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 Chase Sapphire Reserve
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $250/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today — the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,300 more in estimated value) than the American Express Gold Card's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the American Express Gold Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Chase Sapphire Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $795 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 125,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 6 mo | $6,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$250/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus — 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus 60,000 points (~$1,200) on the American Express Gold Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $250 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- At $250/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 Chase Sapphire Reserve's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) 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 Chase Sapphire Reserve first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.