Amex Gold Card is Claire's recommendation for most people reading this comparison. Score: 9.4/10. Highest annual value card for food spend. Fee is offset by $340+ in credits.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred (8.3/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: families spending $250+/month at us supermarkets. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Amex Gold Card or Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Amex Gold Card (9.4/10) wins for most people. Highest annual value card for food spend. Fee is offset by $340+ in credits. Amex Blue Cash Preferred is the right choice if: families spending $250+/month at us supermarkets.
What is Claire's score for Amex Gold Card?
Claire rates Amex Gold Card 9.4/10. Verdict: Highest annual value card for food spend. Fee is offset by $340+ in credits.
What is Claire's score for Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Claire rates Amex Blue Cash Preferred 8.3/10. Verdict: Best grocery card. 6% is the highest available. Math works at $250+/month.
Who should choose Amex Gold Card?
Heavy food spenders — $400+/month dining + groceries.
Who should choose Amex Blue Cash Preferred?
Families spending $250+/month at US supermarkets.
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Head to head, by the numbers
American Express Gold Card
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
Claire's score
9.4/10
8.3/10
Price
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Top strength
4x at restaurants worldwide
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
Biggest drawback
$325 annual fee (requires using credits)
$95 annual fee from year two
The case for American Express Gold Card
4x at restaurants worldwide
4x at US supermarkets
$120 dining credit
$120 Uber Cash annually
The case for Amex Blue Cash Preferred
6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year
6% on select streaming services
3% at US gas stations
$0 first-year annual fee
Bottom line
American Express Gold Card takes this one on the numbers (9.4/10 vs 8.3/10). The highest annual value card I've found for anyone who spends heavily on dining and groceries. The math is consistently good.
That said, Amex Blue Cash Preferred isn't a loser — it's a different answer. Best grocery card for families. 6% at US supermarkets up to $6,000/year is the highest earn rate in the category.