Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Business Gold
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
Premium
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
US
American Express
Amex Business Gold
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
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 | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Amex Business Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $550 | $375 |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 4% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months | = 70,000 Membership Rewards points after $10,000 spend in 3 months |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = No waiver |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 740 | 720 |
| Editorial rating | 4.7/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Amex Business Gold
- 4x on top 2 categories ($150K cap): airfare, gas, advertising, tech, restaurants, US shipping
- $20 monthly FedEx + Grubhub credit
- $240 Amex Business Line of Credit access
- No foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Amex Business Gold: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on 2 criteria, Amex Business Gold on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Chase Sapphire Reserve for its best categories, Amex Business Gold for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after $4,000 in first 3 months. Amex Business Gold: 70,000 Membership Rewards points after $10,000 spend in 3 months.