American Express offers a diverse array of options to suit various financial needs and lifestyles. Two popular choices among consumers are The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card. These two cards cater to different preferences and spending habits, making it essential to weigh their respective benefits and features.
In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the distinctive advantages and drawbacks of each card, helping you make an informed decision about which American Express credit card aligns best with your financial goals and lifestyle.
Blue Cash Preferred vs. Amex Gold: General Comparison
If you prioritize cashback rewards for everyday expenses, the Blue Cash Preferred may be the better option. On the other hand, if you're a frequent traveler and dine out frequently, the Amex Gold Card's travel and dining rewards, along with its additional perks, may offer greater value despite its higher annual fee.
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| |
|---|---|---|
Amex Blue Cash Preferred | American Express® Gold Card | |
Annual Fee | $95 ($0 intro for the first year). See Rates and Fees.
| $250. See Rates and Fees. |
Rewards | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit
and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
.Terms Apply. | 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases. Terms Apply. |
Welcome bonus | $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months | 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. |
0% Intro APR | 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
, then 19.24% – 29.99% Variable APR | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.70%. See Rates and Fees. | None. See Rates and Fees.
|
Purchase APR | 19.24% – 29.99% Variable | 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
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Simulation: Which Card Gives More Rewards?
In terms of pure rewards rates, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred can offer higher cashback rates in specific categories like U.S. supermarkets, streaming services, and transit.
However, the Amex Gold Card provides valuable Membership Rewards points, which can be more flexible and potentially more valuable, especially if you frequently travel and dine out.
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| |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | Amex Blue Cash Preferred | Amex Gold Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | $450 | 60,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants
| $50 | 20,000 points |
$4,000 – Airline | $40 | 12,000 points |
$3,000 – Hotels | $30 | 3,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | $120 | 4,000 points |
Estimated Annual Value | $690 | 99,000 points ($600 – $1,600) |
Additional Benefits: Blue Cash Preferred vs. Amex Gold
There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
- Equinox+ Credit: When you use your Blue Cash Preferred credit card to pay for your Equinox+, you’ll receive $10 a month in statement credit. Terms Apply.
- Additional Car Rental Insurance: When you use your Blue Cash Preferred card to reserve and pay for your car rental, you’ll receive additional car rental loss, damage, and theft insurance.
- Purchase Return Protection: You can enjoy return protection on eligible items with up to $300 per item and a cap of $1,000 per year. You must make your purchases with your card and negotiate with the seller first.
- Exclusive Ticket Presale Access: Via American Express Experiences, you can obtain exclusive access to card member only events and ticket presales for concerts, sporting events, shows, and family events. Terms Apply.
- Disney Bundle Credit: Earn an $84 Disney Bundle Credit by receiving a monthly $7 statement credit when you use your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card to make monthly subscription payments of $9.99 or more.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
American Express Gold Card
- Get up to $120 Uber Credit: Connect your Amex Gold Card to your Uber account for a monthly $10 Uber Cash bonus. Use it for Uber rides or UberEats orders, with a maximum yearly value of $120.
- Up to $120 Dining Credit: Elevate your dining with the Amex Gold Card. Get up to $10 in statement credit monthly when dining at places like The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, Shake Shack, and Milk Bar.
- Score $100 Experience Credit: Book The Hotel Collection through Amex Travel for a getaway of at least two nights and get a $100 experience credit. The value varies based on your chosen property.
- Amex Entertainment: Dive into exclusive experiences and get presale tickets for concerts, sports, and theater events through the Amex Gold Card Entertainment Access program. Availability varies.
- Travel Easy with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Credit: Get up to $100 for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck to breeze through airport security.
- Luxury Hotel Perks: Enjoy premium stays with the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Get perks like room upgrades, complimentary nights, and daily breakfast for two at participating hotels.
- Top-Notch Concierge Service: Access the Amex Gold Card's concierge service for help with travel and dining reservations, though availability may limit its ability to fulfill all requests.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Main Drawbacks: Comparison
Amex Blue Cash Preferred
- Limited Rewards Categories
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred primarily focuses on cashback rewards for specific categories like U.S. supermarkets, streaming services, and transit. If your spending habits don't align with these categories, you may miss out on maximizing your rewards.
- Cashback Limit
The 6% cashback rate on U.S. supermarkets is limited to the first $6,000 in purchases per year, after which it drops to 1%. This limit can be a drawback if you consistently spend more than $6,000 annually on groceries.
- Lack of Points Flexibility
While the Blue Cash Preferred offers cashback, the American Express Gold Card provides Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs, potentially yielding higher value for travelers.
American Express Gold Card
- Annual Fee
The American Express Gold Card comes with a higher annual fee compared to the Blue Cash Preferred. The annual fee can be a significant drawback for those who are looking to minimize their card ownership costs.
- Points, No Cashback
Unlike the Blue Cash Preferred, the American Express Gold Card doesn't provide cashback rewards but offers Membership Rewards points. If you prefer straightforward cashback rewards over points or do not frequently dine out or travel, this card may not be the best fit.
- Less Focused on Everyday Spending
The Gold Card is more oriented toward dining and travel, which means it may not provide as much value for everyday expenses like groceries and gas when compared to the Blue Cash Preferred.
