Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold: A premier luxury travel card faces off against a leading foodie card

In the realm of travel rewards cards, the benefits you receive often correlate with the fees you pay. This is why we typically compare cards within specific categories to uncover the top premium rewards card or the best no-annual-fee options.

The challenge is that the American Express® Gold Card doesn't fit neatly into any one category. It blurs the lines between mid-level and premium, providing exceptional foodie rewards while maintaining a reasonable annual fee.

Today, we’ll pit it against the Chase Sapphire Reserve® — recognized as one of the finest cards for travel and dining — to help you determine which card suits your needs best.

Comparing Sapphire Reserve and Amex Gold

Let’s begin with a brief summary of each card's key features:

*Eligibility and benefits may differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, a member of AIG.

**Eligibility and benefits may differ by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Welcome offers for Sapphire Reserve and Amex Gold

Both cards come with enticing welcome offers that could finance your next major adventure.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides new applicants with 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account.

In contrast, the Amex Gold grants 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases during the first six months of card membership. Additionally, new cardholders can earn 20% back on restaurant expenses as statement credits in the first six months (up to $100 back). This promotion ends on Nov. 6.

As of September 2024, TPG estimates Membership Rewards points to be worth 2 cents each, making the Amex Gold's offer potentially worth up to $1,300 if you fully utilize the cash back on restaurant spending. Meanwhile, Ultimate Rewards points are valued at 2.05 cents each, giving the Sapphire Reserve bonus a value of $1,230.

You might be eligible for a more attractive welcome offer on the Amex Gold via CardMatch (note that offers can change at any time, and not everyone will receive the same offers).

However, the bonus value is just one factor to consider. It's crucial to ensure that you qualify to apply for either of these cards, as Chase and Amex have varied restrictions regarding welcome bonus eligibility.

Winner: Amex Gold. Its publicly available welcome offer presents greater value.

Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold advantages

Here is where we start to notice the most significant differences, as the Chase Sapphire Reserve stands out as a premium luxury travel card with corresponding perks.

Let's begin with the most significant perk that helps offset the card's $550 annual fee: a $300 annual travel credit. This credit is automatically applied to various travel expenses, including flights and accommodations.

The Sapphire Reserve also includes a complete Priority Pass Select membership and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges for the cardholder and up to two guests. Additionally, cardholders benefit from a premium concierge service, a credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Nexus application fees, and various travel and baggage insurance options.

Cardholders enjoy at least one year of complimentary food delivery with DoorDash DashPass and receive $5 in monthly DoorDash statement credits (if activated by Dec. 31, 2027). Moreover, they can obtain a two-year free Lyft Pink All-Access membership (when activated by Dec. 31).

The Amex Gold rewards culinary enthusiasts with up to a $10 monthly dining credit applicable at select merchants like Five Guys, Grubhub, the Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Wine.com (capped at $120 per calendar year). Additionally, cardholders receive up to $120 in annual Uber Cash each calendar year, distributed in $10 monthly increments, valid for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders. To utilize this, the latest version of the Uber App must be downloaded, and the eligible American Express Gold Card must be set as a payment method in your Uber account.

Additionally, cardholders can receive up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year for purchases made at Resy-affiliated restaurants (limited to $50 per half-year). As an extra foodie perk, the Amex Gold offers up to $7 in monthly statement credits for Dunkin' Donuts purchases (up to $84 annually).

By fully utilizing these available benefits, you could achieve an annual value of $424, which easily justifies the card's $325 annual fee, putting you ahead financially. Enrollment is required for certain benefits; terms apply.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve. It provides more benefits across almost every category compared to the more affordable Amex Gold. Ultimately, you'll want to determine which card's perks align better with your spending habits.

Comparing point earnings on the Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold

Here's a look at how the two cards compare when it comes to earning points on your purchases:

The Amex Gold is clearly tailored for food enthusiasts, evident in its bonus categories. Earning 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (equivalent to an 8% return based on TPG's September 2024 valuations, applicable up to $25,000 each calendar year) is among the highest earning rates available from any card.

The Amex Gold also excels when dining out, providing 4 points per dollar (on up to $50,000 per calendar year), outperforming the Sapphire Reserve's 3 points per dollar (offering an 8% vs. 6.15% return according to our valuations).

For travel-related purchases, both cards offer the same points for airfare bought directly from the airline, but the Sapphire Reserve outshines for all other travel expenses. Travel spending—including hotels, group excursions, car rentals, and even parking and tolls—earns 3 points per dollar with the Sapphire Reserve compared to 2 points or 1 point with the Amex Gold.

Similar to The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Amex Gold's airfare bonus is restricted and only applies to purchases made directly with the airline or through amextravel.com.

Winner: Amex Gold. Although these cards cater to slightly different demographics, the Amex Gold provides a superior earning potential on everyday purchases, even before considering its lower annual fee.

Comparing point redemption options for the Sapphire Reserve and Amex Gold

As of September 2024, TPG values Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, while Amex Membership Rewards points are valued at 2 cents each. However, each program has unique advantages and drawbacks that may influence your choice.

Chase points can be redeemed for travel via Chase Travel, for various items like gift cards, or as a statement credit. Additionally, when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel with the Sapphire Reserve, you receive a 50% bonus.

With American Express, you can use your points for travel directly through AmexTravel.com or, if you prefer a more straightforward approach like TPG credit card writer Ryan Wilcox, for gift cards and statement credits.

In either case, you'll generally achieve better value by transferring your points to one of Chase or Amex's partner programs.

Winner: Tie. Both travel programs are equally valuable and comparable.

Point transfers for the Sapphire Reserve vs. Amex Gold

The Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards programs share several high-value transfer partners, including Virgin Atlantic, Singapore KrisFlyer, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Emirates Skywards, and British Airways Executive Club.

If your primary goal is to book long-haul premium flights, Amex points may be more advantageous, thanks to 1:1 transfer partners like ANA Mileage Club. While Chase has fewer airline partners, it excels for hotel redemptions, especially with 1:1 transfers to World of Hyatt.

Utilizing transfer partners is the optimal way to enhance your points, particularly if you aim for luxurious hotel stays or to fly in premium cabins.

Winner: Tie. Your choice may depend on your travel habits and the airport you frequently use.

Is the Sapphire Reserve or Amex Gold the better choice for me?

If you qualify for both cards, they form an impressive duo, and there’s a solid argument for keeping both in your wallet. These cards work together exceptionally well in terms of benefits, as well as earning and redeeming points. However, if you must choose, you’ll need to decide between the Amex Gold's superior earning rates and lower annual fee or the luxurious travel perks of the Sapphire Reserve.

Final thoughts

While not officially a premium card, the Amex Gold competes fiercely with the Chase Sapphire Reserve in several categories.

Both cards complement each other effectively but cater to slightly different groups. The Amex Gold is ideal for food enthusiasts, whereas the Sapphire Reserve is tailored for luxury travel aficionados.

For more details, be sure to read our comprehensive reviews of the Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Reserve.