Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right credit card can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options boasting rewards, perks, and benefits, it’s easy to get lost. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make an informed decision.
We’re putting the American Express Gold Card up against the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. These two popular cards are known for their rewards programs, but which one reigns supreme? We’ll break down everything from annual fees to earning potential.
Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just looking to maximize your spending, this comparison of the Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire will help you determine which card aligns best with your financial goals. Get ready to explore the benefits and drawbacks of each card, and find out which one is the perfect fit for your wallet!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Amex Gold | Chase Sapphire |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $250 | $550 |
| Rewards on Dining | 4x | 3x |
| Rewards on Groceries | 4x (US Supermarkets, up to $25k per year) | 1x |
| Rewards on Travel | 1x | 5x (on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards) |
| Welcome Bonus | Potentially High | Potentially High |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Card Design | Metal | Metal |
| Travel Insurance | Limited | Extensive |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Return Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer Partners | Airline & Hotel Partners | Airline & Hotel Partners |
| Credit Score Requirement | Excellent | Excellent |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Amex Gold: $250 annual fee. Offers credits to offset this, such as dining and Uber credits. Requires spending to maximize the value of the credits.
- Chase Saphire: $550 annual fee. Offers travel credits and other perks. A higher annual fee but offers potentially more value to frequent travelers.
- Winner: Amex Gold
Rewards on Dining & Groceries
- Amex Gold: 4x points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). Excellent for frequent grocery shoppers and diners.
- Chase Saphire: 3x points on dining and 3x points on groceries. A lower earning rate on groceries than Amex Gold, but still competitive.
- Winner: Amex Gold
Rewards on Travel
- Amex Gold: 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Solid for flight purchases. Lacks some of the broader travel perks of Sapphire.
- Chase Saphire: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel and dining. Offers a higher earning rate on travel booked through Chase.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire
Travel Benefits
- Amex Gold: Limited travel benefits. Includes baggage insurance and secondary car rental insurance.
- Chase Saphire: Offers extensive travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance, and access to airport lounges.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire
Redemption Options
- Amex Gold: Points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel. Travel redemptions can offer better value, especially when transferring points to partners.
- Chase Saphire: Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Offers a higher value for travel redemptions.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire
Transfer Partners
- Amex Gold: Access to a wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners. Offers flexibility to maximize point value.
- Chase Saphire: Strong transfer partners, although slightly fewer than Amex. Allows transferring points to various airlines and hotels.
- Winner: Amex Gold
Sign-Up Bonus
- Amex Gold: Offers a generous sign-up bonus, varying based on promotions. Potentially a substantial initial points boost.
- Chase Saphire: Provides a substantial sign-up bonus, also varying by promotions. Provides a significant points bonus upon meeting the spending requirements.
- Winner: Tie
Other Perks
- Amex Gold: Offers dining credits and Uber credits. Provides value, but requires specific spending habits to fully utilize.
- Chase Saphire: Offers a $300 annual travel credit and DoorDash benefits. More straightforward benefits, particularly for frequent travelers.
- Winner: Chase Sapphire
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Rewards on Dining | Amex Gold |
| Rewards on Groceries | Amex Gold |
| Rewards on Travel (Chase Portal) | Chase Sapphire |
| Travel Benefits | Chase Sapphire |
| Overall Value | Chase Sapphire |
| Annual Fee | Amex Gold |
What They Have in Common:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
- Rewards on Travel: Both cards offer rewards on travel purchases, though the earning rates and redemption options differ.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards provide purchase protection, which can cover damage or theft of items purchased with the card.
- Transfer Partners: Both cards allow you to transfer points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, increasing the value of your rewards.
- Metal Card: Both cards are made of metal, providing a premium feel.
- High Credit Score Required: Both cards require excellent credit scores for approval.
Amex Gold Vs Chase Sapphire Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The Amex Gold Card excels in rewards for spending at U.S. supermarkets (4x points, up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and restaurants worldwide (4x points). It also offers 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, and 1x point on all other purchases. Consider your spending habits; if you spend heavily on groceries and dining, the Amex Gold might be a better fit. The Sapphire Preferred is more versatile.
Annual Fees & Benefits
The Amex Gold card has a higher annual fee. It provides statement credits for dining (up to $120 annually) and Uber Cash (up to $120 annually). The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee, offering valuable travel protections such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage. These benefits can save you considerable money. Assess whether you value the dining/Uber credits (Amex) or prefer travel protections (Chase).
Travel Perks & Protections
Both cards offer travel benefits, but they differ. The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. The Amex Gold card has no foreign transaction fees, but its primary travel perks come in the form of rewards earning. Consider your travel frequency and the type of protection you need. The Sapphire Preferred is ideal for frequent travelers seeking peace of mind. Both offer various travel partners for points transfer.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer flexible redemption options. Amex Gold points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise, but the best value comes from transferring points to airline and hotel partners. Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can redeem points for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, with a 25% bonus when redeeming for travel. Consider which redemption options align with your preferences and whether you’re interested in transferring points to travel partners.
Spending Habits and Lifestyle
Evaluate your spending patterns. If you frequently dine out, purchase groceries, and travel, both cards could be beneficial. The Amex Gold is best for those who spend heavily on groceries and dining, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred caters to those who travel frequently and desire robust travel protections. Consider your lifestyle and how you’ll utilize the benefits. Both cards provide value, it depends on how you plan to use them.
Credit Score Requirements
Both cards require good to excellent credit scores for approval. Generally, a credit score of 670 or higher is recommended for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, while the Amex Gold might require a slightly higher score, around 700 or above. Ensure your credit report is in good standing before applying. Consider factors like payment history, credit utilization, and the length of your credit history. Check your credit score before applying for either card.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy amex gold If…
- You spend a significant amount on dining and groceries.
- You prefer to earn rewards in the form of flexible Membership Rewards points.
- You value the potential for statement credits to offset the annual fee.
- You frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets.
Buy chase saphire If…
- You spend a lot on travel, especially through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- You want comprehensive travel insurance and other travel-related benefits.
- You prefer a card with a higher overall value and broader range of benefits.
- You value the ease of redeeming points for travel through the Chase portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Amex Gold card has a higher annual fee than the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The Amex Gold’s fee reflects the value provided through its rewards and credits, such as dining and Uber Cash. The Sapphire Preferred’s annual fee is lower, and its value comes from travel benefits and protections.
What are the rewards rates for each card?
The Amex Gold card offers 4x points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and restaurants, plus 3x points on flights booked directly or on amextravel.com. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5x points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries, and 1x on all other purchases.
How do I redeem points with each card?
Both cards offer flexible redemption options. Amex Gold points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise, but the best value is often through transfer to airline/hotel partners. Chase Sapphire Preferred offers cash back, gift cards, merchandise, and travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal with a 25% bonus.
Which card offers better travel insurance?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred provides more comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary auto rental collision damage waiver coverage. The Amex Gold card primarily focuses on rewards earning and offers no foreign transaction fees.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
Both the Amex Gold and the Chase Sapphire Preferred cards have no foreign transaction fees. This makes them ideal for international travel as you will not be charged extra for purchases made abroad.
What are the main benefits of each card?
The Amex Gold card provides high rewards on groceries and dining, plus statement credits for dining and Uber. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers valuable travel protections, a lower annual fee, and bonus rewards on travel, dining, and select streaming services.
Which card is better for everyday spending?
It depends on your spending habits. The Amex Gold is better if you spend a lot on groceries and dining. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is better if you spend a lot on dining and travel. Consider which reward categories align with your spending.
Final Verdict
Both the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred are excellent cards, but they cater to different spending habits. The Amex Gold is superior for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred is better for those who prioritize travel benefits and protections. The decision depends on your personal financial needs.
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred