For many consumers, the hefty annual fees of $500 or more on high-end travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express may not be justifiable, especially if you don’t travel often enough to take full advantage of their benefits. However, if you’re looking for a card that still offers substantial travel rewards without the significant fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the American Express® Gold Card are excellent alternatives.
These cards are often seen as the younger siblings of their premium counterparts but come with unique perks that cater to different spending habits. This detailed comparison will help you determine which card is better suited for your needs—or if both cards deserve a spot in your wallet.
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Comparing the Essentials
Here’s a breakdown of the key features of these two popular mid-tier credit cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. With each point valued at 2.05 cents, this bonus is worth approximately $1,230 when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠.
Amex Gold: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in 6 months, plus 20% back on dining (up to $100). Each point is valued at 2 cents, bringing the total value of this welcome offer to $1,300.
Winner: Amex Gold. With a higher total value and more time to meet the spending requirement, the Amex Gold’s welcome offer is more attractive.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Earning Rates:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on general travel purchases
- 1x points on all other purchases
Amex Gold Earning Rates:
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually)
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 1x points on all other purchases
Winner: Amex Gold. The 4x points on dining and groceries make it an ideal card for everyday spending.
Redeeming Points: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
Both cards offer highly flexible points that can be redeemed in various ways:
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Points can be transferred to 14 airline and hotel partners, including United, Southwest, and Hyatt. Alternatively, redeem points through Chase Travel℠ and enjoy a 25% bonus on your redemptions.
Amex Gold: Transfer points to 21 airline and hotel partners, such as Delta SkyMiles and ANA Mileage Club, for maximum value. Points can also be redeemed through AmexTravel.com or used as statement credits.
Winner: Tie. Both cards offer valuable transfer partners and flexible redemption options.
Card Perks: Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
Chase Sapphire Preferred Perks:
- $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points bonus
- Comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation coverage, primary car rental insurance, and trip delay reimbursement
Amex Gold Perks:
- $120 Uber Cash annually (requires enrollment)
- $120 dining credits per year at select restaurants and delivery services (requires enrollment)
- $100 Resy dining credit and $84 Dunkin’ Donuts credit annually (requires enrollment)
- Extensive travel protections, such as baggage insurance and trip delay reimbursement
Final Verdict: Which Card Is Best for You?
Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Amex Gold depends on your spending habits and how you prefer to earn and redeem points. If your budget is primarily spent on dining and groceries, and you can maximize the monthly credits, then the Amex Gold may be the ideal card for you. However, if you value Ultimate Rewards points and want a card with a lower annual fee that offers a variety of travel perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be your best bet.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be a choice between one or the other. Both cards can complement each other in a well-rounded points strategy, helping you maximize rewards across different spending categories and travel experiences.
