Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Travel and dining rewards abound, but choosing depends on how much you spend

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Lena Borrelli
Lena Borrelli
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With a diverse professional background, Lena spent time in finance, web marketing, and hospitality before settling into full-time life as a freelance writer. She has written for Time, MSN, and Coverage.com.
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Updated May 22, 2023
Reviewed by Andrew Schmidt
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Yarilet Perez
Yarilet Perez
Fact checked by Yarilet Perez
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Yarilet Perez is an experienced multimedia journalist and fact-checker with a Master of Science in Journalism. She has worked in multiple cities covering breaking news, politics, education, and more. Her expertise is in personal finance and investing, and real estate.

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Both American Express and Chase are known as leading banks, but it can be hard to know which card is right for you with so many credit cards to choose from. The American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred are both relatively affordable rewards credit cards that emphasize travel and dining rewards.

The Amex Gold is better suited for the bigger spender, but each card has its own attractive perks with identical APRs. If you find yourself spending a lot of money on travel, dining, and groceries, you will want to take a closer look.

American Express Gold Card

Overall Score
3.4
American Express® Gold Card
Next Steps
Current Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards(R) points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.

Recommended Credit
Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.
350 579
580 669
670 739
740 799
800 850
Good - Excellent
Regular APR (%) 20.74% - 27.74% variable
Annual Fee $250
Rewards Earning Rate Earn 4X Membership Rewards(R) Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards(R) Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards(R) Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%

See rates and fees

American Express partners with Uber, Grubhub, airline, and grocery stores to stack up the rewards if you don’t mind the higher membership fee.

Pros

  • Competitive APR

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Dining credit

  • Now available in rose gold

Cons

  • Pricey membership fee

  • Higher credit score required

  • Restricted points on flights

  • Longer wait for rewards points

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Overall Score
4.2
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Next Steps
Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Recommended Credit
Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.
350 579
580 669
670 739
740 799
800 850
Good - Excellent
Regular APR (%) 20.99% - 27.99% variable
Annual Fee $95
Rewards Earning Rate Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 0%

Chase offers a card for the moderate spender with excellent introductory rewards and a reasonable rewards program thereafter.

Pros

  • Much cheaper membership fee

  • Shorter earning period

  • 1:1 transfer rate

Cons

  • Fewer travel rewards

  • Limited dining rewards

  • Restricted travel partners

Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Eligibility

Both cards require good to excellent credit, but our research found that Chase is more forgiving of subpar credit, typically approving applicants with a score of 670 or higher. If you want the Amex Gold, you probably will need a higher score. American Express usually accepts applicants with a credit score of 700 or higher.

Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Rewards and Benefits

Chase Sapphire Preferred is the better choice for when you don’t plan to spend as much on your card. But if you’re a serious foodie that keeps Uber Eats and Grubhub on refresh, Amex Gold could be better for you. Amex rewards cardholders with a $120 dining credit valid at Grubhub, Seamless, and other retailers.

There is also a $10 monthly credit that you can use for Uber or Uber Eats cash, up to $120 per year. Plus, cardholders get exclusive access to American Express Preferred Seating and Presale programs.

Chase gives 2x the points on flights but 3x on dining and online grocery shopping. Chase also offers it's Sapphire customers a 1:1 Point Transfer with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This gives you full value when transferring points to participating loyalty programs from leading airlines and hotels. You can roam safely with included travel accident insurance that features up to $500,000 in accidental death or dismemberment coverage.

  American Express Gold Card Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee $250; up to 5 additional cardholders free $95 
Signup bonus  60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases during first 6 months 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months ($750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards)
Travel rewards  3x 2x
Dining rewards  4x  3x 
Regular purchase rewards  1x   1x 
Grocery rewards  4x points on up to $25,000 in purchases per year  3x points on groceries purchased online
Additional credits  $10 monthly credit (up to $120 annually) in Uber or Uber Eats; $120 dining credit with Grubhub, Seamless, and other retailers; access to American Express Preferred Seating and Presale

Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Intro Offer

With Amex, you get the same amount of points but more time to earn, with 60,000 points awarded after $4,000 in purchases within your first six months. This is double the time of Chase Sapphire Preferred and yet all of the same points. With Chase Sapphire Preferred, you receive 60,000 bonus points but must spend a minimum of $4,000 in purchases within your first three months of having the card. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Chase also offers an additional perk when you trade in your points using the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Instead of the typical 1:1 rate, you can earn $.0125 per point, or $1.25 in redemption value for 100 points. Using Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can convert your 60,000 introductory points into your choice of $750 in travel purchases.

Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Fees

Both Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred start with a competitive APR of 20.74% to 27.49%. They are similar in other ways, charging $10 or 5% of your total cash advance and no fees for foreign transactions.

However, that’s where the similarities end. Amex Gold costs significantly more in membership fees at $250 per year. In comparison, Chase Sapphire Preferred costs just $95 per year. The Amex Gold Card has a higher cash advance APR, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not charge for returned checks.

  American Express Gold Card Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee $250; up to 5 additional cardholders free $95
APR  20.74%% to 27.74%, variable  20.99% to 27.99%, variable
Balance transfer APR  Not specified  20.24% to 27.24%
Balance transfer fee  Not specified  $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash advances  $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater  $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction  None  None 
Cash advance APR 29.74% 29.49%
Penalty APR  29.99%  (Pay Over Time: Penalty APR) Up to 29.99%
Late payment  Up to $40 Up to $40 
Return payment  Up to $40  Up to $40
Return check  Unknown None

Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Security

Both Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred institute the latest security measures to keep both your identity and finances safe from the wrong hands. Though similar, each company specializes in its own security protocols.

American Express

Amex offers several enhanced security measures to preserve your safety:

  • Contactless cards: Amex Gold’s contactless feature is a welcome benefit to many. 
  • Global Assist Hotline: When you travel more than 100 miles away from home, Amex is there to offer 24/7 emergency support, no matter where you are in the world.
  • Shopping protection: Amex makes sure that every purchase is covered with a combined security suite of SafeKey technology, Purchase Protection, and Return Protection, so you don’t get stuck paying for items you didn’t buy.
  • Identity and fraud protection: Cardholders enjoy 24/7 fraud monitoring with fraud alerts and emergency card replacement when you need it.

Chase 

Chase sticks to the tried and true methods of security with these types of measures:

  • Zero liability protection: Chase cardholders are not responsible for fraudulent charges thanks to zero liability protection from Chase.
  • Fraud monitoring: Chase offers real-time security monitoring with instant fraud alerts via text, email, or phone. 
  • Chip-enhanced security: The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card includes chip security to further protect your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Worth Having Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards each bring their own benefits, but some pointed differences could make one card better suited for you than the other. The Amex Gold comes with more benefits, but it also costs more, making it better suited for those who spend and travel frequently. Regardless, both of these cards are a great fit when you enjoy travel and dining.

What Credit Score Do You Need for Chase Sapphire Preferred?

To become approved for Chase Sapphire Preferred, it is typically recommended that applicants have a minimum credit score of 670. However, credit card companies also consider other factors like your credit history, employment, and annual income before deciding whether to approve an application or not.

How Does the Amex Gold Credit Limit Work?

There is no preset spending limit on the Amex Gold, which means no specific maximum amount you can spend on your card. Instead, American Express will assess your account regularly, using your spending habits, credit, and payment history to determine a suitable amount for your card.

Methodology

In comparing the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards, we took a deep dive into the best and worst of what these cards have to offer. We looked at not only the introductory offers each card has, but we also considered what rewards you can enjoy once you are no longer a brand-new customer. We considered fees, including APRs and transaction fees.

Finally, we checked security protocols to ensure that your finances are safely secured even when you are not using your card. When deciding between Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can be sure that our expert research and analysis can help you make the right decision.

To see the rates and fees for the American Express Gold Card please see the following link: Rates and fees.

Young Woman Shopping Online With Smart Phone And Credit Card

 

Oscar Wong / Getty Images