Is the American Express® Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card better?

It depends on your spending. The Gold Card has a net annual cost of $-99 after credits, while the Sapphire Preferred costs $45 net. Compare their earning rates and benefits to see which matches your spending habits.

What is the annual fee difference between the Gold Card and Sapphire Preferred?

The Gold Card has a $325 annual fee and the Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee. However, both cards offer statement credits that reduce the effective cost.

Can I have both the Gold Card and Sapphire Preferred?

Yes. Since the Gold Card is issued by American Express and the Sapphire Preferred is issued by Chase, you can hold both. Many cardholders pair cards from different issuers to maximize rewards across spending categories.

Side-by-side comparison

Gold Card vs Sapphire Preferred

American Express

Gold Card

$325/yr

Apply at Amex

Chase

Sapphire Preferred

$95/yr

Apply Now

We may earn a commission if approved.

Basics

Annual fee

$325/yr

$95/yr

Rewards type

Amex Membership Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Annual credits

$424/yr

$50/yr

Net cost (fee − credits)

$-99/yr

$45/yr

Earning rates

All other spending

1x pts

Dining

4x pts

3x pts

Groceries

4x pts

3x pts

Flights

3x pts

—

Hotels

2x pts

—

Travel

—

5x pts

Streaming

—

3x pts

Credits & Benefits

Up to $120 Dining Credit

$120/yr

—

Up to $100 Resy Credit

$50/yr

—

Up to $84 Dunkin' Credit

$84/yr

—

Up to $120 Uber Cash

$120/yr

—

Up to $50 Hotel Credit

—

$50/yr

Which card should you pick?

After accounting for credits and benefits, the Gold Card has a lower net annual cost ($-99/yr vs $45/yr for the Sapphire Preferred), making it the more cost-effective choice if you use the credits.

The Gold Card stands out with 4x pts on dining, while the Sapphire Preferred leads with 5x pts on travel. Pick the card that matches where you spend the most each month.

Full Gold Card review →Full Sapphire Preferred review →

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you if you apply for a card through our links.

Side-by-side comparison

Gold Card vs Sapphire Preferred

American Express

Gold Card

$325/yr

Apply at Amex

Chase

Sapphire Preferred

$95/yr

Apply Now

We may earn a commission if approved.

Basics

Annual fee

$325/yr

$95/yr

Rewards type

Amex Membership Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Annual credits

$424/yr

$50/yr

Net cost (fee − credits)

$-99/yr

$45/yr

Earning rates

All other spending

1x pts

Dining

4x pts

3x pts

Groceries

4x pts

3x pts

Flights

3x pts

—

Hotels

2x pts

—

Travel

—

5x pts

Streaming

—

3x pts

Credits & Benefits

Up to $120 Dining Credit

$120/yr

—

Up to $100 Resy Credit

$50/yr

—

Up to $84 Dunkin' Credit

$84/yr

—

Up to $120 Uber Cash

$120/yr

—

Up to $50 Hotel Credit

—

$50/yr

Which card should you pick?

After accounting for credits and benefits, the Gold Card has a lower net annual cost ($-99/yr vs $45/yr for the Sapphire Preferred), making it the more cost-effective choice if you use the credits.

The Gold Card stands out with 4x pts on dining, while the Sapphire Preferred leads with 5x pts on travel. Pick the card that matches where you spend the most each month.

Full Gold Card review →Full Sapphire Preferred review →

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you if you apply for a card through our links.