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 Capital One Spark Cash Select
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Capital One Spark Cash Select from Capital One 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 ($2,000 more in estimated value) than the Capital One Spark Cash Select's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Capital One Spark Cash Select after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Capital One Spark Cash Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | $1,000 cash bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $10,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Capital One |
| Card category | travel | business |
| 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
Capital One Spark Cash Select
$95/yr · $1,000 cash bonus
Editorial take: Capital One Spark Cash Select
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Capital One Spark Cash Select?
- The American Express Gold Card has a public bonus (100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000), while the Capital One Spark Cash Select doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Capital One Spark Cash Select?
- 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 Capital One Spark Cash Select's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Capital One Spark Cash Select?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Capital One) 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 Capital One Spark Cash Select first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Capital One Spark Cash Select: $10,000 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.