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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business from Chase at $299/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($78,000 more in estimated value) than the American Express Gold Card's. Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first; revisit the American Express Gold Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $299 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 80,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $80,000 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $5,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| 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
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
$299/yr · 80,000 points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $80,000, versus 100,000 points (~$2,000) on the American Express Gold Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business?
- 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 Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business: $5,000 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.