As soon as people find out that I work for The Points Guy, they almost always follow up with one question: “What’s the best credit card?”

My answer is usually, “It depends” — because there truly is no one-size-fits-all credit card that’s best for everyone. Several factors go into determining the best credit card for your situation, including your spending habits, your credit score and the type of rewards you want to earn.

Some regular contenders frequently make the cut when I recommend new credit cards since they offer solid value for a variety of spenders and their lifestyles. I’ve had my fair share of them over my 20-plus years of collecting points and miles.

Here are my top picks for the best credit cards you can add to your wallet.

The best credit cards

*TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

**The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Comparing the best credit cards

Check out how my top recommendations for the best credit cards stack up against each other.

Card	Best for	Welcome offer	Earning rates	Annual fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred	Beginner travelers	Earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs). Earn 2 points per dollar spent on other travel purchases. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$95
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card	Premium travel	Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.	Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$395
Amex Gold	Groceries and dining at restaurants	Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer	Earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Earn 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on amextravel.com. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.	$325 (see rates and fees)
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Nonbonus spending	Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.	Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$95
Amex Platinum	Luxury benefits	Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar). Earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$695 (see rates and fees)
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex	Sky Club access and Medallion status	Earn 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.	Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta Air Lines purchases. Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.	$650 (see rates and fees)
Chase Freedom Flex	Rotating bonus categories	Earn $200 after spending $500 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.	Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel. Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstores. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.	$0
Ink Business Preferred	Bonus-earning	Earn 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.	Earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.	$95
Bilt Mastercard	Renters	N/A	Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining. Earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year; see rates and fees)†. Earn 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases. †You must use the card five times each statement period to earn points on rent and qualifying net purchases.	$0 (see rates and fees)
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	Free nights and hotel status	Earn 175,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership.	Earn 14 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7 points per dollar spent on select travel, including flights booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7 points per dollar spent on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.	$550

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Standout benefits: The Chase Sapphire Preferred was one of the first cards I opened that carried an annual fee. Initially, I got the card because it didn’t charge foreign transaction fees, but I quickly fell in love with the rewards I was earning — both abroad and back in the U.S.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable currencies out there, pegged at 2.05 cents each per TPG’s August 2025 valuations. As a Sapphire Preferred cardholder, you can redeem your points through Chase Travel at a rate of 1.25 cents apiece, but my favorite way to use Chase points is by transferring them to travel partners like Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt.

Hyatt is my go-to redemption option here, as I almost always get well over 2 cents per point in value from my award stays. For example, I splurged for four nights at the Hyatt Centric Park City earlier this year, and even though it set me back 180,000 points, the paid rate would’ve been nearly $6,000. I was even able to apply a suite upgrade as a Hyatt Globalist.

Related: Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred should be your first card out of college

Beyond that, the card offers an incredible set of travel protections if things go wrong on your trip, including primary car rental coverage. You’ll also enjoy a $50 annual hotel credit for reservations made through Chase Travel.

I eventually upgraded to the card’s more premium sibling — the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) — a few years ago, but my wife continues to hold her Sapphire Preferred and still gets incredible value from it.

New applicants can earn 75,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. The Sapphire Preferred features a $95 annual fee.

For more information, check out our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Standout benefits: I picked up the Capital One Venture X shortly after it launched in November 2021, and it quickly became a workhorse in my wallet because it earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase. I charge my utility bills and most of my online shopping to it, since those purchases generally aren’t eligible for bonuses on other cards.

The card also offers a ton of premium perks without a premium price tag. You’ll enjoy access to Capital One Lounges and a Priority Pass Select membership, along with the ability to enjoy value-added benefits on luxury hotel stays via the Premier Collection and Lifestyle Collection. All of this comes with an annual fee of just $395.

However, even that is super easy to offset with other perks on the card. You’ll get an annual $300 credit for purchases via Capital One Travel — including flights, hotels and rental cars. You can also use the card for up to $120 in statement credits to cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years.

