American Express Gold vs Chase Ink Business Cash
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Chase Ink Business Cash wins 2-1. No-fee small-business card — 5% on office supplies, internet, cable. American Express Gold is still the right call if heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1k+/mo on food).
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Chase Ink Business Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | No FX fee | · 3% |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = $350 cash back after $3K spend in 3 months + $400 after $6K total in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.6/5 | = 4.6/5 |
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
Chase Ink Business Cash
- 5% cashback on office supply stores + telecom (up to $25K/year combined)
- 2% at gas stations + restaurants (up to $25K/year combined)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Chase Ink Business Cash: which is better?
Chase Ink Business Cash wins on more dimensions (2 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›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, Chase Ink Business Cash 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. Chase Ink Business Cash: $350 cash back after $3K spend in 3 months + $400 after $6K total in 6 months.