Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard from Barclays at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 65,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $910 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Barclays |
| Card category | travel | business |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | aadvantage |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
$95/yr · 65,000 miles
Editorial take: AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard
Cleanest AA business card under $100 fee. Free bags for 5 travelers + the $30k companion cert + an easy 65k bonus. Solid for any AA-leaning small business.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 points, worth roughly $1,200, versus 65,000 miles (~$910) on the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Barclays) 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 Gold Card or the AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard: $1,000 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.