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The American Express Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred are two of the most popular mid-tier travel rewards cards. Both carry a roughly $95–$325 annual fee and earn strong points. But they reward different spending patterns. Here is how to pick the right one.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Amex Gold | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Dining rewards | 4x at restaurants worldwide | 3x at restaurants |
| Grocery rewards | 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25k/yr) | None |
| Travel rewards | 3x on flights booked direct | 3x on travel, 5x on Chase Travel portal |
| Annual credits | $120 dining + $120 Uber Cash | $50 hotel credit |
| Transfer partners | 21 airlines and hotels | 14 airlines and hotels |
| Travel insurance | Limited | Strong (trip cancellation, delay, baggage) |
Amex Gold Card: Best for Dining and Groceries
The Amex Gold earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in grocery purchases per year). If you spend $500 or more per month on dining and groceries combined, the Gold earns more than the Sapphire Preferred in those categories.
The card also includes $120 in annual dining credits (at select partners like Grubhub and Cheesecake Factory) and $120 in Uber Cash, adding up to $240 in credits that partially offset the $325 annual fee.
Best for: People who spend heavily on dining and groceries and want to maximize everyday rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: Best for Travel and Flexibility
The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3x on dining and travel, 5x on Chase Travel portal bookings, and 2x on all other travel. Its primary strength is the quality of its points and travel benefits:
- Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person
- Primary rental car insurance (not secondary)
- Baggage delay insurance and travel accident insurance
At only $95 per year, the Sapphire Preferred is one of the best-value cards for travelers.
Best for: Travelers who want comprehensive travel insurance and a lower annual fee.
Which Card Should You Choose?
The answer depends on where you spend most:
- Spend heavily on dining and groceries? Amex Gold earns more rewards per dollar in those categories.
- Travel frequently and want strong insurance? Chase Sapphire Preferred’s travel protections and lower fee make it the better travel companion.
- Want both? Some cardholders carry both — using the Gold for food spending and the Preferred for travel. Both programs let you transfer points to many of the same airline partners.
Bottom Line
The Amex Gold wins on dining and grocery rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred wins on travel benefits and overall value at a lower fee. If you eat out often and shop at U.S. supermarkets, the Gold justifies its higher fee. If you travel and want trip insurance, the Preferred is the smarter choice at $95 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amex Gold worth the $325 annual fee?
The Amex Gold’s $325 fee can be offset by its $120 dining credit and $120 Uber Cash credit — totaling $240 in annual value. If you use those credits, the effective fee is $85, which is easy to justify with 4x dining rewards.
Which card is better for travel?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is better for travel. It earns 3x on travel, includes trip cancellation insurance, and its points transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners. Amex Gold earns only 3x on flights booked directly.
Can you use Chase points and Amex points on the same trip?
Not directly. Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards are separate programs. Some transfer partners overlap (like Air France/KLM Flying Blue), but you cannot pool points between the two programs.