Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right rewards credit card can feel overwhelming. With so many options promising travel perks and valuable points, it’s tough to know where to start. Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll be pitting the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card against the American Express® Gold Card, two of the most popular cards on the market. Both cards offer attractive benefits, but they cater to different spending habits and preferences. Get ready to explore the key features and benefits.
This comparison will cover everything from earning rates and redemption options to annual fees and travel perks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which card is the better fit for your lifestyle and financial goals. Let’s see how the Sapphire Preferred stacks up against the Amex Gold.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Sapphire Preferred | Amex Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $250 |
| Rewards on Travel | 2x points | 3x points |
| Rewards on Dining | 3x points | 4x points |
| Rewards on Groceries | 1x points | 4x points |
| Welcome Bonus | Yes | Yes |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Card Design | Classic | Stylish |
| Travel Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| APR | Varies | Varies |
| Balance Transfer | No | No |
| Referral Bonus | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Sapphire Preferred: The Sapphire Preferred has an annual fee of $95. This is a moderate fee, often offset by the card’s benefits and rewards structure. It’s a manageable cost for frequent travelers.
- Amex Gold: The Amex Gold has a higher annual fee of $250. This fee reflects the premium benefits and rewards offered, but it’s important to evaluate if the perks justify the cost based on your spending habits.
- Winner: sapphire preferred
Rewards on Dining & Groceries
- Sapphire Preferred: Earns 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, and 3x points on select streaming services. It offers a solid return on these common spending categories.
- Amex Gold: Earns 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). This is a strong earning rate for frequent grocery shoppers and diners.
- Winner: amex gold
Travel Rewards
- Sapphire Preferred: Earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 2x points on all other travel purchases, and offers a 25% point redemption bonus when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This is a very valuable feature.
- Amex Gold: Earns 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 2x points on other travel. While offering travel rewards, the bonus category is limited to flights.
- Winner: sapphire preferred
Welcome Bonus
- Sapphire Preferred: Offers a welcome bonus, typically earned after meeting a spending requirement within the first few months. This bonus can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance.
- Amex Gold: Also provides a welcome bonus, earned after meeting a spending requirement. The bonus amount varies but is often substantial, potentially higher than the Sapphire Preferred’s.
- Winner: Tie
Transfer Partners
- Sapphire Preferred: Transfers points to various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility in redeeming rewards. This allows for potentially higher value redemptions.
- Amex Gold: Also offers the ability to transfer points to a wide array of airline and hotel partners, allowing for flexible redemption options and potentially higher value rewards.
- Winner: Tie
Foreign Transaction Fees
- Sapphire Preferred: No foreign transaction fees. This makes it ideal for international travel and purchases.
- Amex Gold: No foreign transaction fees. This is another great perk for international travelers.
- Winner: Tie
Card Benefits
- Sapphire Preferred: Includes benefits like purchase protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and baggage delay insurance, offering valuable peace of mind.
- Amex Gold: Offers benefits such as up to $120 annual dining credit (terms apply) and up to $120 annual Uber Cash (terms apply).
- Winner: Tie
Spending Category Focus
- Sapphire Preferred: Generally best for those who value travel rewards, dining, and want a balance of benefits without a very high annual fee.
- Amex Gold: Geared toward those who spend heavily on dining and groceries, and are comfortable with a higher annual fee.
- Winner: amex gold
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Sapphire Preferred |
| Rewards on Dining | Amex Gold |
| Rewards on Groceries | Amex Gold |
| Travel Rewards | Amex Gold |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | Tie |
| Travel Insurance | Tie |
| Purchase Protection | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Both cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
- Travel Insurance: Both cards offer some form of travel insurance, providing coverage for things like trip delays and cancellations.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards provide purchase protection, safeguarding your purchases against damage or theft within a certain timeframe.
- Welcome Bonus Offers: Both cards typically come with attractive welcome bonuses, offering a significant points boost upon meeting spending requirements.
- Rewards Programs: Both cards participate in a rewards program, which can provide cardholders with points to redeem for travel, statement credits, or other rewards.
- Mobile App: Both cards offer cardholders access to a mobile app to monitor spending, pay bills, and manage their account.
Sapphire Preferred Vs Amex Gold Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The Sapphire Preferred excels in earning rewards on travel and dining, offering 2x points on these categories. Amex Gold provides 4x points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x). Both cards have their strengths, but the Amex Gold’s higher multipliers on dining and groceries can be more lucrative for some. Consider your spending habits: if you spend significantly on groceries, the Amex Gold is likely superior. If you travel more, the Sapphire Preferred’s travel benefits may be better.
