Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Gold vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
American Express
American Express Gold
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
American Express
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Amex Blue Cash Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 6% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 2.7% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
- 6% cashback on US supermarkets (up to $6K/year, then 1%)
- 6% on streaming subscriptions
- 3% on US gas stations + transit
- 1% on everything else
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Amex Blue Cash Preferred: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Gold wins on 2 criteria, Amex Blue Cash Preferred on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, Amex Blue Cash Preferred for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. Amex Blue Cash Preferred: $250 statement credit after $3,000 in 6 months.