American Express Gold Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 2 of 3. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.
American Express Gold Card
Amex
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Chase
American Express Gold Card wins 2 of 3 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.
American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math and earning ceiling; Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on annual fee.
Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 1- First-year math American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is $176 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling American Express Gold Card
American Express Gold Card earns more on its best category (5× vs 3×).
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- $325
- $149
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- $1,600
- —
- First-year net
- +$1,275
- $-149
- Peak earning rate
- 5×
- 3×
- Top categories
- Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
- Airfare, Groceries, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- Yes
- Yes
- Elite status
- Yes
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.