Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Gold – Which Is Better?

Compare Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold to find out which credit card suits your lifestyle and spending habits better. When it comes to premium travel credit cards, few names stand out as much as Chase Sapphire Preferred and the American Express Gold Card (often known as “Amex Gold”). Both are renowned for offering generous rewards, valuable perks, and flexible redemption options. But how do you decide which one is better for your lifestyle and financial goals? In this comprehensive guide—spanning well over 3,000 words—we’ll compare every important aspect of these two iconic cards. By the end, you’ll know which card suits your travel, dining, and everyday spending habits, and how to maximize rewards and statement credits.

Introduction – Why Compare Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Gold?

With so many travel credit cards on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two cards consistently praised by frequent flyers and everyday spenders alike are the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Amex Gold Card. Both are mid-tier premium cards that come with valuable rewards programs, flexible redemption portals, and extra perks. They also share some similarities: moderate annual fees, strong travel benefits, and elevated earnings on dining.

Yet each card has distinct advantages. While Amex is often praised for its Membership Rewards program and dining credits, Chase is lauded for Ultimate Rewards points and wide acceptance among merchants. In a head-to-head showdown, how do they compare? In this article, we’ll break down every aspect to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Overview – Key Features at a Glance

Before diving into the specifics, here’s a snapshot of the main features. (We’ll explore them in detail later.)

This table shows both cards have strengths in rewards, no foreign transaction fees, and decent sign-up bonuses. However, the Amex Gold has a higher annual fee but also includes more dining/travel credits. Chase Sapphire Preferred is more straightforward with a lower fee. Let’s go deeper.

Rewards & Earning Rates

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
• 2x points on other travel purchases (not through the portal) and dining.
• 1x point on everything else.

Chase also sometimes offers promotional bonuses for specific categories (like Peloton or Instacart), so keep an eye out for limited-time offers.

Amex Gold Card

• 4x Membership Rewards points on dining (U.S. restaurants) and 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year, then 1x).
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
• 1x point on all other purchases.

For frequent diners and those with large grocery bills, the Amex Gold can rack up serious points—4x is one of the highest earning rates on dining and supermarkets among major cards.

Which Is Better for Earning?

• Travel & Dining: Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 2x on dining (versus Amex’s 4x), so Amex Gold has the edge for dining. However, for travel, CSP gives 5x if you book through the Chase portal, while Amex Gold is 3x on flights.
• Groceries: If you spend a lot on groceries, Amex Gold is significantly better at 4x (U.S. supermarkets), whereas Chase Sapphire Preferred does not have a specific grocery bonus.

Hence, the Amex Gold is the better choice if dining and groceries are your top categories. Chase Sapphire Preferred is more balanced for travelers and is often recommended for first-time travel cardholders.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
• Potentially worth $750 if redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Amex Gold Card

• 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
• Points can be worth around 1.6–2.0 cents each if you use the right transfer partners.

Which Bonus Is Better?

• Both offer a 60,000-point bonus, though the timeframe differs: CSP requires you to complete spending in 3 months, while Amex Gold gives you 6 months.
• In raw redemption value, 60,000 Chase points can be up to $750 in travel or even more if you transfer to the right airline partners. 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards can similarly yield $600–$1,000 in value depending on your redemption method.

It’s essentially a tie, though the Amex Gold is more flexible in the sense you get more time to meet the minimum spend.

Redemption Options & Point Valuation

Chase Ultimate Rewards

• Redeem Points at 1.25 cents each for travel through the Chase portal.
• Transfer points to airline partners (e.g., United, Southwest, British Airways) or hotel partners (Hyatt, Marriott).
• Points can also be used for statement credits or cash back, but the rate might be lower (~1 cent per point).

American Express Membership Rewards

• Redeem Points via the Amex Travel portal for flights, hotels, or experiences.
• Transfer points to over 20 airline and hotel partners including Delta, Hilton, Marriott, British Airways, etc.
• Cash redemption rates are typically lower (~0.6 cents each), so it’s best to use points for travel transfers.

Which Is More Valuable?

• Both programs offer excellent value if you utilize transfer partners. Chase’s sweet spot might be Hyatt, while Amex has a wide range of airline partners.
• If you’re more of a Southwest, United, or Hyatt traveler, Chase is the winner. If you prefer Delta, Hilton, or Marriott, Amex might be more beneficial.

