American Express Gold vs US Bank Cash+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
US Bank Cash+ wins 3-2. 5% on 2 chosen categories + 2% on 1 chosen — fully customizable. American Express Gold is still the right call if heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1k+/mo on food).
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | US Bank 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 | = $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| 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
US Bank Cash+
- 5% on 2 categories you choose ($2,000 quarterly cap)
- 2% on 1 chosen everyday category (gas, grocery, restaurants)
- 1% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Quarterly category swap
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs US Bank Cash+: which is better?
US Bank Cash+ wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). 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, US Bank 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. US Bank Cash+: $200 statement credit after $1,000 spend in 120 days.