestyle
Your spending habits are the primary driver in selecting the right card. If you spend a significant amount on dining and groceries, the Amex Gold Card’s higher rewards in these categories are appealing. If you travel frequently and value comprehensive travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a better fit. Consider your lifestyle and how each card’s benefits and rewards structure will integrate with your spending patterns. Choosing a card that complements your habits maximizes your rewards potential.
Eligibility & Approval Odds
Both cards require excellent credit scores for approval. The Amex Gold Card may be slightly easier to get approved for than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Researching your credit score before applying for either card is recommended to assess your chances of approval. Consider your current credit profile and approval odds before applying. Meeting the minimum credit score requirements is crucial to maximizing your chances of getting approved and enjoying all the card’s benefits.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Amex Gold Card If…
- You spend a significant amount on groceries and dining.
- You value the dining and airline credits to offset the annual fee.
- You prefer a card that offers flexible redemption options.
- You frequently order food delivery.
Buy Chase Sapphire Reserve If…
- You travel frequently and want a card with premium travel benefits.
- You want to maximize rewards on travel purchases.
- You value the $300 annual travel credit.
- You want access to luxury hotel benefits and redemption value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Amex Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Amex Gold Card offers higher rewards on groceries and dining, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve provides more comprehensive travel benefits and a broader definition of travel spending. The Reserve also has a higher annual fee. Both offer flexible redemption options through their respective rewards programs, but the value of each point differs.
Which card offers a better rewards rate on dining?
The Amex Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve both offer excellent rewards on dining. However, the Amex Gold Card provides 4x points on dining, making it potentially more rewarding for dining expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on dining, which still offers great value. Consider your spending patterns when determining which is better for you.
Does the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer any travel credits?
Yes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit that is automatically applied to travel purchases. This credit helps offset the card’s annual fee. The credit applies to a wide range of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, and other travel purchases. This benefit offers substantial value to travelers.
What are the main travel benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve boasts a comprehensive suite of travel benefits. These include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, and access to Priority Pass Select airport lounges. These added protections and conveniences make the card a compelling choice for frequent travelers.
Which card is better for everyday spending?
The Amex Gold Card is better for everyday spending on groceries and dining, offering higher rewards in these categories. If you spend significantly on these categories, the Amex Gold Card can maximize your rewards potential. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is better for travel and dining, but it is not as rewarding on groceries.
How do the redemption options compare for each card?
Both cards have flexible redemption options. The Amex Gold Card allows you to redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or transfer to airline and hotel partners. The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows you to redeem points for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at a higher value, and also allows transfer to travel partners.
Which card has a higher annual fee?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has a higher annual fee compared to the Amex Gold Card. While the higher fee may be a deterrent for some, it is offset by a suite of valuable benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit and various travel protections. Consider your spending habits and how you can utilize the benefits to offset the fee.
Final Verdict
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card emerges as the superior choice for frequent travelers who prioritize comprehensive travel benefits and a wider scope of rewards. While the Amex Gold Card offers compelling rewards on dining and groceries, the Reserve’s travel perks, including a $300 annual travel credit and robust insurance, provide significantly more value for those who travel regularly. The higher annual fee is offset by these benefits.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve