Amex Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred
Which card is better in 2026? We break down fees, rewards, perks, and point values so you can decide.
Amex Gold Card
American Express
Foodies and grocery shoppers who eat out frequently
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Beginners who want premium travel perks at a low annual fee
| Feature | Amex Gold Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $250 | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 Membership Rewards | 60,000 Ultimate Rewards |
| Bonus Value | $720 | $750 |
| Dining | 4x | 3x |
| Groceries | 4x | 1x |
| Travel | 3x (flights) | 2x |
| Gas | 1x | 1x |
| Streaming | 1x | 3x |
| Everything Else | 1x | 1x |
| Point Value | 1.2 cpp | 1.25 cpp |
Amex Gold Card Key Perks Best
- $120 dining credit (Grubhub, Shake Shack, etc.)
- $120 Uber Cash annually
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip delay insurance
Chase Sapphire Preferred Key Perks
- $50 annual hotel credit
- Trip cancellation insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- Primary rental car insurance
The Verdict
Winner: Amex Gold Card. The Amex Gold dominates for anyone spending $500+/month on dining and groceries combined. The 4x earn rate in both categories plus $240 in annual credits (dining + Uber) make the $250 fee easy to justify. The CSP wins only if you value Chase transfer partners or want a lower annual fee.
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Related Comparisons
The Reserve wins for travelers spending $5K+ on travel annually — the $300 credit effectively drops the fee to $250, and 1.5 cpp redemption value beats the Preferred's 1.25 cpp. But if you travel less than twice a year, the Preferred is the smarter pick.
Read comparisonThe Gold Card wins for most people. Its 4x on dining and groceries generates far more points in everyday spending than the Platinum's 5x on flights (which most people book infrequently). Only upgrade to the Platinum if you fly 10+ times/year and will use the lounge access.
Read comparisonBilt wins for renters paying $1,500+/month in rent — those rent points alone outvalue the Amex Gold's higher earn rates on dining and groceries. If you don't pay rent (or own your home), the Amex Gold is the clear winner with 4x on dining and groceries plus $240 in credits. The ideal setup is carrying both.
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