American Express Gold vs Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless wins 3-1. Free annual night ($85K Bonvoy) covers the $95 fee easily. 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | $95 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 6% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = 3 free nights (each up to 50K Bonvoy points) after $3,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.4/5 |
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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
- 6x Bonvoy points at Marriott
- 2x on everything else
- Free annual award night (35K points)
- Marriott Silver Elite status (15 elite night credits)
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: which is better?
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless wins on more dimensions (3 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: 3 free nights (each up to 50K Bonvoy points) after $3,000 spend in 3 months.