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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Amex Gold Card

Claire's comparison  ·  June 2026  ·  Last verified June 2026
Claire's Quick Verdict

Amex Gold Card (9.4/10) wins for most people. Chase Sapphire Preferred wins for a specific profile.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Runner-Up
Chase Sapphire Preferred
8.7
Fee: $95
3x dining, 2x travel
Full review →
Winner
Amex Gold Card
9.4
Fee: $325
4x dining, 4x groceries
Full review →

Who Should Choose Chase Sapphire Preferred

Entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining. Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.

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Who Should Choose Amex Gold Card

Heavy food spenders — $400+/month dining + groceries. Highest annual value card for food spend. Fee is offset by $340+ in credits.

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Claire's Final Verdict

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.

Chase Sapphire Preferred (8.7/10) is the right choice for a specific situation: entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining. If that describes you, the full review has the complete math.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold Card?
Amex Gold Card (9.4/10) wins for most people. Highest annual value card for food spend. Fee is offset by $340+ in credits. Chase Sapphire Preferred is the right choice if: entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining.
What is Claire's score for Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Claire rates Chase Sapphire Preferred 8.7/10. Verdict: Best first rewards card. 3x dining + $95 fee = correct math for most people.
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.
Who should choose Chase Sapphire Preferred?
Entry-level premium travel card for $300+/month dining.
Who should choose Amex Gold Card?
Heavy food spenders — $400+/month dining + groceries.
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Head to head, by the numbers

Chase Sapphire PreferredAmerican Express Gold Card
Claire's score8.7/109.4/10
Price
Top strength3x points on dining4x at restaurants worldwide
Biggest drawback$95 annual fee$325 annual fee (requires using credits)

The case for Chase Sapphire Preferred

The case for American Express Gold Card

Bottom line

American Express Gold Card takes this one on the numbers (9.4/10 vs 8.7/10). The highest annual value card I've found for anyone who spends heavily on dining and groceries. The math is consistently good.

That said, Chase Sapphire Preferred isn't a loser — it's a different answer. The best entry-level premium travel card. The math works for anyone spending over $300/month on dining.

Read the full breakdowns: Chase Sapphire Preferred review · American Express Gold Card review · all rankings.