American Express Gold Card vs. Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America
American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and travel insurance; Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card wins on annual fee.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
3 vs 1- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is $325 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card earns more on its best category (5× vs 3×).
- Travel insurance American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- —
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$0
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 3×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, Flights, Prepaid Hotels
- Travel
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Bank of America Travel Rewards Points
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.