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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, 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 | Marriott Bonvoy Boundless |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | 4 Free Night Awards |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $1,580 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $3,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | hotel |
| 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
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
$95/yr · 4 Free Night Awards
Editorial take: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
One of our favorite keeper cards. The free night award on every card anniversary easily exceeds the $95 fee, and the 15 elite qualifying nights help you reach Marriott status faster.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus 4 Free Night Awards (~$1,580) on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
- 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless?
- 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 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless: $3,000 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.