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 Chase Freedom Unlimited
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,800 more in estimated value) than the Chase Freedom Unlimited's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Chase Freedom Unlimited after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Chase Freedom Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | $200 bonus |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus
Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited
The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus $200 bonus (~$200) on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
- 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 Gold Card or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $500 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.