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 IHG One Rewards Traveler
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the IHG One Rewards Traveler 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 ($1,520 more in estimated value) than the IHG One Rewards Traveler's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the IHG One Rewards Traveler after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | IHG One Rewards Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $480 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $2,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| 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
IHG One Rewards Traveler
$0/yr · 80,000 points
Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler
The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 80,000 points (~$480) on the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and IHG One Rewards Traveler?
- 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 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.