Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
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
Premium
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
VISA
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 | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | · $550 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 740 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
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 Sapphire Reserve
- 10x on hotels and rental cars booked via Chase Travel
- 5x on flights booked via Chase Travel
- 3x on all other dining + travel
- $300 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select + Chase Sapphire Lounge access
- 50% bonus when redeeming for travel via Chase portal
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Gold wins on 2 criteria, Chase Sapphire Reserve 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, Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months.