Annual Fees & Value
The Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee than the Amex Gold. The Amex Gold’s fee is higher, but it offers more rewards on everyday spending. Evaluate whether the higher rewards earned by the Amex Gold outweigh its higher annual fee. Look at the perks offered by each card. The Sapphire Preferred offers a $50 hotel credit, while the Amex Gold provides a $120 dining credit and a $120 Uber Cash benefit, offering the potential to offset the costs.
Travel Benefits
Both cards offer travel benefits, but the Sapphire Preferred’s benefits are generally considered stronger. The Sapphire Preferred has a better travel insurance package, including primary auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/interruption insurance. While the Amex Gold offers some travel protection, it is not as comprehensive. The Sapphire Preferred’s benefits make it a better choice for frequent travelers who value protection.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer flexible redemption options. The Sapphire Preferred allows you to redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards at a slightly higher value than cash back. Amex Gold allows you to redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise. You can also transfer points to Amex’s airline and hotel partners. Consider which redemption options align with your travel and spending preferences. Chase Ultimate Rewards offers better transfer partners.
Cardholder Perks
Cardholder perks vary significantly. The Amex Gold provides access to Amex Offers, which can unlock savings at various retailers. It also includes access to premium customer service. The Sapphire Preferred offers purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and no foreign transaction fees. The Amex Gold’s dining credits and Uber Cash add value. Consider the perks that best match your lifestyle and spending habits, as they can significantly impact the value you receive.
Overall Value Proposition
The overall value proposition hinges on your spending patterns and priorities. The Sapphire Preferred is a good choice for travelers who value simplicity and comprehensive travel benefits. The Amex Gold is better for those who spend a lot on dining and groceries and want to maximize rewards on everyday purchases. Evaluate the annual fees, rewards rates, and perks offered by each card to determine which one best fits your financial goals and spending habits. Choosing the best card requires personal analysis.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sapphire preferred If…
- You value simplicity and a lower annual fee.
- You frequently dine out and want bonus rewards.
- You want a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- You want excellent travel insurance and purchase protection.
Buy amex gold If…
- You spend a lot on groceries and dining.
- You want a card with premium dining rewards.
- You are willing to pay a higher annual fee for superior rewards.
- You are looking for perks like statement credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold?
The Sapphire Preferred has a lower annual fee than the Amex Gold. The exact amounts can vary, but the Amex Gold generally has a significantly higher annual fee. This difference is a major factor in determining the overall value of each card, and should be considered against their respective rewards programs and perks.
How do the rewards programs differ?
The Sapphire Preferred offers 2x points on travel and dining and 1x on all other purchases. The Amex Gold offers 4x points on dining and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) and 1x on other purchases. Both provide valuable rewards earning potential, but the categories differ significantly. The Amex Gold’s higher multipliers on dining and groceries can be more lucrative for some.
Which card offers better travel insurance?
The Sapphire Preferred offers better travel insurance. It includes primary auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and other travel protections. The Amex Gold offers some travel protection, but not as comprehensive. For frequent travelers who value strong travel protection, the Sapphire Preferred is the better choice.
Can I transfer points to airline and hotel partners?
Yes, both cards offer the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners. The Sapphire Preferred’s Chase Ultimate Rewards program offers a strong selection of travel partners. The Amex Gold allows for transfers to a large network of airlines and hotels. Both provide flexibility in redeeming points for travel rewards, increasing overall value.
What are the key perks of each card?
The Sapphire Preferred offers a $50 hotel credit, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and no foreign transaction fees. The Amex Gold provides a $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash benefit, and access to Amex Offers. Consider which perks align with your lifestyle and spending habits to determine which offers the best value.
Which card is better for dining?
The Amex Gold is generally better for dining. It offers 4x points on dining purchases, which is double the rate offered by the Sapphire Preferred. If you spend significantly on dining, the Amex Gold will allow you to earn rewards at a much faster rate. It’s a key benefit for those seeking to maximize dining rewards.
How do I redeem my rewards?
The Sapphire Preferred allows you to redeem points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, cash back, gift cards, and merchandise. Amex Gold allows you to redeem points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and travel through Amex Travel. You can also transfer points to the respective airline and hotel partners. Both cards provide flexible redemption options.
Final Verdict
Both the Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold offer compelling rewards programs. The Sapphire Preferred excels for travel benefits and a lower annual fee, while the Amex Gold shines with its high rewards on dining and groceries. The best card depends on your spending habits; frequent diners and grocery shoppers may find the Amex Gold more rewarding, while travelers may prefer the Sapphire Preferred’s travel perks and insurance. Consider your priorities carefully.
Winner: Amex Gold