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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature from Bank of America at $95/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 Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($950 more in estimated value) than the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Alaska Airlines Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 70,000 miles + Companion Fare |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,050 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 90 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Bank of America |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
$95/yr · 70,000 miles + Companion Fare
Editorial take: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
The Companion Fare is the hook, $122 + taxes/fees to bring a companion on any Alaska flight, even international business class. If you fly Alaska once a year with a partner, this pays for itself many times over.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 70,000 miles + Companion Fare (~$1,050) on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bank of America) 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 Alaska Airlines Visa Signature first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature: $3,000 in 90 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.