Head to head

American Express Gold Card vs. Amazon Store Card

On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 5. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

American Express Gold Card

Amex

Amazon Store Card

Synchrony

At a glance

American Express Gold Card wins 3 of 5 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math, earning ceiling, and travel insurance; Amazon Store Card wins on annual fee and foreign transactions.

Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Amazon Store Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

3 vs 2
  • First-year math American Express Gold Card

    American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee Amazon Store Card

    Amazon Store Card is $325 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling American Express Gold Card

    American Express Gold Card earns more on its best category (5× vs 0×).

  • Travel insurance American Express Gold Card

    American Express Gold Card carries built-in travel insurance.

  • Foreign transactions Amazon Store Card

    Amazon Store Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$325
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
$1,600
First-year net
+$1,275
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
Yes
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
Not disclosed
Reward currency
American Express Membership Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.