Chase Sapphire Preferred Card vs American Express Gold Card: Which Is Better in 2026?
It depends on your needs
Amex Gold wins on dining (4X vs 3X) and groceries (4X vs 1X) with dining credits offsetting the higher fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred has wider acceptance and simpler transfer partners. Both are excellent mid-tier cards.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | American Express Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Point Value | 1.25¢ - 2¢ per point | 2¢ per point (via transfers) |
| Expiry Period | No expiry while account is open | No expiry while account is open |
| Redemption Options | 5 options | 4 options |
| Bank | Chase | American Express |
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — Key Strengths
Points worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel portal. Transfer to airline/hotel partners for 1.5-2+ cents per point value. Cash back redemption is 1 cent per point. Annual fee is $95.
- ✓Earn 3X on dining, online grocery, and select streaming — use this as your dining card
- ✓Earn 3X on travel including flights, hotels, taxis, trains, tolls, parking, and more
- ✓Earn 2X on all other travel purchases
American Express Gold Card — Key Strengths
Points worth approximately 2 cents each when transferred to airline partners. 1 cent via Amex Travel. Annual fee is $325. $120 Uber Cash credit ($10/month) and $120 dining credit ($10/month at select restaurants) help offset the fee.
- ✓Earn 4X at U.S. restaurants worldwide — the top dining rewards rate
- ✓Earn 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year, then 1X)
- ✓Earn 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel
Our Verdict
Amex Gold wins on dining (4X vs 3X) and groceries (4X vs 1X) with dining credits offsetting the higher fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred has wider acceptance and simpler transfer partners. Both are excellent mid-tier cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or American Express Gold Card better in 2026?
Amex Gold wins on dining (4X vs 3X) and groceries (4X vs 1X) with dining credits offsetting the higher fee. Chase Sapphire Preferred has wider acceptance and simpler transfer partners. Both are excellent mid-tier cards.
Which card has better point value: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or American Express Gold Card?
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 1.25¢ - 2¢ per point. American Express Gold Card offers 2¢ per point (via transfers). The better value depends on your redemption method.
Which card has longer point expiry?
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: No expiry while account is open. American Express Gold Card: No expiry while account is open. Choose the card with the expiry policy that suits your spending pattern.
Can I have both Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and American Express Gold Card?
Yes, you can hold both cards simultaneously. Many rewards enthusiasts hold multiple cards to maximize earnings across different spending categories.