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 Plus
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus from Chase at $99/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 ($2,000 more in estimated value) than the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 50,000 bonus points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $1,000 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 Plus
$99/yr · 50,000 bonus points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
The entry-level Southwest card after the 2025 refresh raised the fee to $99. Worth it primarily if you're chasing the Companion Pass; the Priority card delivers more value if you fly Southwest 2+ times per year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- The American Express Gold Card has a public bonus (100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000), while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- 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 Plus's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus?
- 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 Plus 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 Plus: $1,000 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.