Head to head

American Express Gold Card vs. Sam's Club Mastercard

On the criteria below, American Express Gold Card wins 2 of 4. The verdict depends on which criteria matter to you.

American Express Gold Card

Amex

Synchrony

At a glance

American Express Gold Card wins 2 of 4 criteria here, making it the stronger all-rounder.

American Express Gold Card wins on first-year math and travel insurance; Sam's Club Mastercard wins on annual fee.

Pick the American Express Gold Card if year-one math is your priority; take the Sam's Club Mastercard if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

2 vs 1 (1 tie)

First-year math American Express Gold Card

American Express Gold Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
Annual fee Sam's Club Mastercard

Sam's Club Mastercard is $325 cheaper to keep.
Earning ceiling Tie

Same peak earning rate.
Travel insurance American Express Gold Card

American Express Gold Card carries built-in travel insurance.

Annual fee: $325; Free
Welcome offer (typical value): $1,600; $30
First-year net: +$1,275; +$30
Peak earning rate: 5×; 5×
Top categories: Dining Worldwide, U.S. Supermarkets, Prepaid Hotels; Gas Ev Charging, Dining, Sams Club Purchases
Lounge access: No; No
Travel insurance: Yes; No
Elite status: Yes; No
Foreign transaction fee: None; None
Reward currency: American Express Membership Rewards; Sam's Cash

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