Head to head

American Express Gold Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 2 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

American Express Gold Card

Amex

Chase

At a glance

American Express Gold Card wins 2 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math and foreign transactions; Chase Freedom Unlimited wins on annual fee.

Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Freedom Unlimited if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

2 vs 1 (1 tie)

First-year math American Express Gold Card

American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
Annual fee Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited is $325 cheaper to keep.
Earning ceiling Tie

Same peak earning rate.
Foreign transactions American Express Gold Card

American Express Gold Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

Annual fee: $325; Free
Welcome offer (typical value): $1,600; $200
First-year net: +$1,275; +$200
Peak earning rate: 5×; 5×
Top categories: Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels; Chase Travel, Dining, Drugstores
Lounge access: No; No
Travel insurance: Yes; Yes
Elite status: Yes; No
Foreign transaction fee: None; 3.00%
Reward currency: American Express Membership Rewards; Chase Ultimate Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.