Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold: Which Card Wins?
Choosing the right rewards credit card can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options vying for your attention. Two of the most popular cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the American Express Gold Card, frequently top the lists for premium travel and dining rewards. But which one is the better fit for your spending habits and lifestyle?
This comparison dives deep into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of both the Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Gold. We’ll explore their earning rates, annual fees, and perks to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a foodie, understanding these cards is crucial.
We’ll examine the value of their rewards programs, comparing how you can redeem points or miles for maximum value. From travel credits to dining perks, we’ll uncover what makes the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Gold stand out. Get ready to find out which card aligns perfectly with your financial goals.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Sapphire Reserve | Amex Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $550 | $250 |
| Rewards on Travel | 3x points | 2x points |
| Rewards on Dining | 3x points | 4x points |
| Rewards on Groceries | 1x points | 4x points |
| Rewards on Other Purchases | 1x points | 1x points |
| Travel Credit | $300 annual travel credit | N/A |
| Application for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Yes, statement credit | Yes, statement credit |
| Airport Lounge Access | Yes, Priority Pass Select | No |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None |
| Purchase Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Return Protection | Yes | No |
| APR | Varies | Varies |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Annual Fee
- Sapphire Reserve: $550 annual fee. This high fee comes with premium perks like travel credits and elevated rewards. However, it can be a barrier to entry for those who don’t utilize the benefits enough to offset the cost.
- Amex Gold: $250 annual fee. Significantly lower than the Sapphire Reserve. The fee is offset by strong rewards on groceries and dining, making it easier to justify for frequent spenders in those categories.
- Winner: amex gold
Rewards on Dining & Groceries
- Sapphire Reserve: Earns 3x points on dining and 3x points on travel. This offers solid rewards in these categories, but it is less competitive for groceries.
- Amex Gold: Earns 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x). This is a strong advantage for those who spend heavily on food.
- Winner: amex gold
Rewards on Travel
- Sapphire Reserve: Earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3x points on other travel purchases. This offers a high earning rate through Chase’s portal.
- Amex Gold: Earns 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. This is a good return, but less than the Sapphire Reserve within Chase’s portal.
- Winner: sapphire reserve
Travel Benefits
- Sapphire Reserve: Offers a $300 annual travel credit, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, and access to airport lounges. This provides excellent value for frequent travelers.
- Amex Gold: Offers secondary car rental insurance, but does not provide as many travel benefits as the Sapphire Reserve.
- Winner: sapphire reserve
Redemption Options
- Sapphire Reserve: Points are worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Offers the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
- Amex Gold: Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and statement credits. Transfer options to Amex’s travel partners.
- Winner: sapphire reserve
Sign-Up Bonus
- Sapphire Reserve: Offers a generous sign-up bonus (often around 60,000-75,000 points) after meeting the spending requirement. This can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance.
- Amex Gold: Offers a solid sign-up bonus, although the value is typically less than the Sapphire Reserve.
- Winner: sapphire reserve
Additional Perks
- Sapphire Reserve: Includes a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, plus other travel and purchase protections.
- Amex Gold: Offers credits for Uber and Grubhub.
- Winner: Tie
Overall Value Proposition
- Sapphire Reserve: Best for frequent travelers who can utilize the travel credits and enjoy premium benefits. The high annual fee requires significant spending to justify.
- Amex Gold: Best for those who spend a lot on dining and groceries. The lower annual fee and strong rewards in these categories make it a great option for everyday use.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Travel Rewards | Sapphire Reserve |
| Dining Rewards | Amex Gold |
| Grocery Rewards | Amex Gold |
| Annual Fee | Amex Gold |
| Airport Lounge Access | Sapphire Reserve |
| Travel Credit | 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.
- Purchase Protection: Both cards offer purchase protection, covering eligible purchases against damage or theft.
- Rewards Programs: Both cards offer rewards programs, allowing cardholders to earn points on their spending.
- Global Entry/tsa Precheck Credit: Both cards offer a statement credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
- Mobile App: Both cards have mobile apps that allow cardholders to manage their accounts, track spending, and redeem rewards.
Sapphire Reserve Vs Amex Gold Buying Guide
Earning Rewards
The Sapphire Reserve excels in travel rewards. It offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel and dining, and 1x point on all other purchases. These points are highly valuable, especially when redeemed through the Chase portal or transferred to travel partners. The Amex Gold, on the other hand, shines in everyday spending with 4x points on restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x), and 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Both cards offer substantial earning potential, but cater to different spending habits. Consider where you spend the most to maximize rewards.
Redemption Options
Both cards offer flexible redemption options, but with different strengths. Sapphire Reserve provides a 50% boost on point value when redeeming through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, making your points go further on travel. It also allows transfers to valuable travel partners like United and Hyatt. Amex Gold offers statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise redemption. However, the value isn’t typically as high as travel redemptions. Amex Rewards are strong but typically can’t match the travel redemption value of the Sapphire Reserve. Consider your redemption preferences when making your decision.