Related: Capital One Venture Rewards vs. Capital One Venture X

Finally, when you renew your card, you’ll receive 10,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary. Those are worth at least $100 if used for travel, but they have the potential for even more value when you redeem them with Capital One’s 15-plus transfer partners.

I recently transferred 70,000 Capital One miles to Air Canada Aeroplan to book a one-way business-class flight to Europe for Thanksgiving — a trip that would’ve otherwise set me back over $3,000. And that’s just one method of maximizing your Capital One miles.

New applicants can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This card features a $395 annual fee.

For more information, check out our review of the Capital One Venture X.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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American Express Gold Card

Standout benefits: Believe it or not, I first added the Amex Gold to my wallet without earning a welcome bonus. I held an earlier version of the card, so I wasn’t eligible. However, I still earn tens of thousands of points on the card every year — and last year’s refresh made me love it even more.

I love dining out and cooking in, and the Amex Gold rewards you in both categories. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar) and 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). Membership Rewards points are super valuable — with partners like ANA Mileage Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

Related: How to maximize the Amex Gold’s benefits

However, the card can also save you money on everyday purchases as well, thanks to the following benefits (enrollment required):

• Resy: Earn up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at Resy-affiliated restaurants in the U.S. and on other eligible Resy purchases (up to $50 January-June and up to $50 July-December).
• Dunkin’: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits when you use the Amex Gold at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
• Uber: Get $10 in Uber Cash each month, valid for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.***
• Dining: Earn up to $10 in monthly statement credits when you use the Amex Gold at select dining partners, including Grubhub and Five Guys.

***Uber Cash is valid on purchases in the U.S. and you must first add your Amex Gold to your Uber account. You can then redeem with any Amex card.

In fact, I was getting so much value out of this card that my wife was convinced to get her own Amex Gold card last year — essentially doubling the value we can get from these statement credits every year.

With the Amex Gold, you can find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. This card’s annual fee is $325.

For more information, check out our review of the Amex Gold Card.

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Apply here: American Express Gold Card

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Standout benefits: Before I got the Capital One Venture X, I had the regular Venture Card — which is a great alternative for those who aren’t willing to pay for a premium rewards card.

You’ll enjoy the same base earning rate of 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, and you’ll enjoy access to Capital One’s Lifestyle Collection of hotels around the world. The card also includes up to $120 in statement credits for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every four years — a rarity for a card with just a $95 annual fee.

In addition, the Venture Card can be the perfect option for those just getting started who value simplicity but may want the option of maximizing rewards in the future. Capital One miles can be used to offset any travel purchase charged to the card at a value of 1 cent per point. However, you also have the ability to leverage Capital One’s transfer partners for even more value. This gives you a great starting point — with the chance to unlock more rewards down the road.

New applicants can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This card features a $95 annual fee.

For more information, check out our review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.

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Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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The Platinum Card from American Express

Standout benefits: I’ve held the Amex Platinum for years, and it’s among the priciest travel cards out there, with a massive $695 annual fee. However, each time my card comes up for renewal, I crunch the numbers and realize that I easily get that much in value every year — and then some.

For example, when you add the Amex Platinum to your Uber account, you’ll receive $15 a month in Uber Cash plus a one-time bonus of $20 in the month of December (valid for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S.; can pay using any Amex card). I also enjoy the up to $20 a month in statement credits I receive for select digital entertainment providers, which I use to offset the cost of my daughter’s Disney+ obsession (enrollment is required).

Then there’s the up to $200 airline fee statement credit each calendar year — which I mainly use for Sky Club guest access for my daughter. These three perks alone can offer me up to $640 in annual benefits, nearly covering the card’s entire annual fee. Enrollment is required.

Related: Maximizing the Amex Platinum’s benefits

Beyond these statement credits, the Amex Platinum offers unparalleled airport lounge access, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment is required) and Plaza Premium locations. You can also access Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta Air Lines, though you are capped at 10 visits per year unless you spent $75,000 in the current (or previous) calendar year.

There’s nothing I love more than relaxing in a quiet space prior to a flight — and the Platinum Card delivers just that.

