Chase Sapphire Preferred vs American Express Gold
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 3-0. First-time travel-rewards card, sweet-spot earn rates American Express Gold is still the right call if heavy restaurant + grocery spenders ($1k+/mo on food).
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Chase Sapphire Preferred | American Express Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $95 | · $325 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 4% (dining) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months (~$750 in travel) | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | = 700 | = 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.7/5 | · 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x on dining (incl. takeout & delivery)
- 2x on all other travel
- 25% more value when redeeming for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards portal
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary auto rental coverage
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
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Preferred vs American Express Gold: which is better?
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on more dimensions (3 vs 0). 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 Chase Sapphire Preferred for its best categories, American Express Gold for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Preferred: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months (~$750 in travel). American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months.