Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which One Should You Choose?
When you’re looking for a credit card, there are many different factors that you need to consider. The two most important things are if the card is going to be beneficial to you and if it will help you achieve your financial goals. If you’re not sure which of these cards is right for you, keep reading! In this article, we’ll be covering all of the pros and cons of the AmEx Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred. Both cards have some great benefits, so let’s see which one is right for you.
AmEx Gold Card
The AmEx Gold card is a great all-around credit card, whether you’re looking to travel, get cash back, or earn rewards. The card offers 1X rewards on all purchases, but skip the first year’s fee and earn 25,000 points. You can use points to book flights and hotels, get gift cards, or redeem them for things like Amazon gift cards, Apple iTunes gift cards, or cash back. You can also transfer points to one of AmEx’s airline partners, which can help you stretch the value even further. The card also comes with an impressive sign-up bonus: Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. That’s $250 toward travel when you redeem through Members Rewards ® . You’ll get a $100 statement credit when you make a TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application. You’ll also receive a $100 fee credit for a TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application if you’re approved for this card and pay the application fee with your new card.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a travel rewards card that earns you 1X points per dollar spent, but you can also transfer your points to 1 of 11 airline or hotel loyalty programs. Points earned with the card transfer at a 1:1 ratio, which is a great value compared to cards with a fixed rate. You can also use the card’s built-in travel credits to save on baggage fees, hotel parking, or select travel purchases. The card also comes with an amazing sign-up bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on your card in the first 3 months. That’s $625 in travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards ® .
Which is Better?
The AmEx Gold card and Chase Sapphire Preferred both earn you 1X points per dollar spent, but the Sapphire Preferred allows you to transfer your points to multiple loyalty programs. The AmEx Gold card has 25,000 bonus points if you spend $2,000 in 3 months, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred has 50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in 3 months. If you’re looking to earn points for travel and have a longer time to meet a $4,000 spend, choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred. If you want a lower minimum spend and prefer to earn points for travel and gift cards, the AmEx Gold card is a great option. The only major difference between the two cards is that the AmEx Gold card has a $250 annual fee and the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee.
Key Differences
Annual fee: The AmEx Gold card has a $250 annual fee and the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee. – Sign-up bonus: The AmEx Gold card has 25,000 bonus points if you spend $2,000 in 3 months, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred has 50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in 3 months. – Travel partners: The AmEx Gold card lets you earn 1X points on all purchases, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred lets you earn 1X points per dollar spent and then lets you transfer your points to 1 of 11 airline or hotel loyalty programs. – Travel credits: The AmEx Gold card lets you use its travel credits to save on baggage fees, hotel parking, or select travel purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred has some travel credits, but you’re only able to save on TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fees.
Pros of the Amex Gold Card
25,000 bonus points if you spend $2,000 in 3 months. – No first year fee. – Ability to transfer points to multiple loyalty programs. – $250 annual travel credit.
Pros of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in 3 months. – 1X points per dollar spent on all purchases. No first year fee. – Ability to transfer points to multiple loyalty programs. – $95 annual travel credit.
Cons of the Amex Gold Card
Has a $250 annual fee. – Points are only good for gift cards or cash back, not flights or hotels. – You can’t transfer your points to multiple loyalty programs.
Cons of the Chase Sapphire Preferred
Has a $95 annual fee. – Points are only good for flights or hotels, Not gift cards or cash back.
Final Words
When it comes to the AmEx Gold card vs Chase Sapphire Preferred, there are some clear differences, but both cards offer great benefits. If you’re looking to earn travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a great option. The AmEx Gold card is a good all-around credit card and can be a good option for those who don’t want travel rewards. To learn more about either of these cards, be sure to read our full reviews of the AmEx Gold card and Chase Sapphire Preferred.
