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 United Club Infinite Card
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the United Club Infinite Card from Chase at $695/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 ($880 more in estimated value) than the United Club Infinite Card's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the United Club Infinite Card after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | United Club Infinite Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $695 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user) |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,120 |
| 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
United Club Infinite Card
$695/yr · 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user)
Editorial take: United Club Infinite Card
Worth it only for frequent United flyers who use the clubs regularly. At $695, you need to visit the club 15+ times a year to break even on lounge access alone.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or United Club Infinite Card?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 80,000 miles (up to 90,000 with authorized user) (~$1,120) on the United Club Infinite Card.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the United Club Infinite Card?
- 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 United Club Infinite Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and United Club Infinite Card?
- 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 United Club Infinite Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. United Club Infinite Card: $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.