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 Priority
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $250/yr; the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority from Chase at $149/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $250 | $149 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 50,000 points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $700 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $6,000 in 6 mo | $1,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Chase |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$250/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
$149/yr · 50,000 points
Editorial take: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority
If Southwest is your airline, this is the card to have. The anniversary points and $75 travel credit nearly cover the annual fee, and the low $1,000 minimum spend makes the bonus easy to earn.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 points, worth roughly $1,200, versus 50,000 points (~$700) on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $250 annual fee worth it compared to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- At $250/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 Priority's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority?
- 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 Priority first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $6,000 spend in 6 months. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: $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.