Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95/yr) is better for everyday value, while the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

$95

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Dining	4X	3X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The American Express Gold Card leads in 3.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Streaming

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Online Groceries

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Delivery

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr — that's $230 more than the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $230 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?: Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Chase cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

$95

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Dining	4X	3X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The American Express Gold Card leads in 3.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Streaming

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Online Groceries

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Delivery

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?: Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Chase cards

American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Chase

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

$95

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

75,000 Flex point

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Dining	4X	3X

Category-by-Category Winner

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card wins in 4 of 7 categories. The American Express Gold Card leads in 3.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Streaming

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Online Groceries

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Grocery Delivery

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers travel credits.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card?: Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Full Review All Chase Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Chase cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+75,000 point welcome bonus worth $937+ via transfers
+$95 annual fee offset by $50 hotel credit
+1:1 transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt
+5X on Chase Travel, 3X dining, streaming, online groceries
+Trip cancellation, delay, and lost luggage insurance included

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−$95 annual fee vs $0 Freedom cards
−No lounge access included
−Secondary rental car coverage only (not primary)
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with 5+ cards in 24 months
−No 0% intro APR offer

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+75,000 point welcome bonus worth $937+ via transfers
+$95 annual fee offset by $50 hotel credit
+1:1 transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt
+5X on Chase Travel, 3X dining, streaming, online groceries
+Trip cancellation, delay, and lost luggage insurance included

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−$95 annual fee vs $0 Freedom cards
−No lounge access included
−Secondary rental car coverage only (not primary)
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with 5+ cards in 24 months
−No 0% intro APR offer

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+75,000 point welcome bonus worth $937+ via transfers
+$95 annual fee offset by $50 hotel credit
+1:1 transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt
+5X on Chase Travel, 3X dining, streaming, online groceries
+Trip cancellation, delay, and lost luggage insurance included

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−$95 annual fee vs $0 Freedom cards
−No lounge access included
−Secondary rental car coverage only (not primary)
−5/24 rule restricts applicants with 5+ cards in 24 months
−No 0% intro APR offer

American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

American Express Gold Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?