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When You Might Prefer the Blue Cash Preferred?
You may prefer the American Express Blue Cash Preferred over the American Express Gold Card in the following situations:
- You Want Straightforward Cashback Rewards: If you prefer the simplicity of cashback rewards cards over points and want to maximize savings on everyday expenses like groceries, streaming services, and transit, the Blue Cash Preferred is an excellent choice. Its cashback categories cater to these specific spending habits.
- You Have High Grocery Spending: The Blue Cash Preferred's high cashback rate on U.S. supermarket purchases makes it ideal for individuals or families with significant grocery expenses. If you spend a lot on groceries, this card can help you earn substantial cashback.
- You Want to Avoid a High Annual Fee: The Blue Cash Preferred typically has a lower annual fee compared to the Gold Card. If you're looking to minimize your card ownership costs and still earn valuable rewards, this card may be more budget-friendly.
- You Don't Travel Frequently: If you're not a frequent traveler and don't dine out often, the Gold Card's travel and dining rewards may not provide as much value. In such cases, the Blue Cash Preferred, with its focus on everyday spending, may be a better fit for your lifestyle.
When You Might Prefer The Amex Gold Card?
You may prefer the American Express Gold Card over the Amex Blue Cash Preferred in the following situations:
- You're a Frequent Traveler: The American Express Gold Card offers strong rewards for travel-related expenses, including points on dining worldwide and flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. If you travel frequently and dine out often, the Gold Card is among the best affordable travel rewards cards.
- You Value Flexible Redemption Options: Membership Rewards points earned with the Gold Card can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, potentially yielding higher value when used strategically. If you prefer the flexibility of points that can be redeemed for travel, the Gold Card is a better choice.
- You Enjoy Dining Out: The Gold Card's 4X points on dining worldwide can be highly lucrative if you frequently dine at restaurants. This benefit extends beyond just U.S. dining, making it suitable for international travelers.
- You're Interested in Luxury Hotels: If you plan to stay at luxury hotels and resorts, the Gold Card's access to The Hotel Collection and its associated benefits, including a $100 experience credit, can enhance your stay and make it more cost-effective.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a credit card with everyday purchase rewards or travel rewards – there are some excellent alternatives you may want to consider:
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|---|---|---|---|
American Express EveryDay® Card | Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | Citi® Double Cash Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
. See Fees & Rates
| $0
| $0
|
Rewards |
1X – 2X
2X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1X), 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
1-5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases
|
1% – 5%
2% cash back rewards rate – 1% every time you swipe and another 1% upon payment.
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Welcome bonus |
10,000 points
10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months
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$200
$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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$200
$200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7%
| 3%
| 3%
|
Purchase APR | 18.24% – 28.24% Variable
| 20.49%–29.24% variable
| 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
|
Compare Amex Blue Cash Preferred
In terms of cashback rates, the Blue Cash Preferred is a clear winner. But is it still apply if you're a high spender?
Here's our analysis: Amex Blue Cash Preferred vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
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Amex Everyday® Card vs Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
When it comes to travel benefits, there is a clear winner. But what about if you're looking for rewards on everyday spending?
The Citi Custom cash offers high cashback on your preferred category, but it's very limited in rewards compared to the Blue Cash Preferred.
If you can maximize supermarket benefits, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred may be more suitable than the Everyday card despite the annual fee.
American Express Blue Cash Everyday vs. Preferred: Side By Side Comparison
Compare American Express Gold Card
If you're looking for everyday spending rewards, the Amex Gold Card offers more. But for travel rewards benefits, there is a clear winner.
The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks than the Apple card.
The Autograph is great for travelers who want to stay on budget, while Amex Gold provides premium travel benefits and redemption options.
If you're a dedicated Delta traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Gold may be your top pick, while the Amex Gold offers a broader range of benefits.
While Amex Gold Card offers statements credits and everyday spending benefits, the Venture card is cheaper and include decent travel perks.
The Venture X offers better travel rewards than the Amex Gold but is less appealing if you're looking for everyday spending rewards.
Amex Gold Card vs. Capital One Venture X : Which Premium Card Is Best?
The Amex Gold Card focused on everyday spending and general travel rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offer premium airline benefits.
Amex Gold Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Side By Side Comparison
The Freedom Unlimited beckons with its cash-back rewards, but the Amex Gold exudes luxury, boasting robust rewards on dining and groceries.
Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Amex Gold Card: Which Card Wins?
The Amex Gold Card focuses on everyday spending rewards, while the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is tailored for frequent Delta travelers.
Amex Gold Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Platinum: Side By Side Comparison
The Hilton Honors Surpass wins at estimated cashback, while the Amex Gold card is the winner for everyday spending and extra benefits.
If you're looking for travel rewards, there is a clear winner. But what about if you're looking for rewards on everyday spending?
American Express Gold Card vs Chase Sapphire Reserve: Which Premium Card Is Best?
While the Amex gold card is best for everyday spending, the Chase sapphire preferred may be better as a travel card. Here's our comparison.
American Express Gold Card Vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred: Which Is Best?
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- Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