With the Amex Platinum, you can find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. This card’s annual fee is $695.

For more information, check out our review of the Amex Platinum Card.

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Apply here: Amex Platinum

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Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Standout benefits: I’ve been a longtime Delta flyer. In fact, I was a charter Diamond Medallion member when that elite status first launched in 2010 — qualifying entirely on domestic segments, no less. And even though I’m no longer a road warrior, I still love flying Delta. And the Delta Reserve Card helps make those trips even more rewarding.

Even though it carries a hefty annual fee, the perks are extensive. You’ll receive 2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) each year just for having the card, putting you halfway to Silver Medallion status. You can then earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card, allowing you to spend your way to status.

The card also includes 15 visits to Sky Clubs every year plus four, one-time-use guest passes — though you can unlock unlimited visits as the primary cardmember when you spend $75,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

But my favorite perk is the annual companion certificate you receive upon renewal. This allows you to bring a travel companion on select Delta-operated flights just by paying the taxes and fees. It’s even valid on select Comfort+ and first-class tickets. Last year, I used this for a flight to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) for me and my daughter to go skiing, a ticket that would’ve otherwise been over $900.

New applicants can earn 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. This card’s annual fee is $650.

For more information, check out our review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve.

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Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex

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Chase Freedom Flex

Standout benefits: You may be surprised to see a cash-back credit card on this list, but the Freedom Flex is so much more — let’s start with the earning rates. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 in combined purchases you spend each quarter in rotating bonus categories (after activation).

With a wife and 10-year-old daughter, I spend a ton at Amazon, so that’s a great return on purchases I’m already making.

However, I’m not just earning cash back. Instead, since I also have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I have the ability to combine these rewards in my Sapphire account — which effectively converts them to fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.

In other words, this card allows me to earn 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on these rotating categories.

Related: 4 reasons I recommend the Chase Freedom Flex to beginners

In fact, I max out the quarterly bonus so frequently that I have both this card and the old Chase Freedom card (no longer available to new applicants) — which means I have double the earning potential each month.

With this no-annual-fee card, new applicants can earn $200 after spending $500 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.

For more information, check out our review of the Chase Freedom Flex.

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Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

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Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Standout benefits: The Ink Business Preferred can be a great fit for virtually any small business — but especially those with a big online presence. That’s because of the bonus categories on the card.

Each year, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined spending across the following categories:

• Shipping purchases
• Online advertising with social media platforms and search engines
• Internet, cable and phone services
• Travel

If you fully max out that bonus, you’ll take home 450,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points — which can then be used for cash back, gift cards or trips through Chase’s lucrative transfer partners.

It also has no foreign transaction fees when you’re outside the country, and with extensive travel and purchase protections for business trips, it can give you valuable peace of mind when on the road.

New applicants can earn 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This card features a $95 annual fee.

For more information, check out our review of the Ink Business Preferred.

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Apply here: Ink Business Preferred

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Bilt Mastercard

Standout benefits: The Bilt Mastercard is the one card on this list that I’ve never had. However, that’s solely due to the fact that I own my home. If you’re a renter, and you’re not currently earning points on your monthly rent, this card should absolutely be in your wallet.

That’s because you can earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent (up to 100,000 points each calendar year) without paying any transaction fees (see rates and fees), as long as you charge at least five purchases to the card each month. This holds true even if your landlord or apartment management company isn’t part of the Bilt Rewards program and doesn’t accept credit cards. You can log in to the Bilt Rewards app and use your Bilt Mastercard to send a monthly rent check or direct deposit, earning points in the process.

Related: Guide to the Bilt Rewards program

In addition to rent, you also earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (after you link your Bilt and Lyft accounts), 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. And Bilt Rewards Points are incredibly valuable, with a wildly lucrative list of transfer partners — including World of Hyatt and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

Plus, Bilt runs Rent Day promotions that allow you to earn even more points on your everyday purchases — and potentially get even more value from your redemptions.

The Bilt card does not come with a welcome offer and does not charge an annual fee (see rates and fees).

For more information, check out our review of the Bilt Mastercard.

