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Side-by-side

American Express Business Gold vs Sapphire Reserve for Business

Both are business travel cards. The American Express Business Gold comes from American Express at $375/yr; the Sapphire Reserve for Business from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Sapphire Reserve for Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($795 more in estimated value) than the American Express Business Gold's. Get the Sapphire Reserve for Business first; revisit the American Express Business Gold after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Business GoldSapphire Reserve for Business
Annual fee$375$795
Sign-up bonus100,000 Membership Rewards points150,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$1,800$2,595
Min spend to unlock bonus$15,000 in 3 mo$20,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChase
Card categorybusinessbusiness
Best earning category (Top_two_categories)4x1x
Transfer partnersamex-mrchase-ur
Headline benefits
  • 4x top categories
  • $240 business credit
  • 100k MR bonus
  • Flexible categories
    Read the full review
    American Express Business Gold
    $375/yr · 100,000 Membership Rewards points
    Read the full review
    Sapphire Reserve for Business
    $795/yr · 150,000 points

    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.

    Editorial take: Sapphire Reserve for Business

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Business Gold or Sapphire Reserve for Business?
    The Sapphire Reserve for Business has the bigger bonus, 150,000 points, worth roughly $2,595, versus 100,000 Membership Rewards points (~$1,800) on the American Express Business Gold.
    Is the American Express Business Gold's $375 annual fee worth it compared to the Sapphire Reserve for Business?
    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 Sapphire Reserve for Business's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Business Gold and Sapphire Reserve for Business?
    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 Sapphire Reserve for Business first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Business Gold: $15,000 spend in 3 months. Sapphire Reserve for Business: $20,000 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.