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Side-by-side

American Express Gold Card vs Coinbase Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Coinbase Card from Coinbase / Visa at $0/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 Coinbase Card's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Coinbase Card after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Gold CardCoinbase Card
Annual fee$325$0
Sign-up bonus100,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$2,000-
Min spend to unlock bonus$8,000 in 6 mo-
IssuerAmerican ExpressCoinbase / Visa
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex)5x1x
Transfer partnersamex-mrNone
Headline benefits
  • 4x on restaurants worldwide
  • 4x on U.S. supermarkets
  • $120 dining credit
  • $120 Uber Cash
    Read the full review
    American Express Gold Card
    $325/yr · 100,000 points
    Read the full review
    Coinbase Card
    $0/yr ·

    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.

    Editorial take: Coinbase Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Coinbase Card?
    The American Express Gold Card has a public bonus (100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000), while the Coinbase Card doesn't advertise one right now.
    Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Coinbase 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 Coinbase Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Coinbase Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Coinbase / Visa) 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 Coinbase 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. Coinbase Card: no published min spend. 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.