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Apply here: Bilt Mastercard

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Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

Standout benefits: It’s true that I have a lot of premium credit cards, but if you’re looking to up your hotel game, the Hilton Aspire Card can be a great option. Beyond the hefty welcome bonus, it also unlocks a ton of perks — both when staying at Hilton properties and across other spending activities.

For starters, you’ll enjoy automatic top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status, just by holding the card. This grants you complimentary upgrades as well as a daily food-and-beverage credit at eligible properties in the U.S. (or complimentary breakfast at international locations). This status normally requires 60 nights to achieve, so this is a remarkable shortcut.

Related: 7 reasons to get the Hilton Amex Aspire card

In addition, you get a free night certificate when you open the card and then every year after renewal, and this can be used at virtually any Hilton property worldwide (with just a few exceptions). In addition, you’ll enjoy up to $400 in annual statement credits at Hilton resort properties — up to $200 from January to June and up to $200 from July to December.

Last year, I used the certificate to book the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach when the room rates were over $800 per night — and I used the $200 credit for the second half of the year to cover most of a spa treatment for my wife (it was her birthday). Talk about rewarding!

Finally, I love the up to $200 in statement credits for airline purchases each year, broken up as $50 each quarter. I’ve used this for taxes and fees on award tickets as well as inflight food and beverage purchases.

New applicants can earn 175,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. This card features an annual fee of $550.

For more information, check out our review of the Hilton Aspire Card.

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What to consider when choosing the best card

There’s no denying that there are a lot of credit card options from which to choose. However, there are a few important things to consider when trying to pick the one that’s best for you.

However, one of the great things about having so many cards at your disposal is that you’re not locked into a long-term commitment. If you want to try a new card, you can earn the welcome bonus and utilize the perks for the first year. Then, if it’s not worth keeping, you can cancel it. (Just don’t do it before the first year is up.)

Preferred rewards

First, it’s critical to think about your preferred rewards currency. Do you want cash back or travel points? Are you interested in rewards in a specific airline or hotel loyalty program? Part of this may be geographical. After all, earning American miles if you’re based in Atlanta may not be worthwhile, given Delta’s hub. However, if you live in Charlotte or Philadelphia, American may be a much better option.

Alternatively, consider earning transferable rewards on cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold or Capital One Venture. These points or miles convert to a number of airline and hotel partners, allowing you to book premium flights or luxury hotels by leveraging program sweet spots.

Welcome bonus

Most cards offer welcome bonuses to new applicants, and these are a great way to quickly boost your account balance. Cards sometimes offer limited-time, elevated offers, so if you time it right, you could take home a ton of points or miles that can go a long way toward your next trip.

Spending habits

Before you commit to a new card, take stock of your everyday spending habits. Most cards offer extra rewards in select categories of purchases, so you should pick one that matches where you spend your money.

Are you a prolific chef at home? Go for a card with a category bonus at grocery stores. Love dining out? Get one with a bonus at restaurants. Or, if your spending is all over the place, get a card that offers a solid earning rate on all purchases.

Annual fee

Finally, consider whether the cost of the card is worth it. The most rewarding cards out there typically impose an annual fee, and while this confers many perks, not all of them may be useful to you. While the welcome bonus typically offers enough value in year one, it’s a harder decision after that. Crunch the actual, real-world value you can get from the card to make sure you get at least enough to cover the annual fee.

Related: The 7 best credit cards with annual fees under $100

How we chose the best credit cards

We chose the best credit cards based on a range of factors, including earning rates, welcome offers, benefits and perks.

To read more about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards to spotlight in our roundups, check out our methodology.

Redemption options for the best credit cards

It’s no coincidence that the vast majority of the cards on this list earn transferable rewards (the only exceptions are the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and the Chase Freedom Flex, though the latter becomes transferable in my wallet when paired with the Sapphire Reserve). That’s because this type of rewards offers immense flexibility to book incredibly valuable trips.

For example, let’s say you want to book a flight to London by leveraging your Amex Platinum. Your first option is through American Express Travel, which offers a value of 1 cent per point. Alternatively, you can transfer Amex points to Delta, though SkyMiles award rates tend to be sky high.

