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 Ink Business Preferred
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $250/yr; the Chase Ink Business Preferred from Chase 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 Chase Ink Business Preferred is the stronger pick today — the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($800 more in estimated value) than the American Express Gold Card's. Get the Chase Ink Business Preferred first; revisit the American Express Gold Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Chase Ink Business Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 100,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 6 mo | $8,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | business |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | chase-ur |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$250/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Chase Ink Business Preferred
$95/yr · 100,000 points
Editorial take: Chase Ink Business Preferred
The business version of Sapphire Preferred with one of the highest sign-up bonuses around. 3x on shipping, travel, and advertising plus full UR transfer access. A no-brainer for business owners.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Chase Ink Business Preferred?
- The Chase Ink Business Preferred has the bigger bonus — 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 60,000 points (~$1,200) on the American Express Gold Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $250 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Ink Business Preferred?
- At $250/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 Ink Business Preferred's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Chase Ink Business Preferred?
- 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 Ink Business Preferred first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Chase Ink Business Preferred: $8,000 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.