Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

When it comes to the best travel credit cards, the American Express® Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card frequently make the cut. Both cards feature flexible ways to redeem rewards, plus they come with much lower annual fees than top-tier premium travel cards. They also offer boosted rewards in everyday categories, like dining and travel, so they can fit in well to many people’s wallets.

But which of these flexible rewards cards is best for you? That really depends on which categories you spend the most in, as well as which transfer partners you want access to. Read on to learn our take on how these two cards stack up.

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Amex Gold Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred highlights

Comparing the Amex Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be tricky since these cards both earn points in top rewards programs. However, depending on the bonus category, one card may offer more value than the other.

Which card earns the most?

So, which travel credit card choice will leave you with more rewards in the end? Your own points haul will depend on how much you spend and which categories you spend the most in. Consider the spending example below and how it might look the same (or different) based on your spending habits.

Why should you get the Amex Gold Card?

The Amex Gold Card’s earning potential may make it seem like a marginal winner, but there are more reasons to consider this card over the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

• Additional benefits
  

  The Amex Gold Card comes with up to $120 in Uber Cash each year ($10 per month), which makes it among the best credit cards for Uber and ridesharing. Cardholders also receive a dining credit worth up to $120 per year, which is also extended in increments of $10 per month. This credit applies when you use your Amex Gold Card to pay for eligible purchases with GrubHub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys (enrollment required).

  This card also comes with a hotel experience credit worth up to $100 when you book an eligible stay with The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. This credit is good for stays of at least two consecutive nights, and it can be applied to a variety of items — including eligible dining, spa and resort activities purchases.

  Other Amex Gold benefits include purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranty coverage, car rental loss and damage insurance, access to a Global Assist hotline, baggage insurance and a complimentary ShopRunner membership (enrollment required).

• Redemption options
  

  One of the more important reasons to consider the Amex Gold card is if you want to earn points in the American Express Membership Rewards program. You can use these points for merchandise, gift cards, statement credits and travel through the Amex travel portal. Membership Rewards points can also be transferred to Amex airline and hotel partners like Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, among others.

• Recommended credit score
  

  The Amex Gold Card requires applicants to have a good credit score to excellent credit score (670 to 850) to qualify for the card. However, you may have a better chance of approval if you have a FICO score of 700 or higher.

Why should you get the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

If you’re intrigued by the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s rewards rates and earning potential, you should know there are even more reasons to sign up.

• Additional benefits
  

  The Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with several unique perks. Cardholders will get up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel, a 10 percent anniversary points bonus (terms apply) and 25 percent more points value for travel redemptions through Chase.

  Other benefits include a DoorDash DashPass membership for one year (offer expires Dec. 31, 2027), trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, travel and emergency assistance services, an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible items.

• Redemption options
  

  Chase Ultimate Rewards points are notoriously easy to redeem, even for those who rarely travel. Redemption options include cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, Chase Experience events and travel. You can also pay with points on eligible Amazon.com orders or when you check out with Paypal. And remember, cardholders also get 25 percent more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase.

  The Chase Ultimate Rewards program also has its own unique list of airline and hotel transfer partners, which include Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and more.

• Recommended credit score
  

  The Chase Sapphire Preferred requires applicants to have a good to excellent credit score (670 to 850) to qualify for the card. However, you may have a better chance of approval if you have a FICO score of 700 or higher.

The bottom line

Both the Amex Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred are worth considering if you spend a lot on travel and dining, with both cards offering flexible redemption options on the points you earn. However, the right card for you depends on which categories you spend the most in and how you plan to redeem your rewards.

That said, it never hurts to compare these cards with other top rewards cards, including other cards from Chase and American Express. With some research and comparison shopping, you may be able to find a card that can boost your rewards even more.