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 Target Circle Card Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Target Circle Card Mastercard from TD Bank 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 Target Circle Card Mastercard's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Target Circle Card Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Target Circle Card Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | - |
| Issuer | American Express | TD Bank |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Target Circle Card Mastercard
$0/yr ·
Editorial take: Target Circle Card Mastercard
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Target Circle Card Mastercard?
- The American Express Gold Card has a public bonus (100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000), while the Target Circle Card Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Target Circle Card Mastercard?
- 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 Target Circle Card Mastercard's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Target Circle Card Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and TD Bank) 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 Target Circle Card Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Target Circle Card Mastercard: 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.