Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
Two of the most popular mid-tier travel and dining rewards cards go head to head. Both charge under $300 in annual fees and target foodies and travelers, but they take very different approaches to earning and redeeming points.
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase | Amex Gold Card American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 | $250 |
| APR | 21.49% - 28.49% | 21.49% - 29.49% |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months | 60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months |
| Base Rewards | 1x on all purchases | 1x on all purchases |
| Top Categories | 2x travel, 2x dining, 2x online groceries | 4x restaurants, 4x U.S. supermarkets (up to $25k/yr), 3x flights |
| Foreign Tx Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Good - Excellent (700+) | Good - Excellent (700+) |
Pros & Cons
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Pros
- +Lower $95 annual fee
- +25% bonus on Chase Travel redemptions
- +Broad travel insurance benefits
- +Flexible transfer partners (Hyatt, United, Southwest)
Cons
- -Lower grocery earning rate
- -No airline fee credits
- -No lounge access
Amex Gold Card
Pros
- +4x on restaurants worldwide
- +4x at U.S. supermarkets
- +$120 dining credit + $120 Uber Cash annually
- +Best card for foodies
Cons
- -Higher $250 annual fee
- -Supermarket cap at $25k/year
- -Fewer transfer partners for hotels
Our Recommendation
Choose the Amex Gold if dining and groceries dominate your spending. Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want flexible transfer partners, broader travel coverage, and a lower annual fee.