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 $325/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
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Chase Ink Business Preferred, its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Chase Ink Business Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 100,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $8,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | business |
| 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 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 travel, shipping, internet/phone, and advertising (capped $150k/yr combined) plus full UR transfer access. Chase has added once-per-lifetime language; treat the bonus as a one-time opportunity.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Chase Ink Business Preferred?
- The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $2,000. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Ink Business Preferred?
- 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 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: $8,000 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.