Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express vs. American Express Gold Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Amex
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express and American Express Gold Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math and foreign transactions.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is $230 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns more on its best category (6× vs 5×).
- Foreign transactions American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $95
- $325
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $300
- $1,600
- First-year net
- +$205
- +$1,275
- Peak earning rate
- 6×
- 5×
- Top categories
- U.S. Supermarkets, Streaming, Transit
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- 2.70%
- None
- Reward currency
- Cashback
- American Express Membership Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.