Editorial take: American Express Business Gold
The 4x on your top two categories each month is uniquely flexible, if your business spend varies, this auto-adapts. The credits need active use to offset the fee.
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Side-by-side
American Express Business Gold vs IHG One Rewards Traveler
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler from Chase at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Business Gold is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,320 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the American Express Business Gold first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Business Gold | IHG One Rewards Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $375 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 Membership Rewards points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,800 | $480 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $15,000 in 3 mo | $2,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | business | hotel |
| Best earning category (Top_two_categories) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Business Gold
$375/yr · 100,000 Membership Rewards points
Read the full review
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Business Gold or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- The American Express Business Gold has the bigger bonus, 100,000 Membership Rewards points, worth roughly $1,800, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- At $375/yr, the American Express Business Gold is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the IHG One Rewards Traveler's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Business Gold and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chase) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Business Gold or the IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 spend in 3 months. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.