American Express Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred 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; Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on annual fee.
Pick the American Express Gold Card 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
1 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 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
- $1,275
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$1,180
- 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.