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For many, the annual fees exceeding $500 for ultra-premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express can seem excessive. If you don’t travel frequently to fully utilize the associated perks and credits, these cards may not be worth adding to your collection.
Fortunately, both Chase and Amex offer excellent mid-tier options: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the American Express® Gold Card.
While these cards complement their luxury counterparts, they differ significantly. This guide provides a side-by-side comparison of these cards to help you decide which one suits your needs—or whether you might benefit from having both.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold Comparison
Below is a summary comparing the key benefits of these two cards:
| Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | American Express Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. | 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months, with potential for higher offers through the CardMatch tool (not guaranteed). |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $325 |
| Earning Rates |
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|
| Point Valuation | 2.05 cents | 2 cents |
| Perks |
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| Travel Protections |
|
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*Enrollment is necessary for these benefits.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold Welcome Offers
The Sapphire Preferred’s welcome bonus is particularly enticing. New applicants can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months, worth around $2,050 based on Flying Frugal’s April 2025 valuations—an all-time high. In contrast, new Amex Gold cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in their first six months, valued at about $1,200. There may be opportunities for targeted higher offers with the CardMatch tool as well.
Winner: Sapphire Preferred, as the current welcome bonus surpasses that of the Amex Gold.
Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold Benefits
The Sapphire Preferred, with its $95 fee, offers solid perks like a $50 hotel credit through Chase Travel, a 10% anniversary points bonus, and a complimentary DoorDash membership (activation needed by December 31, 2027). Additionally, it includes various travel protections, although these mainly serve as a safety net rather than daily enhancements.
For those willing to pay the higher fee of $325 for the Amex Gold, you’ll find robust benefits as well, including:
- Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash ($10 each month for U.S. services)
- Up to $120 in dining credits annually
- Up to $100 in annual statement credits at Resy restaurants
- Up to $84 in annual Dunkin’ Donuts credits (up to $7/month)
Winner: Amex Gold—its statement credits amount to $424, offering more value than the Sapphire Preferred.
Earning Points: Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
The Sapphire Preferred provides attractive earning categories, including:
- 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 5 points per dollar on Lyft (through September 2027)
- 5 points per dollar on Peloton purchases over $150 (until December 2027, capped at 25,000 points)
- 3 points per dollar on dining and select online grocery purchases
- 2 points per dollar on travel
- 1 point per dollar on everything else
The Amex Gold, however, presents even more appealing earning rates:
- 4 points per dollar on dining globally (up to $50,000 per year)
- 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000)
- 3 points per dollar on airfare
- 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com
- 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Winner: Amex Gold, thanks to its superior earning potential on dining and supermarkets.
Redeeming Points: Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
Both cards excel in offering highly valuable transferable points currencies. The Sapphire Preferred’s Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, with a 25% bonus for travel booked through Chase Travel. Optimal value comes from transferring points to Chase’s extensive hotel and airline partners.
The Amex Gold earns Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed in a similar manner. For maximum value, points are best transferred to one of Amex’s 21 partner hotels and airlines.
Winner: Tie. Both cards provide diverse and valuable redemption options.
Should You Get the Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold?
If your spending centers around groceries or dining in the U.S. and you can make use of its monthly credits, the Amex Gold may be your best bet. However, if you prefer Ultimate Rewards points and want to earn on general travel expenses, opt for the Sapphire Preferred. Both cards can complement each other in a well-rounded rewards strategy.
Bottom Line
The Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold rank among the top mid-tier cards available today, providing exceptional value depending on your usage patterns. Both cards make a strong case for inclusion in your wallet.
For further details, check out our full reviews of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Apply here: American Express Gold
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
