American Express Gold Card vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Chase
American Express Gold Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math and travel insurance; Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is $230 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card earns more on its best category (6× vs 5×).
- Travel insurance American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $1,000
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$905
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 6×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Marriott Hotels, Grocery, Gas
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- No
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.