Head to head

American Express Gold Card vs. Ink Business Cash Credit Card

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

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

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; Ink Business Cash Credit Card wins on annual fee.

Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Ink Business Cash Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

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 Ink Business Cash Credit Card

    Ink Business Cash Credit Card 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.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$325
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$1,600
$750
First-year net
+$1,275
+$750
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
Office Supplies, Internet Cable Phone, Gas
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.