chase sapphire vs amex gold

Mac Grediser

2 min read

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27-11-2024

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold: Which Premium Rewards Card Reigns Supreme?

Choosing between the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Amex Gold Card can feel like choosing between two incredibly delicious desserts – both are tempting, but only one can truly satisfy your needs. Both cards offer compelling rewards programs geared towards foodies and travelers, but they cater to slightly different preferences and spending habits. This comparison will help you decide which card is the better fit for you.

Rewards Programs: A Tale of Two Structures

The core difference lies in how each card structures its rewards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earns 5x Ultimate Rewards® points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining and select streaming services, and 1x point on all other purchases. These points are incredibly versatile, transferable to a variety of airline and hotel partners (like United, Hyatt, Marriott), or redeemed directly through Chase at a fixed value (currently 1 cent per point).

• Amex Gold Card: Earns 4x Membership Rewards® points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x), 4x points at restaurants worldwide, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Membership Rewards points are also transferable to a range of airline and hotel partners (like Delta, Hilton, Marriott), or redeemed for travel directly through Amex at a variable value.

Who Wins the Rewards Race?

The "better" card depends on your spending habits:

• Big Spender on Groceries & Dining? The Amex Gold card likely edges out the Chase Sapphire Preferred. The 4x points on groceries and dining are substantial, particularly if you frequently dine out.

• Frequent Traveler Booking Flights & Hotels Independently? The Chase Sapphire Preferred's 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards offers significant value. While the Amex Gold offers 3x points on flights, the Chase card’s higher multiplier on travel booked through its portal and broad transfer partner network often delivers superior value.

• Value-Conscious Points Redemption? Chase’s fixed 1 cent per point redemption rate offers predictability, making it easier to calculate the value of your rewards. Amex’s variable value redemption can be lucrative if you utilize strategic transfer partners, but requires more research and planning.

Annual Fees and Benefits:

Both cards carry annual fees:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95 annual fee. Includes travel insurance, purchase protection, and access to travel benefits through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

• Amex Gold Card: $250 annual fee. Includes a $120 annual dining credit (applied as a statement credit for eligible purchases at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and select restaurants), and access to various Amex benefits like airport lounge access (via Amex Platinum or Centurion).

The Verdict:

There's no single "winner." The best card depends on your individual spending habits and priorities:

• Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred if: You value flexibility in redeeming points, prioritize travel rewards, and don't spend heavily on groceries. The lower annual fee is also a significant advantage.

• Choose the Amex Gold Card if: You spend a lot on groceries and dining out, and the $120 annual dining credit offsets a significant portion of the higher annual fee. You're comfortable with the potentially more complex process of maximizing value from Membership Rewards points.

Ultimately, carefully consider your spending patterns and evaluate the potential return on investment from each card's rewards program and annual fee before making your decision. Don't hesitate to use online rewards calculators to help you determine which card best aligns with your lifestyle.