Annual Fees & Benefits
The Sapphire Reserve carries a higher annual fee. This fee is offset by a $300 annual travel credit, making it easier to justify. It also offers perks like airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select, and various travel and purchase protections. The Amex Gold has a lower annual fee, but comes with a $120 dining credit per year (split $10 monthly) and a $120 Uber Cash benefit (also split monthly). The benefits are different, so think of which ones fit your lifestyle. Both cards have significant benefits, but you must evaluate if the annual fee is worth it for the benefits offered.
Travel Perks & Protections
Both cards offer travel perks, but the Sapphire Reserve has the edge. It includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary auto rental collision damage waiver. These protections can save you money and provide peace of mind while traveling. The Amex Gold offers some travel protections, but they are not as comprehensive. Consider the frequency and type of travel you do. The Sapphire Reserve provides a more robust suite of travel protections, making it a better choice for frequent travelers. Evaluate how important travel insurance is to you.
Dining & Everyday Spending
The Amex Gold excels in dining and everyday spending categories. It offers 4x points on restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x), making it ideal for those who spend a lot on food and groceries. The Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on dining, but no bonus on groceries. Consider your spending habits. If you spend significantly on dining and groceries, the Amex Gold is the clear winner for everyday spending. If you prefer travel, the Sapphire Reserve might be a better choice. Choose the one that aligns with your spending categories.
Transfer Partners & Point Value
The Sapphire Reserve’s point value and transfer partners give it an advantage. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to several airline and hotel partners, often offering significantly higher value when redeemed for travel. The Amex Gold also has transfer partners, but sometimes the value isn’t as high. The Sapphire Reserve provides the potential for maximizing the value of your rewards. The ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners often leads to better value than redeeming for statement credits or merchandise. This is a critical factor for frequent travelers who want the best value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Sapphire Reserve If…
- You travel frequently and want to maximize rewards on travel spending.
- You value airport lounge access and the benefits of Priority Pass Select.
- You want a card with a high redemption value for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- You can take full advantage of the $300 annual travel credit.
Buy Amex Gold If…
- You spend a significant amount on dining and groceries.
- You want a card with a lower annual fee.
- You prefer flexible redemption options for your rewards points.
- You frequently order food delivery or takeout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Sapphire Reserve?
The Sapphire Reserve has a relatively high annual fee. This fee is offset by a $300 annual travel credit, which automatically reimburses travel purchases made during the cardmember year. Evaluate your spending to decide if the value of the rewards and benefits offsets the annual fee.
What is the annual fee for the Amex Gold?
The Amex Gold carries a lower annual fee compared to the Sapphire Reserve. It has a $120 dining credit (split into monthly installments) and a $120 Uber Cash benefit (also split monthly). It is important to consider the value of these credits in relation to your spending habits and lifestyle.
Which card offers better rewards on dining?
The Amex Gold is the clear winner for dining rewards, offering 4x points on restaurants worldwide. The Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on dining, but doesn’t offer the 4x dining bonus. If dining is a significant portion of your spending, the Amex Gold is the better choice.
Which card is better for travel rewards?
The Sapphire Reserve is generally considered better for travel rewards. It offers 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on other travel, and valuable transfer partners. The Amex Gold focuses on dining, but the Sapphire Reserve excels for frequent travelers.
Does the Sapphire Reserve have airport lounge access?
Yes, the Sapphire Reserve includes complimentary access to airport lounges through Priority Pass Select. This benefit allows cardholders and their authorized users to relax in airport lounges around the world, enhancing their travel experience. This is a significant perk for frequent travelers.
Does the Amex Gold offer any statement credits?
Yes, the Amex Gold provides a $120 dining credit (split into monthly installments) and a $120 Uber Cash benefit (also split monthly). These credits can help offset the annual fee and offer value to cardholders who frequently use these services. These credits are automatic.
Which card is easier to justify the annual fee?
This depends on your spending habits. The Sapphire Reserve is easier to justify if you can utilize the $300 travel credit and maximize the travel rewards. The Amex Gold is easier to justify if you frequently dine out and use U.S. supermarkets, utilizing the dining credit and Uber Cash. Evaluate your spending.
Final Verdict
Both the Sapphire Reserve and Amex Gold are strong contenders in the premium rewards card market. The Sapphire Reserve prioritizes travel rewards and offers robust travel perks. The Amex Gold excels in dining and everyday spending categories. Your choice depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. If you prioritize dining and grocery rewards, the Amex Gold is the better choice. If you are a frequent traveler, the Sapphire Reserve is the better choice.
Winner: Sapphire Reserve