Travel Perks & Protections

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Primary car rental insurance: covers damages or theft when renting a car.
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance: up to $10,000 per covered trip.
• Trip delay reimbursement: up to $500 per ticket if delayed more than 12 hours.
• Baggage delay insurance: up to $100 per day for essential purchases.

Amex Gold Card

• Secondary car rental loss and damage insurance.
• Baggage insurance plan.
• Purchase protection and extended warranty.
• Various Amex Offers for travel discounts.

Which Is Better for Travel Protections?

• Chase Sapphire Preferred is known for strong travel insurance and primary car rental coverage, which is a big plus. The Amex Gold’s coverage is decent but typically secondary for car rental.
• If travel protection is high on your list, Chase has the edge.

Dining & Everyday Spending Benefits

Amex Gold

• 4x points at U.S. restaurants and 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year, then 1x).
• $10 monthly dining credit at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, etc. That’s up to $120 yearly if fully utilized.
• $120 Uber Cash ($10 monthly) for rides or Uber Eats in the U.S. (the same benefit is also known as an “Uber credit” on some older terms).

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• 2x points on dining worldwide (no country restriction) and no monthly dining credits.
• Great if you frequently travel internationally and dine overseas, because Amex’s 4x is only at U.S. restaurants.

Which Is Better for Dining?

• If you mostly dine in the U.S., Amex Gold crushes it with 4x plus the monthly dining credits.
• If you dine abroad frequently, Chase Sapphire Preferred is simpler because it offers 2x globally. (Though Amex Gold also has no foreign transaction fees, acceptance might be an issue in some countries.)

Annual Fees & APR

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: ~20.24%–27.24% (variable, depends on creditworthiness)

Amex Gold

• Annual Fee: $250
• APR: ~20.24%–27.24% (Pay Over Time feature, if eligible)

Which Is More Cost-Effective?

• Chase is cheaper at $95/year. The Amex Gold is $250, but you also get monthly dining credits ($120/year total) and an Uber Cash benefit ($120/year). If you fully utilize these, it can offset the annual fee significantly.
• If you won’t use the dining/Uber credits, Amex Gold might feel expensive.

Additional Credits & Statement Credits

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• $50 annual hotel credit if you book a hotel stay through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This is a new benefit added in recent years.
• Occasionally offers Instacart or DoorDash benefits.

Amex Gold

• $10 monthly dining credit (Grubhub, Seamless, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, select Shake Shack locations) = $120/year total.
• $10 monthly Uber Cash in the U.S. = $120/year.
• $100 hotel credit if you book The Hotel Collection through Amex Travel and stay at least two consecutive nights.

Which Is Better for Credits?

• Amex Gold: Up to $240 in annual credits (dining + Uber). If you use these each month, the $250 fee is nearly wiped out, effectively making it ~$10/year net.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: $50 hotel credit is simpler but less value overall. Still, the net annual fee can be considered ~$45.

Foreign Transaction Fees & Global Acceptance

Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, which is a huge perk for frequent travelers.

• Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted internationally than Amex, but the acceptance gap has been shrinking. Some smaller merchants overseas may still prefer Visa/Mastercard.
• If you travel a lot to off-the-beaten-path destinations, having a Visa or Mastercard is often safer, so the Chase Sapphire Preferred might be the safer bet. However, in most major cities worldwide, Amex is accepted widely.

Customer Service & Cardholder Experience

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Known for good customer service.
• 24/7 phone line, plus secure messaging online.
• Chase branches in many cities if you need in-person help.

Amex Gold

• American Express is famous for excellent customer service.
• 24/7 phone line and chat support.
• Highly regarded for dispute resolution and premium cardholder treatment.

Both are reliable. Amex historically has the edge in cardholder experience, but Chase is also top-tier.

Read: Card Comparisons

Common Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Where Do I Spend the Most?
   • If you love dining out and shopping at U.S. supermarkets, Amex Gold is 4x.
   • If you prefer travel, especially booking flights, hotels, and experiences, Chase might be simpler.
2. How Often Will I Use the Credits?
   • Amex Gold’s $10 monthly dining credit and $10 Uber Cash can be wasted if you don’t use them every month.
   • Chase’s $50 hotel credit is easy to use but may only apply once a year.
3. Do I Travel Internationally A Lot?
   • Both have no foreign transaction fees, but Chase is a Visa, more widely accepted globally.
4. Do I Value Premium Perks?
   • If lounge access and VIP benefits matter, Amex Gold is a mid-tier card and you’d actually want to consider the Amex Platinum for more lounge perks.
5. Are You Willing to Pay a Higher Annual Fee for More Benefits?
   • If yes, Amex Gold can offset that fee if you maximize monthly credits.

