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.
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: Comparison
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
- Uber Credit: Link your new Gold Card to your Uber account to enjoy an automatic monthly Uber Cash credit of $10, which can be used for Uber rides or UberEats orders, up to a maximum annual value of $120.
- Dining Credit: When you use your Amex Gold Card to pay for dining out at select establishments, including The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, Shake Shack, and Milk Bar locations, you can receive up to $10 in statement credit per month.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel worry-free with your American Express Gold Card, as it allows you to use your card abroad without incurring foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective choice for international trips.
- Baggage Insurance: When you purchase your entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle using your Gold card, you are eligible for baggage insurance. This coverage provides up to $500 for checked bags and $1,250 for carry-on bags in case they are stolen, lost, or damaged (with certain limitations in New York State).
- $100 Experience Credit: Enjoy a $100 experience credit when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel for a getaway of at least two nights. The value of the experience credit may vary based on your chosen property.
- Car Rental Coverage: When you use your Gold Card to reserve and pay for your entire car rental, you can decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. This coverage protects against theft and damage to the rental vehicle in eligible locations, though certain restrictions and exclusions may apply.
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.
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
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Rewards |
1X – 2X
2X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each year), then 1x on all purchases
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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
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2% (1% when purchase and another 1% upon payment)
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
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Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7%
| 3%
| 3%
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Purchase APR | 17.49% – 28.49% variable
| 20.24%–28.99% variable
| 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
|
Related Posts
- 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.