However, there’s another option: Transfer your Amex points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which can offer incredibly low rates to Europe — including economy and business class.

Bottom line

Whenever someone asks me to name the best credit card, I always say that it depends. There are so many cards that could work for the average traveler, so it’s critical to take some time to analyze what you want out of a card and where you spend your money.

And if you’re still overwhelmed, you really can’t go wrong with any of the cards on this list — especially if you want to dip your toes into maximizing your rewards for your next trip.

Related: Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For the rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For the rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here.
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.

For many, the $600-plus annual fees that come with ultra-premium travel cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) and The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees) aren’t justifiable. If you aren’t traveling regularly and utilizing the full lineup of perks and credits, it may not be worth adding those cards to your wallet.

However, both Chase and Amex have excellent mid-tier cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) and the American Express® Gold Card.

While both of these products act as sister cards to their luxury counterparts, there are many differences between them. In this showdown, we’re walking through a side-by-side comparison of these cards to help you determine which is right for you — or whether both deserve spots in your wallet.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold comparison

Here’s a quick overview that compares the key perks on these two cards:

Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred	Amex Gold
Welcome bonus	Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.	Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Annual fee	$95	$325 (see rates and fees)
Earning rates	Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 2027) Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 2027, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points) Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online groceries (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel Earn 1 point per dollar spent on everything else	Earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) Earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) Earn 3 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly from the airline or through amextravel.com Earn 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through amextravel.com Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Point valuation (based on TPG’s July 2025 valuations)	2.05 cents apiece	2 cents apiece
Perks	$50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel Cardmember anniversary bonus — earn bonus points equal to 10% of your spending the previous year Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027)	Up to $120 per calendar year in Uber Cash (up to $10 each month, for U.S. services; Uber Cash will only be deposited into one Uber account when you add the Amex Gold as a payment method and redeem with any Amex card.)* Up to $120 each calendar year in dining statement credits for purchases at select merchants (up to $10 credit per month)* Up to $100 statement credit per calendar year for purchases at U.S. Resy-affiliated restaurants (up to $50 bi-annually)* Up to $84 statement credit each calendar year for purchases at U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts (up to $7 per month)*
Travel protections	Trip cancellation and interruption insurance Primary car rental insurance Baggage delay insurance Trip delay reimbursement Travel and emergency assistance services	Baggage insurance** Trip delay coverage*** Rental car insurance^

*Enrollment is required for these benefits.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

^Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold welcome offer

The Sapphire Preferred offers a compelling welcome bonus. New applicants can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Based on TPG’s July 2025 valuations, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 2.05 cents each, making this bonus worth $1,538.

THE POINTS GUY

With the Amex Gold, you can find out if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in your first six months of card membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. This offer is worth up to $2,000, based on TPG’s July 2025 valuations.

Winner: Amex Gold. It’s welcome offer could potentially be higher.

Related: The best credit card welcome bonuses

Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold benefits

In exchange for a $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred offers some solid perks, including a $50 annual hotel credit for bookings through Chase Travel, a 10% points bonus on your cardholder anniversary and a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

Other benefits include protections like rental car insurance, trip delay and cancellation insurance and baggage delay insurance. These are a great safety net while you travel, but they don’t do much to enhance your day-to-day life when everything goes according to plan.

For more than triple the Sapphire Preferred’s annual fee ($325 vs. $95), the Amex Gold offers several excellent perks (enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply):

• Up to $120 in Uber Cash per calendar year: Receive up to $10 in Uber Cash each month, valid on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. Your Amex Gold must be added as a payment method, and you can redeem with any Amex card.
• Up to $120 in dining credits each calendar year: Receive up to $10 a month in statement credits for purchases with your Amex Gold at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys.
• Up to $100 in statement credits for purchases made at Resy restaurants per calendar year: Receive up to $50 in statement credits biannually for eligible Resy purchases and dining at U.S. Resy restaurants; just pay with your card to receive the credit. No reservation is required.
• Up to $84 in statement credits for Dunkin’ Donuts purchases: Receive up to $7 per month in statement credits for purchases made at U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts.

