In this comparison, we'll delve into the key differences and similarities between the Apple Card and the American Express® Gold Card, helping you make an informed decision about which card aligns better with your financial goals and lifestyle.
General Comparison
The choice between the two cards largely depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and affinity for Apple products. The Amex Gold Card may be more appealing if you dine out frequently and value premium travel perks.
Conversely, the Apple Card's minimal fees and simplicity could be a draw for those who prefer a straightforward cashback program and easy digital management.
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| |
|---|---|---|
American Express® Gold Card | Apple Credit Card | |
Annual Fee | $250. See Rates and Fees. | $0 |
Rewards | 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. | 3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners, 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus | 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. | N/A |
0% Intro APR | N/A | N/A |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None. See Rates and Fees. | %0 |
Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.24% Variable
| 15.49% – 26.49% variable |
Simulation: Which Card Gives More Rewards?
In the simulation, we assumed all purchases had been made with Apple Pay if you use an Apple card. Still, the Amex card point rewards are more attractive compared to Apple, which is make sense due to the nature of the card and its higher annual fee.
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| |
|---|---|---|
Spend Per Category | American Express® Gold Card | Apple Credit Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | 60,000 points | $300 |
$5,000 – Restaurants | 20,000 points | $100 |
$4,000 – Apple Products | 4,000 points | $120 |
$3,000 – Airline
| 9,000 points | $60 |
$4,000 – Gas | 4,000 points | $40 |
Total Points/Cashback | 97,000 points | $620 |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.6 – 1.6 cents | / |
Estimated Annual Value | $582 – $1,552 | $620 |
Additional Benefits: Comparison
There are some additional types of perks that you will see with both of these cards.
American Express Gold Card
- Uber Credit: If you link your new Gold Card to your Uber account, you can automatically receive $10 per month in Uber Cash to use for Uber rides or UberEats orders, up to a maximum of $120 per year.
- Dining Credit: You can also earn up to $10 in statement credit per month when you use your Amex Gold card to pay for dining out at The Cheesecake Factory, Wine.com, Goldbelly, Shake Shack and Milk Bar locations.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your American Express Gold Card while traveling abroad without worrying about foreign transaction fees, making it a cost-effective option for international trips.
- Baggage Insurance: When you purchase your entire Common Carrier Vehicle fare with your Gold card, you can receive baggage insurance. You’ll have up to $500 in coverage for checked bags and $1,250 for carry on bags should your baggage be stolen, lost or damaged. However, there is an aggregate maximum limit if you’re resident in New York State.
- $100 experience credit – receive a $100 experience credit when you reserve The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel for a delightful getaway of at least two nights. The specific value of the experience credit may vary depending on the property you choose.
- Car Rental Coverage: When you use your card to reserve and pay for your entire car rental, you can decline the collision damage waiver from the rental company counter and you’ll be covered for theft of and damage to the rental vehicle in a covered territory. However, not all rentals and vehicle types are covered, so be sure to read the restrictions and exclusions document.
- Global Assist Hotline: If you’re more than 100 miles away from home, you can access the Global Assist Hotline 24/7 for emergency assistance and coordination. This includes help with missing luggage, emergency cash wires or medical and legal referrals.
- Signature Perks: Amex Gold cardholders can access the Amex Hotel Collection to enjoy signature perks at some fantastic upscale hotels to enhance your travel experience.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Apple Credit Card
- No Fees: One of the standout benefits of the Apple Card is its fee structure. There are no annual fees, penalty fees, transaction fees, or any other hidden charges associated with the card. This transparency makes it an attractive option for those looking to avoid unnecessary costs while enjoying the benefits of a credit card.
- Access to Apple Savings Account: cardholders can open an Apple savings account and direct Daily Cash to a Savings account.
Security: The Apple Card offers cutting-edge security features, including a unique card number for each purchase, biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID), and transaction alerts.
Great Wallet App: The Apple Card provides robust tools for managing your debt and spending. The Wallet app offers a clear overview of your transactions, organizes them by category, and provides insights into your spending habits. It also offers payment suggestions to help you pay off your balance faster and more efficiently.