Comparison Table

Below is an expanded comparison table to highlight key differences side-by-side:

Pros & Cons

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Pros

• Lower annual fee ($95)
• Excellent travel insurance (primary car rental coverage)
• 5x points on travel booked through Chase and 2x on dining
• Points easily redeemable for 1.25c each in the UR portal
• Transfer partners like Hyatt and United can offer huge value

Cons

• Earning rate on groceries is only 1x
• Fewer monthly statement credits compared to Amex Gold
• Lower base earning rate on dining than Amex Gold (2x vs 4x)

Amex Gold

Pros

• 4x points at U.S. restaurants and 4x at U.S. supermarkets
• $10 monthly dining credit + $10 monthly Uber credit
• Generous airline/hotel transfer partners
• Typically great Amex cardholder support
• Potentially high redemption value if used properly

Cons

• Higher annual fee ($250)
• Credits must be used monthly or they expire
• Some places outside the U.S. may not accept Amex
• Travel insurance is not as robust as CSP

Which Card Should You Choose?

Both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold are excellent mid-tier travel credit cards. The choice depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and redemption preferences.

• Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred if…
  1. You want a lower annual fee ($95) without the hassle of monthly credits.
  2. You value top-notch travel protections, especially primary car rental insurance.
  3. You frequently book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
  4. You prefer or frequently fly with United, Southwest, or stay at Hyatt.
• Choose the Amex Gold if…
  1. You spend heavily on dining and U.S. supermarkets.
  2. You don’t mind a $250 annual fee if you can offset it with $240+ in yearly credits.
  3. You’re a big fan of Delta, Hilton, or Marriott (Amex’s big transfer partners).
  4. You want to earn 4x on everyday spending categories like groceries.

In some cases, cardholders carry both: they use the Amex Gold for restaurant and grocery spending and the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel bookings and premium protections. This strategy can maximize points in every category.

Conclusion

The battle of Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Gold often boils down to personal preference. If you’re a foodie or spend a lot on groceries in the U.S., the Amex Gold could net you thousands of extra points each year. If you’re an avid traveler who wants robust travel insurance and a straightforward approach to travel bookings, Chase Sapphire Preferred might be your best bet.

Regardless of which card you choose, both are powerful tools for earning travel rewards, statement credits, and valuable points. They can transform your everyday spending into unforgettable trips—just remember to pay your statements in full and be strategic about redeeming your points.

Now that you’ve compared these top contenders, which card do you think suits your lifestyle better? Let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I have both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Amex Gold at the same time?

Yes. Many enthusiasts carry both cards to maximize rewards. Use the Amex Gold for 4x dining/groceries and the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel bookings and to leverage the excellent travel insurance benefits.

2. Do both cards have a 0% intro APR?

Typically, neither card offers an extended 0% intro APR. The variable APR for each usually starts around 20.24%, so it’s best to pay off your balances in full each month to avoid interest charges.

3. Which card is easier to get approved for if I have a mid-range credit score (670–700)?

Approval depends on multiple factors, including credit history and income. Generally, both require good to excellent credit (700+). Chase might be slightly more lenient than Amex in some cases, but it varies.

4. How do the dining credits work on the Amex Gold?

You get $10 in statement credits each month for select dining partners (Grubhub, Seamless, Cheesecake Factory, etc.). It doesn’t roll over—so if you don’t use it, you lose it that month.

5. Can I transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Chase Ultimate Rewards (or vice versa)?

No. They’re separate ecosystems. You can only transfer Amex points to Amex’s partners and Chase points to Chase’s partners.

6. Does the Amex Gold Card come with lounge access?

Not typically. Lounge access is more associated with the Amex Platinum Card. The Gold Card focuses on dining and groceries.

7. Is there a foreign transaction fee for either card?

No, both cards waive foreign transaction fees, which is great for international travel.

Final Word: Whether you choose Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold, you’re getting a top-tier travel rewards card that can save you hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars on flights, hotels, and everyday expenses each year. Consider your spending categories, how you’ll use credits, and which travel partners you prefer. Whichever you pick, enjoy the world of premium travel rewards!