American Express Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
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 Reserve
Chase
American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve 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 annual fee; Chase Sapphire Reserve wins on earning ceiling and lounge access.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the American Express Gold 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 American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card is $470 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve earns more on its best category (8× vs 5×).
- Lounge access Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase Sapphire Reserve includes lounge access; the other doesn't.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $795
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- $1,700
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- +$905
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 8×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Chase Travel, Flights Direct, Hotels Direct
- Lounge access
- No
- chase-sapphire-lounge, priority-pass
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- Yes
- 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.