Main Drawbacks: Comparison
American Express Gold Card
Annual Fee: The Amex Gold Card comes with an annual fee, which is not present with the Apple Card. This fee can be a significant expense for cardholders, especially if they don't take full advantage of the card's benefits.
Complexity: The Amex Gold Card offers a variety of benefits and features, which can be complex to navigate and fully utilize. This complexity might not be appealing to individuals seeking a straightforward credit card experience.
Eligibility Requirements: American Express often has stringent eligibility requirements for its Amex premium cards, including credit score and income criteria, which may limit access for some potential cardholders.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Apple Credit Card
Limited Rewards Categories: The Apple Card primarily focuses on cashback rewards, with an emphasis on Apple-related purchases. In contrast, the Amex Gold Card offers more diverse and lucrative rewards in categories like dining and groceries, potentially providing higher value for certain cardholders.
Lack of Travel Benefits: The Apple Card does not offer the extensive travel benefits and perks provided by the Amex Gold Card, such as travel credits, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. This can be a significant disadvantage for frequent travelers.
No Sign-Up Bonus: The Apple Card typically does not offer a sign-up bonus, whereas many premium credit cards, including the Amex Gold Card, often provide substantial welcome bonuses that can offset the annual fee or provide immediate value.
When You Might Prefer the Amex Gold Card?
You might want to consider the American Express Gold Card over the Apple Card in several scenarios:
- Dining and Grocery Spending: If you frequently dine out or spend a significant amount on groceries, the Amex Gold Card offers substantial rewards in these categories. It can provide better value in terms of Membership Rewards points for these expenses compared to the Apple Card's cashback rewards.
- Travel Enthusiasts: If you travel frequently, the Amex Gold Card offers various travel benefits, including airline fee credits, airport lounge access, and travel insurance, making it a more attractive option for those seeking travel perks and protection.
- International Travel: The Amex Gold Card is more widely accepted internationally compared to the Apple Card, which can be advantageous when traveling abroad where Apple Pay and the Apple Card may have limited acceptance.
- Luxury and Lifestyle Perks: The Amex Gold Card offers access to various luxury and lifestyle perks, such as the Hotel Collection and dining credits, enhancing your overall experience.
- Higher Credit Limit: If you need a higher credit limit for significant purchases or expenses, the Amex Gold Card may provide a more substantial credit line compared to the Apple Card.
When You Might Prefer to Choose The Apple Card?
You might want to consider the Apple Card over the American Express Gold Card in several scenarios:
- No Annual Fee: If you want to avoid paying an annual fee, the Apple Card has the advantage as it does not charge any annual fees, whereas the Amex Gold Card does.
- Simplicity and Digital Integration: If you prefer a straightforward and digitally integrated credit card experience, the Apple Card is designed with a user-friendly app and seamless integration with Apple Wallet, making it convenient for Apple device users.
- Transparent Fee Structure: The Apple Card is known for its transparent fee structure, with no penalty fees, transaction fees, or other hidden charges, providing clarity and predictability for cardholders.
- You Want A Build-In Savings Account: if you want to use an Apple savings account, enjoy a high rate, and be able to get cashback to your account, an Apple card may be a better option.
Bottom Line
In essence, the American Express Gold Card is well-suited for individuals who prioritize dining and groceries, travel frequently, value premium travel and lifestyle perks, and are willing to pay the annual fee for these benefits.
It is a robust option for those seeking a card with a focus on rewards and travel benefits, while the Apple Card may be more appealing to those who prefer a no-fee, straightforward cashback card with a digital-first approach. Your choice should align with your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a credit card with everyday purchase rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
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|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | American Express EveryDay® Card | |
Annual Fee | $0
| $95
| $0
|
Rewards |
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
|
2X
2X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
|
1X – 2X
2X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each year), then 1x on all purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
$200
$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
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75,000 miles
75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
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10,000 points
10,000 points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 3 months
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3%
| $0
| 2.7%
|
Purchase APR | 20.24%–28.99% variable
| 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
| 17.49% – 28.49% variable
|
- 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.