Enrollment is required; terms apply.

Amex Gold cardmembers also receive travel and purchase protections.

Winner: Amex Gold. The Amex Gold’s statement credits are valued higher than the card’s annual fee. That’s a lot more value than you’ll get from the Sapphire Preferred each year.

Related: Why you’ll want to pay the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s $95 annual fee

Earning points on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold

The Sapphire Preferred offers useful bonus categories. The real highlight isn’t just the categories themselves but how broadly they’re defined. With this card, you’ll earn:

• 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel (excluding hotel reservations that qualify for the $50 credit)
• 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (through Sept. 2027)
• 5 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through Dec. 2027, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points)
• 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery stores (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs)
• 2 points per dollar spent on other travel, including hotels, airfare, rental cars, taxis and parking meters
• 1 point per dollar spent on everything else

These are solid rates on a wide range of purchases.

Still, the Amex Gold may shine brighter when it comes to its earning structure:

• 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar)
• 3 points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly from the airline or through amextravel.com
• 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through amextravel.com
• 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases

Despite the spending cap, earning 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets is an 8% return on both purchases, according to TPG’s July 2025 valuations. That makes it one of the best cards for dining at restaurants worldwide and grocery shopping within the U.S.

Winner: Amex Gold. Its higher earning rates on dining worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, as well as on flights booked directly with an airline, give it the upper hand.

Related: Why the Amex Gold is the perfect ‘in-between’ credit card

Redeeming points on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold

Both of these cards are similar in that they earn some of the most valuable transferable points currencies around.

The Sapphire Preferred earns Ultimate Rewards points that you can redeem for travel through Chase Travel or for other items such as gift cards and statement credits.

You’ll get up to 1.75 cents per point for some travel booked through Chase Travel (depending on the specific redemption) with the Points Boost feature. But you’ll get the most value by transferring your points to one of Chase’s hotel and airline transfer partners.

The Amex Gold earns similarly valuable Membership Rewards points, which you can redeem for travel directly through AmexTravel.com or for gift cards and statement credits; however, all at lackluster rates, with some even being less than 1 cent per point.

Again, you’ll get the best value from your points by transferring them to one of Amex’s 20 hotel and airline partners.

Winner: Tie. Both cards earn transferable rewards and give you a wide range of valuable redemption options.

Transferring points on the Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold

TPG’s April 2025 valuations peg Chase Ultimate Rewards at 2.05 cents each and Amex Membership points at 2 cents each, but your travel habits might make one currency better than the other for you.

For example, if you live in a Delta hub, you might get more value out of transferring your Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles, while those who have a coveted Southwest Companion Pass can get some incredible value by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Southwest Rapid Rewards.

TPG contributing editor Matt Moffitt uses his Sapphire Preferred often to transfer points to British Airways Club to take advantage of sweet spots on American Airlines flights.

Meanwhile, TPG credit cards editor Olivia Mittak transfers the Membership Rewards points she earns on her Amex Gold to Air Canada Aeroplan and Delta SkyMiles.

Winner: Tie. Both cards transfer to various partners, all with their respective redemption options and sweet spots.

Related: Why transferable points are worth more than other rewards

Should I get the Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold?

If you spend most of your budget on groceries in the U.S. or dining and can utilize its monthly credits, the Amex Gold is likely a better fit for you.

However, the Sapphire Preferred is a better fit if you prefer Ultimate Rewards points and want to earn bonus points on general travel expenses. Still, remember that it doesn’t have to be a “this or that” decision; there’s room for both of these cards in a well-developed points strategy.

Bottom line

The Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold are two of the most valuable mid-tier cards on the market. Both can provide excellent value in the right hands, and the question of one card versus another largely depends on how you derive value from your credit cards.

However, they’re one of our top card pairings, so it might be worth having both in your wallet.

To learn more, read our full reviews of the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Amex Gold.

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Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Apply here: Amex Gold

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For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.