American Express Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
On the criteria below, Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
Chase Sapphire Preferred leads on first-year math and annual fee, while American Express Gold Card only ties the rest.
Pick the Chase Sapphire Preferred if year-one math is your priority; take the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
0 vs 2 (1 tie)- First-year math Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred is $230 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Tie
Same peak earning rate.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $95
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $1,700
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$1,605
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 5×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Chase Travel Portal, Dining, Travel
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- 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.