Travel rewards · comparison
Amex Gold vs Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which Card Wins in 2026?
The Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred are the two most popular mid-tier points cards. The Gold is a food-and-grocery machine at $325; the Sapphire Preferred is the cheaper, travel-first pick at $95.
Updated for 2026 · Independent & ad-supported
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase- Annual fee$95
- Rewards5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries, 2x on other travel, and 1x on everything else
- Welcome bonus100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months (limited-time elevated offer — confirm the current offer on the issuer site)
- Regular APR19.24%–27.49% variable
Amex Gold
American Express · external card- Annual fee$325
- Rewards4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year), 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3x on flights booked with Amex Travel or directly with airlines; 1x on everything else
- Welcome bonusElevated Membership Rewards welcome offer (targeted — confirm your specific offer on the issuer site)
- Regular APRN/A — charge card (Pay Over Time APR is variable; confirm on the issuer site)
See how to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred →
The quick verdict
If most of your spending is dining and groceries, the Amex Gold earns more — 4x on both — and its dining credits can offset much of the fee for the right person.
If you want the lowest fee, strong travel value, and simple points that redeem well through Chase Travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the easier everyday card at $95.
Rewards compared
Amex Gold: 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year), 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), and 3x on flights; 1x on everything else.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: 5x on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries, 2x on other travel, and 1x on everything else.
The Gold wins decisively on groceries and everyday dining. The Sapphire Preferred is more balanced across travel and dining, at a far lower fee.
Annual fee and credits
Amex Gold: $325 a year, softened by dining and other statement credits — but only if you spend where they apply. It is a charge card meant to be paid in full.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95 a year, a normal credit card with a 19.24%–27.49% variable APR if you carry a balance. Much cheaper to hold, with fewer credits to track.
Welcome bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred: 100,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months (a strong, often limited-time offer — confirm the current offer).
Amex Gold: an elevated Membership Rewards offer that is frequently targeted — check the specific offer you are shown before applying.
Who each card is best for — and how to choose
Choose the Amex Gold if dining and groceries dominate your budget and you will use its credits to offset the $325 fee.
Choose the Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want a cheaper card, strong all-around travel value, and simple points — it is the better first travel card for most people.
Frequently asked questions
- Which card is better for dining?
- The Amex Gold earns 4x at restaurants worldwide versus the Sapphire Preferred’s 3x on dining, so the Gold is stronger for heavy diners — especially paired with its dining credits.
- Which has the lower annual fee?
- The Chase Sapphire Preferred at $95, versus the Amex Gold at $325. The Sapphire Preferred is far cheaper to hold if you would not fully use the Gold’s credits.
- Are these charge cards or credit cards?
- The Sapphire Preferred is a normal credit card. The Amex Gold is a charge card meant to be paid in full each month, with Pay Over Time available on eligible charges.
See how to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred →
Advertiser disclosure: this comparison is supported by advertising and is for general information only — not financial advice. Card terms change; always confirm current terms on each issuer's official site before applying.