Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold: Which Card Reigns Supreme for Travelers?
When it comes to travel rewards credit cards, the age-old adage often holds true: you get what you pay for. This is particularly relevant when comparing premium rewards cards, as they typically offer a range of enticing bonus categories and exclusive perks. However, the American Express® Gold Card presents a unique challenge to this norm. Positioned somewhere between midlevel and premium, it caters to food enthusiasts while charging a $325 annual fee. In contrast, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® recently underwent a significant overhaul and stands as one of the top contenders for travelers seeking luxury benefits.
If you find yourself torn between the Amex Gold and the Chase Sapphire Reserve—two cards that excel in travel and dining—this guide will help you navigate their features and benefits, allowing you to determine which card aligns better with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Overview of Each Card
Both cards come with attractive welcome offers that can significantly enhance your travel plans. The Chase Sapphire Reserve currently offers new applicants a generous 100,000 bonus points along with a $500 Chase Travel credit after spending $5,000 within the first three months of opening the account. This is a remarkable offer, especially considering the promotional credit is valid for one-time use only. If you apply it to a transaction under $500, you will lose the remaining balance.
In contrast, the Amex Gold Card offers new cardholders the opportunity to earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within the first six months. While this offer is enticing, it’s important to note that eligibility may vary.
Welcome Offers: A Quick Comparison
– Chase Sapphire Reserve: 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel credit after $5,000 in spending within three months. Estimated value: up to $2,550.
– Amex Gold: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in spending within six months. Estimated value: up to $2,000.
If maximizing welcome bonuses is a priority, the Chase Sapphire Reserve takes the lead with a more lucrative offer.
Card Benefits Breakdown
When evaluating the benefits, the differences between these two cards become more pronounced. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is designed as a premium travel card with a range of perks that justify its $750 annual fee. Key benefits include:
– $300 Annual Travel Credit: Automatically applies to a variety of travel purchases, including airfare and hotels, without needing to book through a travel portal.
– Lounge Access: Cardholders gain access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership for themselves and up to two guests.
– Additional Credits: Various statement credits, including dining, entertainment, and application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus.
– Exclusive Subscriptions: Complimentary memberships to services like Apple Music and Apple TV+.
On the other hand, the Amex Gold Card is tailored for food lovers, offering:
– Dining Credits: Up to $10 in monthly dining credits at select merchants (up to $120 per year).
– Uber Cash: Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash for rides or Uber Eats.
– Resy Statement Credits: Up to $100 in statement credits for purchases at U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants (up to $50 biannually).
– Dunkin’ Credits: Up to $7 in monthly statement credits for U.S. Dunkin’ purchases (up to $84 per year).
While the Amex Gold provides significant value for food-related spending, the Sapphire Reserve offers a more comprehensive suite of travel benefits.
Earning Potential
Both cards excel in earning flexible rewards, but their strengths lie in different areas.
With the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can earn:
– 3 points per dollar on dining and 4 points on travel purchases booked directly.
– 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
The Amex Gold Card shines with:
– 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year).
– 4 points on dining (up to $50,000 per year).
– 3 points on airfare booked directly or through amextravel.com.
If you primarily spend on travel, the Sapphire Reserve is the better choice, while the Amex Gold is ideal for those with higher food and grocery expenses.
Redemption Options
Both cards provide excellent redemption options, but the value of the points can differ significantly. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Travel at a value of up to 2 cents per point, especially when using the Points Boost feature. Alternatively, you can redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits.
Amex Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for travel through amextravel.com, but generally offer a lower value, around 1 cent per point for flights. Other redemption options tend to fall below this value, making them less favorable.
Transfer Partners
When it comes to transferring points to airline and hotel partners, both cards have robust options. The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows transfers to 14 airline and hotel partners, including the valuable World of Hyatt program. The Amex Gold boasts access to 20 partners, including unique options like Avianca LifeMiles and Qantas Frequent Flyer.
While Amex has a broader network, Chase’s partnerships, particularly with Hyatt, make it a strong contender for travelers focused on hotel stays.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, both the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Amex Gold Card offer compelling benefits and rewards, making them excellent choices depending on your priorities. If you prioritize luxury travel perks and a more substantial welcome offer, the Sapphire Reserve is likely your best bet. Conversely, if dining and food-related rewards are your main focus, the Amex Gold could be the better fit.
In fact, many savvy travelers find value in holding both cards, as they complement each other beautifully. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a food enthusiast, choosing the right card can enhance your travel experiences and everyday spending alike. To explore further, check out our detailed reviews of the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Reserve.
