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

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard. 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?

The American Express Gold Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?

Choose the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard. 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?

The American Express Gold Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?

Choose the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard. 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?

The American Express Gold Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?

Choose the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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.

CardRewards

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

American Express Gold Card vs Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard ($0/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

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard

U.S. Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

—

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Kroger Purchases	1X	5X

Category-by-Category Winner

The American Express Gold Card wins in 3 of 5 categories. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard leads in 2.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Kroger Purchases

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard earns 5X vs 1X

Kroger Fuel

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr — that's $325 more than the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard (no annual fee). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $325 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.

Bottom line: The $325 gap is significant. Choose the American Express Gold Card only if you spend heavily on dining and grocery stores and will use its premium benefits regularly — otherwise the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard delivers strong value at a fraction of the cost.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard has a lower annual fee ($0 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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 $0/yr for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard. 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?: The American Express Gold Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?: Choose the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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

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American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard — Full Review All U.S. Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · U.S. Bank 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard

U.S. Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

—

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Kroger Purchases	1X	5X

Category-by-Category Winner

The American Express Gold Card wins in 3 of 5 categories. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard leads in 2.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Kroger Purchases

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard earns 5X vs 1X

Kroger Fuel

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard. 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?: The American Express Gold Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?: Choose the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard — Full Review All U.S. Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · U.S. Bank cards

American Express Gold Card vs Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard

U.S. Bank

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

—

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Kroger Purchases	1X	5X

Category-by-Category Winner

The American Express Gold Card wins in 3 of 5 categories. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard leads in 2.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 1X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Kroger Purchases

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard earns 5X vs 1X

Kroger Fuel

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard has a lower annual fee ($0 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $0/yr for the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard. 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 Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?: The American Express Gold Card has a higher base earn rate (1X vs 0X), but both cards have different bonus categories where they excel.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard?: Choose the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard 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

Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard — Full Review All U.S. Bank Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · U.S. Bank cards

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Purchase protection

None

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

+5% back on all Kroger family of stores purchases
+2x fuel points at Kroger fuel centers
+No annual fee
+Mastercard World Elite benefits
+Works across all Kroger banners (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, etc.)

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

−Top earn rate limited to Kroger ecosystem only
−3% foreign transaction fee
−Only 1% on non-Kroger purchases
−Rewards most valuable within Kroger ecosystem

Choosing Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard means losing:

-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Gold Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Purchase protection

None

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

+5% back on all Kroger family of stores purchases
+2x fuel points at Kroger fuel centers
+No annual fee
+Mastercard World Elite benefits
+Works across all Kroger banners (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, etc.)

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

−Top earn rate limited to Kroger ecosystem only
−3% foreign transaction fee
−Only 1% on non-Kroger purchases
−Rewards most valuable within Kroger ecosystem

Choosing Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard means losing:

-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Gold Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment

Benefits & Features

Network

AMEX

MASTERCARD

Key Benefits

✓Travel credit

✓Travel insurance

✓Purchase protection

None

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

+5% back on all Kroger family of stores purchases
+2x fuel points at Kroger fuel centers
+No annual fee
+Mastercard World Elite benefits
+Works across all Kroger banners (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, etc.)

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

−Top earn rate limited to Kroger ecosystem only
−3% foreign transaction fee
−Only 1% on non-Kroger purchases
−Rewards most valuable within Kroger ecosystem

Choosing Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard means losing:

-Annual travel credit
-Purchase protection
-Travel insurance

Which Card Is Right for You?

Get the American Express Gold Card if you:

+Spend $300+/month on restaurants and dining out
+Do most of your spending at grocery stores
+Travel enough to fully use annual credits and premium perks

Get the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard if you:

+Want strong rewards without a large annual fee commitment