Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Capital One Spark Miles for Business from Capital One at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Capital One Spark Miles for Business — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Capital One Spark Miles for Business |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 50,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $900 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $4,500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Capital One |
| Card category | travel | business |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | capital-one |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
$95/yr · 50,000 miles
Editorial take: Capital One Spark Miles for Business
The strongest catch-all 2x business card with transferable points. The annual fee is waived first year; the Capital One transfer chart includes Aeroplan, Flying Blue, Turkish, and Virgin Atlantic — enough to make 2x meaningful.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Capital One Spark Miles for Business?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 points, worth roughly $1,200, versus 50,000 miles (~$900) on the Capital One Spark Miles for Business.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Capital One Spark Miles for Business?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Capital One Spark Miles for Business's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Capital One) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Capital One Spark Miles for Business first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Capital One Spark Miles for Business: $4,500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.